AC Boise defeats Knoxville 2-0 to reach USL League One semifinals

AC Boise secured a berth in the USL League One semifinals with a 2-0 victory over One Knoxville SC on Sunday night.

The match at AC Boise Stadium marked the club's first win against the reigning champions. Knoxville had defeated the team 2-1 in a home fixture earlier this season before a 2-2 draw on the road. Sunday's result broke that pattern.

Tumi Moshobane and Jesús Barea provided the goals for the home side. Head coach Nate Moon assisted on both scores. Moshobane credited the local fan base for the effort.

“It means a lot for us,” Moshobane said. “We did it for the supporters and for this community. They’ve been tremendous throughout the whole season. For us, the way they’ve showed up from the first game to this game. So, this performance was pretty much just for them.”

Miller emphasized the team's control during the first half. “In the playoffs, game state is everything; when you’re winning, when you’re tired, when you’re Losing,” Miller said. “I think the first half you saw that’s how we play every game. You know, you feel the rhythm of the AC Boise team. We’re putting them back. We’re creating a lot of chances. We’re under control. I don’t think we gave a shot in the first half. That was an extremely professional performance under pressure.”

The stadium set a new League One playoff attendance record with 7,613 fans present. The team will now face the Chattanooga Red Wolves in the next round.

The Red Wolves advanced by defeating Omaha 5-4 on penalty kicks. AC Boise holds the regular season advantage, having beaten Chattanooga twice this year with scores of 2-1 and 3-2. The semifinal matchup is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m. MT. Tickets are available for purchase starting Wednesday, November 4, at 12 p.m. MT.