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He was chosen for the fan-voted award, while Liam Kervick of Michigan Rangers FC won the league members’ vote.

Pineda had quite a month for Hickory in June. He had two goals to close out the month in a 4-1 win over Port City on June 28. He also was named Man of the Match on June 7 in the team’s 1-0 win over rival Appalachian FC. Pineda scored the game’s only goal in that game.

In all, Pineda scored four goals in four games during the month of June. He helped lead Hickory to a 4-0-0 record on the month. Hickory improved to 10-1-0 overall and 9-0-0 in NPSL play in June and secured the No. 2 ranking in the nation.

Hickory advances to conference finals

Hickory FC advanced to the Southeast Conference finals Thursday morning with a win by forfeit over Port City in the opening round of the playoffs. The game got started as scheduled on Wednesday evening before lightning forced the game to be suspended and then postponed to 11 a.m. Thursday morning. Port City was not able to compete in the rescheduled game due to extenuating circumstances and Hickory FC advanced by forfeit.

On July 5, the club finished out the regular season unbeaten with a 0-0 tie against Bristol Rhythm FC. The tie was the team’s only blemish in a near-perfect league season this summer. Hickory FC now stands at 10-0-1 in NPSL play and 11-1-1 overall.

The rivalry continues

Hickory FC will host rival Appalachian FC in the conference finals this Saturday at Moretz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

This will be the third time this season the clubs have faced off and the fifth time in the two-year existence of Hickory FC. Hickory FC has gotten the best of Appalachian FC in recent matches with two 1-0 wins this season and a 3-0 victory in the conference finals last year.

Hickory will have to go without two-year goalkeeper Jasper Rump. Rump signed with SV Drochtersen/Assel in Germany last month and has already left to report to his new team, according to the club.