Hickory FC Secure Crucial Road Points, Defeat Charlotte Eagles 3-1

Staff Writer
4 days ago
2 min read

Credit Hickory FC

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

By: Anthony Badillo

Coming off a tough loss to division leaders Charlotte Independence 2, and 2 of their last 3 opponents of the season both right behind them in the playoff race, Hickory FC needed a bounce back night. Facing off against another Queen City club who handed them a loss at Moretz Stadium earlier this season, Hickory looked to make sure they handed back what was served to them during a 3-2 defeat in May.

Both clubs eased their way into the match, with possession seemingly split through the first 15 minutes of play. Hickory had a shot from right back Leo Souza saved in the 9th minute. Hickory ultimately took control of the ball, and began pressing and attacking to their usual standards. Forward James Lane had a shot saved in the 23rd minute after cutting to the left and making a run. Minutes later, forward Bautista Rossi made a similar run, and was fouled in the box near the left post, resulting in a penalty for Hickory. Bautista took the pen he won, and scored into the top of the net, giving Hickory a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute.

Hickory would maintain possession throughout the remainder of the half, with Charlotte pressing in stoppage time, trying to generate one more chance before half.

The second half started fairly intense, with a yellow on Charlotte after a hard foul on midfielder Ivan Marques. Hickory continued to hold the ball, building up their opportunities. After a failed attempt to clear the ball out of their own box, Charlotte gave up their second goal of the night by way of a James Lane shot from just outside the box, his third goal of the season.

Charlotte would respond quickly, as after driving down the right side of the field and into the box, Charlotte shot towards the net, which was saved by Hickory keeper Daniel Miklosi; however, Charlotte caught the rebound and slid it into the back of the net in the 61st minute, getting right back into the match.

Hickory continued to push and almost retaliated quickly, with a shot off the post from new signing Brady Schumacher in the 65th minute and a shot from midfielder Ander Marticorena that was saved in the 66th minute.

Hickory finally sealed it in the 82nd, with a sequence of buildup play leading to midfielder Juan Pablo Correa crossing the ball into the box to forward Thomas Pollacchi, who buried the volley and gave Hickory a 3-1 lead. Charlotte posed no threat for the rest of the evening, and Hickory picked up their 9th win of the season.

Up ahead is a derby match on July 3rd against Appalachian FC, who trail Hickory by 5 points heading into this match, and need a win to stay alive in the playoff race. Hickory will look to defend home turf and stave off Asheville City SC, who are also 5 points behind Hickory, but have a game in hand.