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

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

  • 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

Year-by-year

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

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

  1. 1 2 3 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. 1 2 3 4 5 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. 1 2 "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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