BRISTOL RHYTHM SPOIL HOPS HOME OPENER IN 1-0 DEFEAT
PINEVILLE, N.C. — A lively home opener atmosphere at the CSA OrthoCarolina Sportsplex was not enough for Charlottetowne Hops FC on Friday night, as Bristol Rhythm AFC claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory to move to 3-0 on the season. The result leaves the Hops at 1-2 on the year after a performance that will feel like a missed opportunity for the home side.
The first half belonged to Charlottetowne in terms of intent and opportunity. The Hops created three clear-cut chances to take an early lead but were unable to convert, and the sides went into the interval level at 0-0 in what remained a tight and competitive opening 45 minutes.
Head coach Morteza Ebrahimi made adjustments at the break, and the second half saw Charlottetowne grow into the match and begin to play with greater fluency. The home side created a number of additional chances but found Bristol Rhythm’s defensive resolve difficult to break, with the visitors clearing several efforts off the line in a frantic spell of Hops pressure.
The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute when a Charlottetowne error allowed Bristol Rhythm to break forward, and the visitors made no mistake, converting the chance to take what would prove to be the match-winning lead.
To their credit, the Hops refused to retreat. Charlottetowne continued to press and manufacture opportunities in the final quarter of the match, but the equalizer proved elusive as Bristol Rhythm held firm to secure all three points.
The result is a frustrating one for a Hops side that will feel the performance warranted more on the night. Bristol Rhythm, now an unbeaten 3-0 on the season, depart Charlotte with a deserved three points but will know the Hops made them work for it.
Charlottetowne Hops FC return to action quickly, traveling to face Mint Hill on Tuesday, June 2nd, before returning home to OrthoCarolina Sportsplex on Saturday, June 6th to face Greenville United — a side the Hops will be eager to face following an earlier defeat this season. Tickets are available at charlottetownehops.com.
─────────────────────────────
FINAL SCORE
Charlottetowne Hops FC 0-1 Bristol Rhythm AFC
GOALS
Bristol Rhythm AFC: 66’
NEXT FIXTURES — CHARLOTTETOWNE HOPS FC
Away: vs. Mint Hill | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Home: vs. Greenville United | Saturday, June 6, 2026 | OrthoCarolina Sportsplex, Pineville, NC
─────────────────────────────
ABOUT CHARLOTTETOWNE HOPS FC
Charlottetowne Hops FC is Charlotte’s NPSL soccer club, now in its fourth season of competition in the National Premier Soccer League Southeast Conference. The club plays its home matches at the CSA OrthoCarolina Sportsplex in Pineville, North Carolina. For tickets, schedules, and club information, visit charlottetownehops.com.
Photo Credit: Levi Swartz
