In the most lively home game thus far, Salem City fell to the divisional runner-ups, Hickory FC, in a hard fought match ending in a 2-1 score. With numerous Hickory FC fans in attendance, drums and cheers carried throughout the entire 90 minutes and delivered one of the most entertaining matches of the 2026 season. 

Hickory’s physicality was on full display from kickoff with several free kicks within the first five minutes. However, our defense came out strong with the likes of Noah Vasilev, Jalen Moore, Sasha Rabala, and Caleb Frakes starting in the back line. 

Our forwards responded well to the pressure with several close chances within minutes of the starting whistle. With Linnus Musielak’s speed, Aaron Garrotte’s technical skills, and Fynn Mewes’s pressing, City looked poised for a quick goal. 

Despite remaining scoreless in the first 20 minutes, our midfield maintained possession and helped control the game. Rafael Kawata continued his hot streak with impressive ball control and poise in the middle which proved priceless in the first half. Joe Taylor matched Hickory’s aggressiveness, cutting off potential chances for Hickory. On the right was Joao Catafesta, back from his two game ban for a red card and was a welcome addition to this week’s lineup. 

A foul on Garrote forced a substitution with Tate Lorentz coming in for the left wing in the 31st minute. Less than a minute later, Kawata converted a free kick for a beautiful shot into the top left corner of the goal.

With City’s first lead in a home game this season, the stadium was electric and the team’s energy became unmatchable. The pair of Musielak and Lorentz delivered chance after chance with numerous runs down the line and shots on goal. Despite the new energy the first half ended with City up by one. 

With the second half whistle, Hickory took their aggressiveness to another level with hard tackles and intense pressing, making them hard to contain. After several chances in the box, Hickory equaled the score with a goal in the 54th minute. Five minutes later, Hickory took the lead for the first time on Wednesday with a shot to the bottom right corner in the 59th minute. 

Despite trailing by a goal, City kept their energy high and continued to deliver competitive shots on goal. With the addition of Guiherme Fontes, Jameel Durhan, Mikey Hernandez, and Cameron Letterlough, the team started to find their rhythm again. 

Perhaps the closest chance of the second half came from an incredibly intelligent cross from Lorentz to Hernandez right behind the box. We saw another close call with a nice throw in from Moore straight to Hickory’s goalie. In the end Hickory took home three points, keeping their runner-up position in the South Atlantic Division. 

Now set to take on North Carolina FC U23 at home on Saturday, City will look for another three points. The 8th-ranked team will surely hope to get an upset out of this City squad, making this another competitive match in the new stadium. With big news set to be announced before the game at 6 PM, the stadium is guaranteed to be loud and full of energy.