Asheville City SC
Asheville City SC is an American amateur soccer team based in Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in 2016, the men's team plays in USL League Two, the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. The women's team was founded in 2017 and played in the Women's Premier Soccer League until joining the newly-formed USL W League for the 2022 season. The team colors are blue and white.
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| Full name | Asheville City Soccer Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | November 14, 2016 | ||
| Stadium | Greenwood Field, UNCA campus Asheville, North Carolina | ||
| Capacity | 3,000 | ||
| Chairman | Jimmy Wheeler | ||
| Head Coach | Scott Wells & Billy Lesesne | ||
| League | USL League Two | ||
| 2023 | 1st, South Central Division Playoffs: Conference Semifinals | ||
| Website | Club website | ||
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History
Asheville City SC was announced as a National Premier Soccer League expansion team on November 14, 2016. On the day of the announcement, the ownership group was announced: Chairman/CFO Jimmy Wheeler, President Ryan Kelley, General Manager Allen Bradley, Director of Revenue Management Jordan Vance, Director of Community Outreach Josh Yoakum, and Director of Communications Andrew Hunter. All members of the ownership group are Western North Carolina natives.[1]
The same day of the announcement City SC announced that Gary Hamel was going to serve as the club's head coach. Hamel served as the head coach of the nearby Mars Hill University's men's soccer program. Hamel additionally served as an assistant coach for the Oregon State Beavers men's soccer program.[2]
Asheville City SC also announced on its foundation date, that the club will play its home matches at Memorial Stadium in Downtown Asheville.[3]
On December 5, 2016 the club announced it would compete in the East division of the Southeast Conference. On May 6, 2017, Asheville City won its first ever match in NPSL play.[4]
On October 16, 2019 the club announced it would join USL League Two.[5]
Colors and badge
The crest was designed with four elements in minds in order to represent the city of Asheville, North Carolina. The colors in the crest a "blue haze" and white. The blue haze color represents the blue hazy seen in the nearby Smoky Mountains, while the color white is the color of all colors, alluding to the spirit of inclusion of Asheville. The silhouette in the crest is of Asheville City Hall, which serves as a homage to the club's downtown location. The "AC" monogram in the logo is a reference to the sport of soccer's tradition in emblems over the last century. The "AC" stands for 'Asheville City' as well as used to recognize the city's love for the game.[6]
Stadium
Asheville City plays at Greenwood Field on the UNC-Asheville campus.
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | NPSL | 3rd, Southeast East Division | Conference Quarterfinals | Ineligible |
| 2018 | 4 | NPSL | 5th, Southeast Conference | Conference Semifinals | did not qualify |
| 2019 | 4 | NPSL | 3rd, Southeast Conference | Conference Final | did not qualify |
| 2020 | 4 | USL League Two | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic | ||
| 2021 | 4 | USL League Two | 4th, Deep South Division | did not qualify | did not qualify |
| 2022 | 4 | USL League Two | 2nd, South Central Division | Conference Semifinals | did not qualify |
| 2023 | 4 | USL League Two | 1st, South Central Division | Conference Semifinals | did not qualify |
2022 Men's Roster
- As of July 6, 2022
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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2023 Women's Roster
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| Full name | Asheville City Soccer Club |
|---|---|
| Founded | November 2, 2017[7] |
| Stadium | Greenwood Field, UNCA Campus Asheville, North Carolina |
| Capacity | 3,000 |
| Chairman | Jimmy Wheeler |
| Head Coach | Andy McNab |
| League | USL W League |
| 2019 | 2nd, Conference Carolinas South Playoffs: Conference Finals |
| Website | Club website |
- As of October 12, 2023[8]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Former players
Rivalries
Asheville City competes with Chattanooga FC for the "Blue Ridge Derby". Asheville City also competes in the "Carolina Clasico" with Greenville FC.
Staff
| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Chairman/CFO |  Jimmy Wheeler |
| President | Ryan Kelley |
| General Manager | Tim Bleckiki |
| Director of Revenue Management | Jordan Vance |
| Director of Community Outreach | Allen Bradley |
| Director of Communications | Kristy Kepley-Steward |
| Head Coach |  Scott Wells |
| Assistant Coach | Joe Barber |
| Assistant Coach | Matthew McArthur |
| Assistant Coach | Guy Campbell |
Last updated: July 6, 2017
Source: Asheville City SC
References
- National Premier Soccer League Communications (November 14, 2016). "Asheville City Soccer Club joins the NPSL". NPSL.com. Archived from the original (Web) on November 25, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- "Men's Soccer Coaching Staff - Gary Hamel". Mars Hill Lions. MHU Athletics. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- Scavuzzo, Dianne. "NPSL Welcomes Asheville City SC as Latest Expansion Club". Goal Nation. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- "NPSL Game Report". NPSL. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
- "USL League Two Welcomes Asheville City SC". USL League Two. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
- "About - The Crest". Asheville City Soccer Club. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- Three Bulldogs Join Inaugural Asheville City Soccer Club for 2018 Season. uncabulldogs.com. Retrieved Feb 7, 2020.
- "2023 Women's Soccer Roster - UNC Asheville Athletics". Ashville City SC. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
Sports teams based in North Carolina | ||
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| Australian rules football |      | |
| Baseball |
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| Basketball | ||
| Esports | ||
| Football |
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| Hockey | ||
| Roller derby |
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| Rugby | ||
| Soccer |
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| Ultimate | ||
| College athletics (NCAA Division I) |
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