3-3 Draw for AC Newport and American Soccer Club New York
By Geordie J. Shaver IV/AC Newport
On the stormy evening of May 23, 2026, AC Newport tied American Soccer Club New York 3-3 in a high-stakes rematch before heavy weather set in. The draw was played in front of an eager crowd at historic Toppa Field, who proved the age-old adage true. Newporters don’t mind the rain.
The atmosphere was electric, intensified by a new rivalry between these two NPSL contenders. Following their match just a week prior, both squads entered the pitch with a point to prove, seeking to establish dominance early in the season.
The opening minutes were extremely tactical. ASC New York was still dominant over the midfield, but the Rogues responded with decisive passing. As a drizzle began to slick the grass, speed of play increased. Critical saves were made by Nate DiLoreto in goal, who kept Newport hunting during a ten-minute spell where ASC seemed certain to score. DiLoreto’s cat-like reflexes were on full display, as he parried away a point-blank header and a curling long-range effort. These defensive heroics set the stage for excellence up front.
Two goals were scored back-to-back in the 7th and 14th minute by Johnluca Frenzilli, whose clinical finishing resulted in a comfortable 2-0 lead. ASCNY’s Brayden Brown cut the deficit in half in the 18th minute. Not to be outdone, Newport’s Horace Avila netted one more just seconds before the half, using superior speed to create a defensive lapse. AC’s momentum was at a fever pitch going into the locker room.
However, the Fighting Tomcats came out swinging. They’d made some key changes in the locker room at halftime and began clawing their way out of the hole by viciously controlling the midfield. ASC’s physicality, which was so prevalent in the first matchup last week, became a central theme again. Multiple dynamic plays over both sides of the line resulted in contact. ASC put up two scores at key moments of the second half, punishing Newport for momentary slip-ups while the pressure built. Those goals came through Brown in the 51st minute and Chris Morandi in the 70th minute. Despite the relentless New York attack, the Rogues kept them at bay just long enough to produce an even 3-3 score as the buzzer sounded.
“Couldn’t be more proud of this group,” said AC Newport head coach Ziggy Korytoski. “The support was fantastic. I’m really excited for the future of this club and the future of this community.”
As the rain’s light patter built to a familiar rhythm, fans and players left the pitch knowing they’d witnessed something special. A resilient Newport team standing tall against one of the league’s toughest competitors and a first of its kind event for the City by the Sea.
“I want to say a big thank you to all the Aquidneck Island families that came out to support our first home game, turnout was far greater than anticipated,” AC Newport co-founder Thomas Loughborough. “The boys put on a show. It was a fantastic evening.”
Photo Credit: Geordie J. Shaver IV/AC Newport
