Bristol Rhythm AFC Captures First Southeast Conference Championship with 4-1 Victory Over 865 Alliance

Photo Credit: Austin Pantaleo

The Bristol Rhythm etched another milestone into an unforgettable campaign Saturday night, defeating 865 Alliance 4-1 to claim the Southeast Conference Championship.

The title match marked the third meeting between the two clubs this season, with Bristol having edged 865 Alliance 1-0 in each of the previous two contests.  This time, however, the Rhythm offense found another gear, delivering four goals to secure the club’s first conference championship.

Bristol wasted little time taking control.  Elliot Edwards opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finishing off an early attacking move to give the Rhythm a 1-0 advantage.

As the first half drew to a close, Diego Thompson doubled Bristol’s lead with a goal in the 44th minute, sending the Rhythm into halftime firmly in command with a 2-0 lead.

The Rhythm continued to press after the break.  Patrick Enchill extended the advantage in the 59th minute, putting Bristol ahead 3-0 before Thompson struck again just four minutes later.  His second goal of the night in the 63rd minute capped an impressive attacking performance and effectively sealed the championship.

865 Alliance found the scoresheet in the 89th minute after being awarded a penalty kick, but it was merely a late consolation as Bristol comfortably closed out the 4-1 victory.

The championship caps a remarkable season for the Rhythm.  Bristol finished with an outstanding 11-0-1 record, remaining unbeaten throughout the campaign while capturing the organization’s first Southeast Conference title.

After narrowly defeating 865 Alliance twice during the regular season, the Rhythm saved their most complete performance for the biggest stage, lifting the conference trophy with an emphatic championship victory.