BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — A steadfast belief has powered Bristol Rhythm AFC through a groundbreaking season, and as they edge closer to a national championship, the players’ confidence remains unshaken. Just three matches stand between them and national glory.
Unbeaten with a record of 11-0-1, the Rhythm are set to compete in the NPSL national quarterfinal this Saturday. This follows their momentous achievements of securing the club’s inaugural conference championship and playoff spot. The team will play host to Ristozi FC from Baltimore at Gene Malcolm Stadium, with the national semifinals within reach.
Elliott Edwards, a midfielder for the team, shared that since the early weeks of the season, the squad has had the belief in their championship potential.
“I was definitely a believer from the beginning,” Edwards remarked. “With each successive win, our momentum built up, and it’s clearly paying off for us right now.”
Assistant coach Daniel Holl said the team’s confidence was evident long before the wins began to pile up.
“From the beginning, you could see there’s something special on this team,” Holl said. “They were winners. It wasn’t just nice guys. It was like, ‘We’re out here to battle to the end and win those games,’ and we proved that through the season.”
Bristol will look to keep its unbeaten season alive Saturday night when the national playoff matchup kicks off at 7 p.m.