Knoxville Force Men Win Home Opener

The Knoxville Force men’s team beat Asheville City Soccer Club 3-2 Thursday night at Sansom Sports Complex.

The game was a rematch for the teams that played each other just six days ago in Asheville, a match that ended in a tie.

The Force’s home opener had a better outcome with Tim Baker scoring first for Knoxville in the fifth minute of action. As halftime approached, a header by Asheville’s Elma Nfor in the 42nd minute tied the game 1-1.

Knoxville returned from the break with a beautiful bicycle goal by Joe Pickering in the 47th minute, followed by Asheville’s Thomas Deeley scoring in the 55th minute to even the score 2-2.

A penalty kick by the Force’s Ashley Kelynack put Knoxville up 3-2 in the 72nd minute, with Knoxville maintaining the lead to close out the match.

“I’m really proud of the team tonight and our new head coach Chad Stocton,” Knoxville Force General Manager Derrick Long said. “Everyone pulled together and did a great job to come away with a win.”

Next up for the Force men’s team is a road trip to take on the Atlanta Silverbacks Saturday night. The women’s team opens their season on the road with a Friday night match against Chattanooga FC