Asheville’s Scott Wells is juggling multiple teams as head coach of Gardner-Webb and leading the city’s men’s soccer team during summer months. He recently added the Asheville City SC Open Cup roster, featuring a mix of NCAA players with remaining eligibility and NAIA/transfer players.
The US Open Cup is one of the country’s oldest tournaments, pitting clubs from all levels against each other in a knockout format. Wells admitted to scrambling last year when the club was offered a spot in the tournament, but this year’s team is better prepared after lessons learned.
Wells has been patient and monitoring draft picks, released players, and local talent. This season’s roster includes familiar faces like Izaiah Vignali, Simon Carlson, and Mao Wong from USL League 2. However, most players will be making their City debuts against Greenville Triumph in the first round.
From a tactical standpoint, Wells is cautious not to overwhelm inexperienced players who are eager to prove themselves. The team’s mentality and grittiness will play a crucial role in this tournament. Asheville City’s involvement is seen as a way to reap rewards from last season’s performance and celebrate their growth.
This year’s US Open Cup features familiar opponents, including Greenville Triumph, with whom the city shares a rivalry that transcends soccer. Wells believes this season will carry a different tone, with an emphasis on community investment and giving fans a sense of excitement they’ve been missing.
Source: https://wlos.com/sports/content/with-lessons-learned-last-year-asheville-city-prepares-for-second-run-at-open-cup