Everyone expected a good match in the NPSL Championship Final and the fans got exactly that.

In front of 1,000 fans in the stands at Kezar Stadium in San Fransisco, the soccer being played on the field was every bit championship-level. Hickory FC had traveled from North Carolina to face one of the most storied amateur clubs in the country, El Farolito. With the reigning NPSL goalkeeper of the year in net, Kevin Gonzalez, El Farolito had to feel confident in its chances against the visiting second-year club.

But Hickory had an award-winner in attack and he came to play. After a chaotic back-and-forth first half, Hickory finally converted a chance in the 30th minute. Antonio Pineda, the NPSL’s Golden Ball Winner, found some space in the middle of the box and headed a perfect cross past Gonzalez to give Hickory FC the lead. But just 6 minutes later, El Farolito would draw a foul in the box to earn a penalty. Dembor Benson would even things up with an easy shot into the corner on the PK. That’s where the score was at the half.

But early in the second half, Hickory struck again, this time off a set piece. A hooking free kick found Pineda just outside the box and he headed it back in to Geoffroy Letienne who scored the shot, putting Hickory ahead 2-1. That scoreline would hold until stoppage time, when Tomas Pollacchi would get a goal from well outside the box, placing it in the top corner and putting Hickory up 3-1. The goal came after a sustained run of attempts at a tying goal by El Farolito, all stymied by Hickory’s keeper, Daniel Miklosi. Faro would get a final goal from Jonathan Perez with a minute to go, but couldn’t find the equalizer in the last minute.

The win for Hickory is a massive one, as the club is only in its second year of existence. To get to the championship match and hoist the cup so early is a testament to how well the club is operating and promises many more to come. The team will now travel back to Hickory, NC to celebrate a championship with its thousands of fans.

- Dan Vaughn