May 28, 2023
BRENTWOOD, TN – In a game that saw physicality, yellow cards, a red card, and plenty of fouls, it was Asheville City SC who was able to squeak out a 2-1 victory over Tennessee Soccer Club USL League Two Saturday night at Ravenwood High School Stadium in Brentwood, TN. After a mostly eventful free first half, Asheville City struck first as a long ball in behind the TSC2 defense caught goalkeeper Jack McCarthy by surprise. Asheville forward Scott Vatne hit a perfect volley that eluded McCarthy to put the visitors on the board in the 40th minute. Despite trailing by a goal headed into the second half, TSC2 Head Coach Andy Robertson made some tactical adjustments and the team responded. Throughout the second half, TSC2 put pressure on the Asheville City goal but could not come up with the equalizer. In the 78th minute, Asheville again caught the TSC2 defense with a ball in behind and forward Juan Ballas was taken down in the box for a penalty kick. Clay Obara slotted home the penalty past a diving McCarthy to double the Asheville lead to 2-0. Just five minutes later, TSC2 forward Malachi Jones attacked the right side of the Asheville City defense and was fouled in the box, giving TSC2 a penalty kick of their own. Midfielder Ivan Jolivet powered his penalty past Asheville goalkeeper Jarrett Payne to pull TSC2 to within a goal. Despite pressing for another goal in the dying minutes, TSC2 was not able to find paydirt again. “Disappointing result at the end of it.,” said Robertson. “It was a pretty even game for the most part. I thought we made a couple of critical errors at the wrong times, but credit to the guys for battling toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the league.” TSC2 will next be in action Sunday, June 4th traveling to the Dalton Red Wolves at Lakeshore Park in Dalton, GA kicking off at 7:30 pm ET. TSC USL2 League Team Schedule