New Orleans Jesters Fall in Season Finale to Asheville City SC 2-1

The New Orleans Jesters dropped their season finale 2-1 Saturday night at Pan American Stadium against an Asheville City SC side that they had beaten just eight days earlier.

The match started with the Jesters looking like they might sweep the season series when they got a goal from Lucas La Vanway in the 11th minute.  The center back streaked into the box and smashed a header past Parker Siegfried off of a free kick by Oliver Roberts. La Vanway said the goal had been set up by prior to the match.

“Before the match I mentioned to one of the guys that I would go near post just before the PK mark, great service, and I made the run and finished it.  I have been trying to look for that all season. Hopefully, I get another set piece opportunity or two in the playoffs.”

But Asheville City would answer just a minute later on a goal by Luke Matthews to even things at one off of a set piece of their own.

Later in the half, the visitors would snag the game-winner when Elliot Cutts made a back post run on a crossing ball from Hannes Bermeister and he knocked it past Chad Collins in the 33rd minute.

The Jesters had a few opportunities at an equalizer but couldn’t find the back of the net, and fell at home 2-1.

Jesters head coach Kenny Farrell says all of the Jesters’ recent travel may have affected his team.

“We looked a bit weary with our legs to be honest with you.  We weren’t first to the ball in the first half.  They got two opportunities and they scored on them.  It’s a disappointing result for us. I think this is one of the weaker performances we have put in this season to be honest with you and we just got to get that right Tuesday night for our playoff game.”

The loss means the Jesters are the third seed in the upcoming Southeast Conference playoffs, and will host the play-in game against the sixth seed Georgia Revolution.  The Jesters swept the season series winning 3-1 at home and 2-1 at Georgia.  Kickoff Tuesday is at 7:00 pm at Pan American Stadium.

Contributor: Paul Boron/New Orleans Jesters
Photo Credit: James Cage Jr.