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Asheville Splash

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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

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The 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

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  • 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

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Year-by-year

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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

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In 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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ Bell, Jack (June 30, 2003). "Hiccup for U.S. on Road to 2006 World Cup". The New York Times. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  4. ^ "Soccer Assistant Lydia Vandenbergh To Participate in W-League Combine" (Press release). Florida State Seminoles. September 5, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  5. ^ "24 Rebekah Fergusson". Duke Blue Devils. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  6. ^ "Michigan Women's Soccer in the Pros". Michigan Wolverines. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  7. ^ "Katie Roark". Duke Blue Devils. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  8. ^ a b "PREVIEW: Trinidad & Tobago 2002 Gold Cup Squad". Soca Warriors (Press release). Concacaf. October 25, 2002. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  9. ^ Steward, Kristy (May 5, 2018). "Asheville City Soccer women's team starts the season". Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  10. ^ "Asheville Splash 20th Anniversary Jersey". Icarus FC. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
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