The Asheville Splash were a women's soccer franchise founded in 2001, and from 2003–2004 were members of the Atlantic Division of the USL W-League.
History
editThe team changed its name from the Blue Ridge Rapids in 2002 due to a trademark dispute with the Colorado Rapids. They played at Memorial Stadium in Asheville, North Carolina. The team folded after the 2004 USL W-League season.[1] The team's mascot was an otter.[2]
In 2004, the club's programs promoted a future men's team, the Asheville Slide, which was never founded.[2]
Staff
edit- Ownership: Bernie Arghiere, Gabriele Beckman, Calvin Bennett, Gregg Condon, George Escaravage, Todd Escaravage, John Hepler, Mark Jordan, Steve Woody[2]
- Managing partner, chief executive officer: Steve Woody[1][2]
- Chief operating officer: Desmond Armstrong[1]
- Media relations director: Bob Somerville[3]
Former players
edit- Stacey Enos
- Lydia Vandenbergh[4]
- Rebekah Fergusson[5]
- Abby Crumpton[6]
- Katie Roark[7]
- Ricarda Nelson[8]
- Izler Browne[8]
Year-by-year
edit| Year | Div. | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | USL W-League | 4th, Atlantic | Did not qualify |
| 2004 | 1 | USL W-League | 3rd, Atlantic | Did not qualify |
Legacy
editIn 2018, Asheville City SC's newly formed women's soccer team hired Stacey Enos, who had captained the Splash from 2001–2003, as its inaugural head coach.[9]
On June 19, 2021, Asheville City's women's side held a commemorative match marking the 20th anniversary of the Splash's founding.[2] Icarus FC designed Asheville Splash throwback kits for the occasion.[10]
References
edit- Page on Western North Carolina athletics on newcomer.com - mentions details about Asheville Splash
- ^ a b c Burgess, Joel (July 15, 2017). "Dust bowl to frenzied fans, Asheville City Soccer Club heralds new era". Asheville Citizen-Times. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Woody, Steve; Somerville, Bobby (May 4, 2021). "Asheville's beautiful game - Part 4 - Asheville Splash" (Interview). Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Bell, Jack (June 30, 2003). "Hiccup for U.S. on Road to 2006 World Cup". The New York Times. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "Soccer Assistant Lydia Vandenbergh To Participate in W-League Combine" (Press release). Florida State Seminoles. September 5, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "24 Rebekah Fergusson". Duke Blue Devils. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "Michigan Women's Soccer in the Pros". Michigan Wolverines. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "Katie Roark". Duke Blue Devils. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ a b "PREVIEW: Trinidad & Tobago 2002 Gold Cup Squad". Soca Warriors (Press release). Concacaf. October 25, 2002. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ Steward, Kristy (May 5, 2018). "Asheville City Soccer women's team starts the season". Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "Asheville Splash 20th Anniversary Jersey". Icarus FC. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
External links
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