Booth and Kendall lift Rhythm to season opening win
The Bristol Rhythm AFC opened their 2026 NPSL season with a huge 2-0 road victory over Mint Hill FC on Saturday night in Charlotte.
The first half saw both sides working to find their rhythm and chemistry early in the season, with chances limited as the teams battled to a scoreless draw at halftime.
Photo credit: Mason Joyce
In the second half, the Rhythm began to turn up the pressure, creating chance after chance but struggling to find the breakthrough. The momentum of the match shifted when Mint Hill was shown a red card, and Bristol quickly capitalized.
Photo credit: Mason Joyce
In the 71st minute, James Bakou delivered a great ball to Nathan Booth, who found the back of the net to give the Rhythm a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, Grayson Hammond played a beautiful ball over the top to Davis Kendall, who settled it with a tremendous first touch before toe-poking it past the keeper to double the advantage.
Photo credit: Collin Buff
The Rhythm defense stood tall the rest of the way as Bristol closed out an impressive 2-0 win to begin the season with three points on the road.
Photo credit: Collin Buff
