A small town like Boone, North Carolina hasn’t, historically, placed much emphasis on soccer. American football moves the needle in those parts. But the Appalachian FC club was founded and helped along by local interest and investment – and App State head coach Jason O’Keefe. After he retired, Dale Parker took over as the head coach – and the project just kept on rolling.
Now, just three years later and with local interest in soccer growing more than ever, the entire country was able to see what can be done with a little elbow grease, passion and buy-in from the community.
By any measure, even considering the Second-Round Open Cup defeat on the road in Charlotte, App FC is a success story.
Clay Dimick scored the second goal in the 65th minute to seal the win for the Independence. With over 25 fouls and eight yellow cards handed out, the teams kept all in attendance – fans from both clubs – on their toes for the entirety of the game.
Half of the yellow cards were distributed after Dimick’s goal, allowing for a very intense finale and seven minutes of high-octane second-half stoppage time.
