Appalachian FC in 1-0 win over Georgia Revolution

July 1, 2023

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By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian FC shrugged off playing short-handed after a “send off,” battling to a 1-0 National Premier Soccer League win over the Georgia Revolution on July 1 to secure a place in the upcoming Southeast Conference playoffs.

Ham Lovett punched in the lone Sasquatch goal in the 23rd minute but then punched out of the match with a send-off for dangerous play midway through the second half, in the 62nd minute after receiving his second yellow card.

Forced to play a man down in the field, Appalachian FC picked up the intensity, defensively, and prevented the Revolution from scoring even in the waning minutes when the Georgia goalkeeper left the net and joined the attack, essentially making it 12 vs. 10.

After the game, Appalachian FC head coach Dale Parker was pleased with the overall effort.

“I am very proud of our guys for their tenacity and courage in the face of adversity,” Parker said. “It is unfortunate that we put ourselves in that situation but everyone stepped up.”

For this game, Parker said, they modified their usual aggressive, attacking style and added an extra defender.

“We like to attack, but we were giving up more goals than we were putting in. When you average giving up more than two goals a soccer match, that isn’t going to get the job done. So we settled for a less aggressive approach.

Playoffs Ahead

Based on the current league standings published in the National Premier Soccer League standings and the playoffs structure, Appalachian FC has the slightest edge over Charlottetown Hops for second place in the 6-team Southeast Conference of the NPSL. Both teams have 4-3-2 records, but Appalachian FC has 19 goals for vs. 15 against, while Charlottetown has scored 17 goals vs. 15 allowed. Except perhaps for determining who gets to host the conference semifinal, the difference is moot since the playoff structure has the No. 2 seed playing the No. 3 seed. Assuming this scenario holds true, No. 1 Apotheos (5-1-3) will face No. 4 Georgia Revolution (4-6-0). At 2-4-3 and 2-5-2. respectively, 865 Alliance and Georgia Storm will be the teams left out of the playoffs.

Ironically, two of Appalachian FC’s three conference losses during the regular season were to Charlottetown, both considered hard-fought, if not controversial.