The time is now. Greenville FC has impressed in nearly every way in their inaugural season. However, the cherry on top of their 2018 campaign would be a postseason birth in the NPSL Playoffs.

In order to accomplish that goal, Greenville must finish sixth or better out of eight teams in the NPSL’s Southeast Conference. But Asheville City SC is clinging tightly to that sixth playoff spot, and the two teams meet with the playoffs on the line on the Fourth of July.

After a 3–1 loss at home to New Orleans this past Friday, Asheville is in a shaky position. And as if fighting for the playoffs was not motivation enough, Asheville City will want to avenge the home loss to their newly-minted rivals just a little over one week ago.

With the regular season stakes as high as they could possibly be, and with the Carolina Clasico trophy on the line, Wednesday’s match between these two teams is a must-watch Independence Day showdown.

Playoff Scenarios

Greenville: The boys in Green need a win or draw against Asheville or their post-season hopes are finished. A draw in the Carolina Clasico would then require a win in their final game on the road against Inter Nashville and an Asheville City loss on the road against New Orleans. A win does not secure the spot either, but it would draw them even with Asheville going into the the final game of the season.

The boys in Green need a win or draw against Asheville or their post-season hopes are finished. A draw in the Carolina Clasico would then require a win in their final game on the road against Inter Nashville and an Asheville City loss on the road against New Orleans. A win does not secure the spot either, but it would draw them even with Asheville going into the the final game of the season. Asheville: The Blues road to the playoffs has many more possibilities. A win at Greenville would secure their spot, as Greenville and Emerald Force would be too far behind to catch them. A draw would keep their fate in their own hands: A win on the road against New Orleans would lock in their place. A loss at Greenville does not eliminate them either, but it would make the path more difficult. Asheville would then need a better result on the road in New Orleans (against a very good Jesters side) than Greenville has on the road against Inter Nashville. If both teams win, they could potentially both get into the postseason if results of other matches fall in their favor.

What to watch for

Who starts in goal for Greenville?: While Austin Mullins has performed admirably in his time filling in between the pipes, Greenville fans are anxious to see the return of folk hero Paul “The Wall” Tyson to his post. Tyson has been listed as a reserve for the last few matches so it seems as if he could go if needed. The question is whether he will be fully fit on Wednesday.

While Austin Mullins has performed admirably in his time filling in between the pipes, Greenville fans are anxious to see the return of folk hero Paul “The Wall” Tyson to his post. Tyson has been listed as a reserve for the last few matches so it seems as if he could go if needed. The question is whether he will be fully fit on Wednesday. Other injury questions: Malcom Frago picked up an injury in the first meeting between these two teams and has not been listed on the team sheet since. Frago has told folks that he had hoped to be ready for the Chattanooga game, and while he was not available for that match, he hopes to be available on Wednesday. Jack Hoey was taken out late in Saturday’s loss to Chattanooga with what appeared to be an injury to his left leg. I would not expect to see Hoey available on Wednesday.

Malcom Frago picked up an injury in the first meeting between these two teams and has not been listed on the team sheet since. Frago has told folks that he had hoped to be ready for the Chattanooga game, and while he was not available for that match, he hopes to be available on Wednesday. Jack Hoey was taken out late in Saturday’s loss to Chattanooga with what appeared to be an injury to his left leg. I would not expect to see Hoey available on Wednesday. Noumansana out: Greenville’s newest man up top, the striker who scored the game winner in the first matchup of the Carolina Clasico, will be suspended for this match thanks to hot-tempered antics in stoppage time of the Chattanooga match. Who will step up to pull the strings for Greenville with Ismael out?

Greenville’s newest man up top, the striker who scored the game winner in the first matchup of the Carolina Clasico, will be suspended for this match thanks to hot-tempered antics in stoppage time of the Chattanooga match. Who will step up to pull the strings for Greenville with Ismael out? Can Andrade capitalize?: Without question, Bruno Andrade was Asheville’s Plan A, B, and C in the first meeting of this newly formed rivalry. Andrade created many great chances, but the team were unable to finish them thanks, in part, to the phenomenal keeping of Greenville’s Austin Mullins. Did Asheville learn anything from the first matchup? And will they be able to knock a chance or two into the back of the net?

Form

Greenville FC: W | L | W | L | L

Asheville City SC: W | L | W | L | L

Head-to-Head

In the first game between the clubs, Greenville FC defeated Asheville City SC 1–0.

Prediction

This one should be very close: The two teams are nearly identical on paper. I would not be surprised to see a chippy affair on Wednesday night either with so much on the line. It should be a near sellout at Eugene Stone, and I think the raucous crowd will give the home team the edge. Greenville FC — 2, Asheville City SC — 1.

Game info

Greenville FC vs. Asheville City SC, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, Eugene Stone Stadium. Tickets, Stream available on Greenville FC’s Facebook Page