IFN Staff

Statesville FC dropped its National Premier Soccer League home opener on Saturday, falling to visiting 865 Alliance by a score of 3-1.

Slade Danforth scored the first NPSL goal in the history of the first-year club in the waning minutes to avoid the shutout, earning player of the game honors for the home team.

The visitors from Knoxville, Tenn., scored in the game’s third minute when striker Edson Castro drove a shot into the far side of the net.

For large portions of the match, Statesville FC appeared to be the better team, controlling possession of the ball and creating multiple scoring opportunities, but 865 Alliance keeper Elijah Buford was in the right position to make the easy saves and as well as a few diving stops and leaping stops. He also parried a shot from close range that seemed destined for a score in the game’s 20th minute and made on stellar save on a 1-v-1 opportunity.

Caleb Platillero scored on a breakaway in the game’s 86th minute to give 865 Alliance a 2-0 lead. After Danforth’s goal cut the lead in half, Brady Hammer scored again for the visitors in stoppage time.

With the loss, Statesville falls to 0-2 in the NPSL.

Statesville Mayor Doug Hendrix participated in the pregame festivities. The crowd enjoyed the new drum line, the kids zone and the post-game drone show, which featured 300 drones lighting up the sky over the east end zone.

Next Up

Statesville FC hits the road on Saturday, May 23, for an NPSL match against the Bristol Rhythm. The next home match is set for Saturday, May 30, when The Herd will attempt to avenge 1-0 defeat against Burlington United FC.

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