Bristol Rhythm AFC Finishes 2026 Regular Season Ranked No. 1

Photo Credit: Collin Buff

The Bristol Rhythm AFC closed out a remarkable 2026 NPSL regular season on Saturday night, defeating Mint Hill FC 1-0 to secure an undefeated campaign and officially finishing as the number 1 ranked team in the NPSL.

From the opening whistle, the Rhythm dictated the pace and created quality scoring opportunities throughout the first half.  Despite controlling possession and generating several dangerous chances, Bristol was unable to find the breakthrough, sending the match into halftime locked at 0-0.

Photo Credit: Collin Buff

Both sides came out with renewed energy after the break, battling through humid conditions while exchanging early opportunities.  Mint Hill threatened on a few occasions, but the Rhythm back line stood firm, and neither team could find the back of the net in the opening stages of the second half.

The decisive moment arrived in the 62nd minute.

After a foul was awarded just outside the penalty area, Elliot Edwards stepped over the ball. Rhythm Nation has seen this story before.

Photo Credit: Collin Buff

With trademark confidence, “The Magician” curled a stunning free kick over the wall before watching it dip perfectly into the upper left corner.  The Mint Hill goalkeeper never had a chance as Edwards delivered another moment of brilliance to ignite Gene Malcolm Stadium.

From there, the Rhythm remained organized and composed, defending the one-goal advantage until the final whistle to earn another clean sheet and another three points.

The victory caps off the finest regular season in club history as Bristol finishes 9-0-1, undefeated, the number one seed in the Southeast Conference, and the number 1 team in the NPSL.

Photo Credit: Collin Buff

Now the focus shifts to the postseason.

The Rhythm will host its first NPSL playoff match in club history on Wednesday, July 8 at Gene Malcolm Stadium against Greenville United.  The two teams last met on June 20 in one of the most memorable matches, when Bristol prevailed 3-2 in extra time in an instant classic.