Long before Greenville FC kicked off their inaugural campaign, fans dreamed of a team that would compete for trophies. On Wednesday night, Greenville FC delivered that first trophy, claiming the first “Carolina Clasico” with a 3–2 win over Asheville City SC, and with it, the promise of so much more.

It happened in dramatic fashion too.

After some early back and forth on Independence Day, Greenville took an early lead when Lewis Norvock headed in a beautiful cross in the 12th minute. As halftime neared, Asheville City evened it up off of a Tom Deeley strike in the 35th minute. Greenville was not willing to settle with a halftime draw, so Jesus Ibarra, who dominated this match with his crafty footwork, scored the go-ahead goal just before halftime.

Greenville was ahead at the start of the second half but was quickly put back on their heels when Luke Matthews evened the score with Asheville City’s second goal in the 47th minute.

The final goal, and the game-winner, came on a Greenville counter-attack that finished with James Smith putting the home team ahead 3–2 in the 56th minute.

Forty intense minutes later, the team found itself somewhere it has not been all season: in the playoffs.

That’s right, Greenville FC now controls its own destiny: The team simply needs to fare better than or equal to Asheville City’s result this weekend to clinch a spot in the NPSL’s post-season tournament.

Greenville travels to face fifth-place Inter Nashville FC Saturday, and Asheville goes on the road to face a really good second-place New Orleans Jesters team the same day. If Greenville wins, they’re in. Asheville’s in the same boat. More on that later.

This was more than just a rivalry win. In the penultimate game of the regular season, Greenville FC saw the fruit of all their labor pay off in every aspect of the gameday experience.

The tailgate

Nothing screams celebrating one’s freedom and independence more than the consumption of smoked meats and libations. On the Fourth of July, the Mill Town Operatives hosted a tailgate reminiscent of a good ol’ Sunday potluck dinner. There was food and drink for everyone who wanted to partake, including some members of Asheville’s South Slope Blues.

The blistering heat and humidity — and the occasional burst of rain — were not enough to keep away the nearly 200 folks who began tailgating four hours before kickoff.

Aside from food and drink, the festivities included live music, cornhole and KanJam. The latter two were included as the second leg of the fan competition side of the Carolina Clasico. The Mill Town Operatives once again reigned supreme and took the full point at home, leading to a 3–0 lead in the Clasico before the game even kicked off.

The tifo

Being part of a first-year supporters’ group has its challenges, the biggest being organization. With no clearly defined guidelines or vision, it can become a bit of a wild west scenario.

But the Mill Town Operatives are filled with people who are passionate about the game and this team. They have established themselves as top-tier group in the conference in just a few months’ time.

The season has seen its share of flags and two-poles, but the Operatives decided that for the final home game, with a rivalry trophy and playoff spot on the line, this was the time to go all out in the creation of a full-sized tifo.

The three-part design featured an Asheville City player reaching his arm out toward the NPSL playoffs logo. However, his efforts are in vain as [SPOILER ALERT] Marvel’s Thanos, adorned in a Greenville FC-inspired outfit, is snapping his fingers to disintegrate their hopes.

The crowd and atmosphere

While it was not the biggest crowd Greenville FC has seen in its first year (likely due to the holiday), the July 4 crowd may have been the rowdiest. It certainly helps that they were treated to a fast-paced, high-scoring affair.

The Mill Town Operatives, the heart and soul of the home crowd, seemed to be the most organized they have been all year. The drum line was loud, constant, and (most importantly) on beat. There were nearly a dozen flags, several signs and two-poles and the ceremonial goal smoke was the best it has been all season. The chants and songs also took a huge step forward thanks to a bullhorn and a first attempt at a capo.

The hope for more

All three of Greenville’s wins prior to this game came on the road. There had been a few close calls at home that were stolen away at the last minute. The players on the team desperately wanted to thank the loyal fans by ending the home season with a “W,” and that is exactly what they did.

For the first time all season, Greenville FC is currently holding down a playoff spot.

For both Greenville and Asheville then, it comes down to this: Win, and you’re in.

Beyond that, the scenarios are a little complicated because all eight teams are still alive in the final weekend. Here are the playoff scenarios, if you want to dive deep:

Inter Nashville FC: Win | Draw | AVL Draw/Loss

Greenville FC: Win | Draw AND AVL Draw/Loss | Loss AND AVL Loss AND EF Draw/Loss

Asheville City: Win | Draw AND GVL Loss

Emerald Force: Win AND GVL Loss AND AVL Loss

Whatever this weekend holds, the hope for more in Greenville goes beyond the playoffs. This team and these fans are looking into the future. They have laid the foundation for what I believe can become one of the best soccer cities in the country.

Fans have connected with these players in a special way too. Before the game, I got to chat with standout forward Malcom Frago. He picked up a slight injury in the first meeting with Asheville City. I told him I had hoped he would be able to play in the last home game and his response nearly knocked me to the ground: He wouldn’t be playing, but not because of the injury.

Just days earlier, Malcom had been called up to the Costa Rican U23 national team camp. A man who donned the green and gold and represented my city now has the honor to represent his country.

Malcom was at home packing for his trip when he saw that one of the Mill Town Operatives had made a Costa Rican flag to honor him. He decided he had to come down and say thanks for the love and support these fans had shown him all season.

This is why lower division soccer is so special in this country. It is not simply because you want to win a division, conference or league title. It is not simply to have access to watch the beautiful game in your own town. Sure, those things are great, but they are not what makes it special.

It is special because you connect with the players and coaches in a way you never could at a higher level. You get to have moments like I did with Malcom.

I now dream of a day, eight years from now, when I walk into a stadium somewhere in this country to watch Malcom Frago leading the Costa Rica national team onto the pitch in a World Cup match. And I will be there, clad in green and gold.

Up next for our two NPSL teams here at Soccer ‘n’ Sweet Tea: those make-or-break regular season finales. Asheville plays NOLA in New Orleans at 7:00 p.m. Saturday night, and Greenville travels to Tennessee to face Inter Nashville FC at 7:00 p.m. too. Everything comes down to the season’s final day, as it should.

Make sure you’ve subscribed to the Yeah That Soccer Show podcast, and check out this link for all our Greenville FC coverage this season. See you in the playoffs.