The buildup to the first Carolina Clasico (or Classico?) Saturday in Asheville was really something special. Greenville FC and Asheville City SC, two teams separated by 60 miles and one state line, carefully planned and promoted a new rivalry that incorporates the respective supporters groups into the scoring system to determine a winner. (More details on the rivalry here.)

But even with the fan involvement, the most important aspect of the rivalry still remains the play on the pitch — and this game did not disappoint in that respect.

The two newest teams in the NPSL’s Southeast Conference are both scratching and clawing for a postseason berth. In what ended up being an unfortunately chippy match, the visiting team from Greenville prevailed 1–0 and took all three points back home.

If there were any questions about this being a manufactured rivalry, those were quickly put to bed Saturday night.

The turning point

The first two-thirds of the match were fairly balanced with both teams having plenty of scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came on a corner kick for Greenville. The ball was crossed into the box and batted around by several players before finally falling at the right foot of Ismael Noumansana, who hammered it into the back of the net in the 77th minute.

Three who mattered

Goalkeeper Austin Mullins, Greenville: There are plenty of people who will tell you that goalkeeper is the most important position on the pitch. When you have to turn to a backup in a key match-up, it can be unnerving. Mullins stepped in to fill the shoes of Greenville’s giant Paul Tyson and put up an A+ performance to secure the clean sheet.

There are plenty of people who will tell you that goalkeeper is the most important position on the pitch. When you have to turn to a backup in a key match-up, it can be unnerving. Mullins stepped in to fill the shoes of Greenville’s giant Paul Tyson and put up an A+ performance to secure the clean sheet. Forward Ismael Noumansana, Greenville: Having just joined the team a few days prior, Noumansana was not expected to play as much of this match as he did. But when star forward Malcom Frago went down with an injury, the new man came on in relief and tied the bow on a corner kick for the game’s lone goal.

Having just joined the team a few days prior, Noumansana was not expected to play as much of this match as he did. But when star forward Malcom Frago went down with an injury, the new man came on in relief and tied the bow on a corner kick for the game’s lone goal. Forward Bruno Andrade, Asheville City: Asheville City was not without opportunities to share the points, or even take them outright. Most of their chances were a result of Andrade’s stellar work on the right wing.

Up next

Asheville City SC has three games left in its sophomore season. They have a home and home with the New Orleans Jesters, who currently sit in second place in the conference, and a trip to Greenville for the second leg of the Carolina Classico.

Greenville FC has the hardest remaining schedule in the conference with home ties against New Orleans and Asheville City and away matches with Chattanooga FC and Inter Nashville FC.

Both Asheville and Greenville will likely be fighting it out for playoff spots, and the July 4 match-up between the two could send one team into the postseason and the other team home early. You probably don’t want to miss that one.

Box score

Asheville City SC— 0

Greenville FC — 1

Goals

Greenville FC: Ismael Noumansana ‘76