Hickory FC refused to quit Wednesday night.

Trailing for nearly the entire match, Hickory scored twice in the final minutes to stun Port City FC 2-1 in a USL League Two match at Legion Stadium, extending the club’s strong start to the 2026 campaign. Hickory entered the contest among the top teams in the division, while Port City was searching for its second win of the season.

The night started in difficult fashion for the visitors.

Port City FC struck just four minutes into the match, putting Hickory on the back foot almost immediately. The early goal forced Hickory to spend the remainder of the evening chasing an equalizer against a home side determined to protect its lead.

Despite controlling stretches of possession and creating chances throughout the second half, Hickory was unable to find a breakthrough as the clock ticked toward full time. Port City appeared poised to pull off a significant result, holding its one-goal advantage into the closing minutes.

The match changed dramatically in the 87th minute.

Following a foul in the penalty area, Hickory was awarded a penalty kick. Martin Kozack stepped to the spot with the match hanging in the balance and calmly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong direction and leveling the score at 1-1.

The equalizer energized Hickory and shifted momentum entirely toward the visitors.

With stoppage time winding down, Hickory pushed forward one final time. In the third minute of added time, newcomer James Lane delivered the decisive moment.

Lane, a UCLA product who recently joined the club, connected on a cross into the box and powered a header past the goalkeeper for the game-winning goal. The dramatic finish sparked celebrations from the Hickory bench as the visitors completed a remarkable late comeback.

The victory continued Hickory’s strong run away from home and demonstrated the resilience that has become a hallmark of the club during its inaugural USL League Two season. Rather than settling for a point after Kozack’s equalizer, Hickory continued attacking and was rewarded with all three points when Lane found the back of the net moments before the final whistle.

For Lane, the goal marked a memorable introduction to Hickory supporters. For Kozack, the clutch penalty kept the visitors alive. Together, the two late strikes turned what looked destined to be a frustrating road defeat into one of Hickory FC’s most dramatic victories of the season.

Hickory FC returns home Saturday looking to carry the momentum from Wednesday night’s thrilling comeback victory in Wilmington.