Hickory FC delighted a season-high crowd of 5,526 fans Saturday night, scoring twice in the first half and holding on for a 2-1 victory over Wake FC at Moretz Stadium on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University.

The win improved Hickory FC to 7-0-2 on the season and kept the club firmly in contention for the USL League Two South Atlantic Division title.

Hickory FC wasted little time asserting itself in front of its home supporters. Jonah Straube opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing off an attacking sequence to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The momentum remained with Hickory throughout the opening half, and the advantage doubled in the 40th minute when Mario Albert found the back of the net. Albert’s goal sent Hickory FC into halftime with a commanding 2-0 lead and the crowd energized.

Wake FC attempted to mount a comeback after the break and finally broke through in the 68th minute when Connor Ulrich scored to trim the deficit to 2-1.

The visitors continued to push forward over the final 20 minutes, but Hickory FC’s defense stood tall. The hosts successfully protected the lead and secured another important three points in league play.

The victory was Hickory FC’s fourth win in its last five matches in USL League 2 play. Through nine matches, Hickory sits second in the South Atlantic Division standings with 21 points, trailing only Charlotte Independence’s 23 points. Hickory FC has scored 20 goals while conceding just 10 this season.

Saturday’s match also marked another milestone for the club off the field. The attendance of 5,526 established a new season high and created a playoff-like atmosphere at Moretz Stadium as fans turned out to support one of the league’s hottest teams.

Hickory FC will look to keep its momentum rolling Wednesday night when it returns to Moretz Stadium to host Tobacco Road FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.