Trevor Amann Sets USL League One Single Season Goals Record as Hailstorm Jump to Second

WINDSOR – Trevor Amann sees teammate Noah Powder dribble towards him. He sees him take a heavy touch and goes for the shot. Moments later, the 25-year-old jumps in the air, fist pumps, points to the sky, and turns to hug his teammates. On the anniversary of his first professional hattrick, he’s scored his 19th goal of the year. He’s broken the record for goals in a single season in USL League Two.

“Honestly, Trevor doesn’t talk much. But when he says ‘leave it,’ you better leave it,” Powder laughed, telling Burgundy Wave.

“I don’t know what he was trying to do, but I told him to leave it when he touched it. The rest just happened,” Amann added. “I’m less vocal off the field. I talk enough on the field,” the introverted striker added.

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC hosted Charlotte Independence on Saturday night at Future Legends Complex. It was a matchup of the third and fourth place teams. NoCo were coming off a massive 2-1 win at first place North Carolina FC. With nine games left in the season, this was a crucial six-pointer.

Hailstorm win another goalfest:

Hailstorm got out in front early. Powder picked up the ball at midfield, made a great run, and fortuitously found Amann for the finish. The teams traded chances the rest of the half with the best looks coming in transition.

There were 17 minutes of chaos in the second half. Former Manchester United attacker Gabriel Obertan slotted it into the far bottom corner in the 62nd.

Hailstorm responded three minutes later. An Arthur Rogers corner took a deflection towards goal. Charlotte goalkeeper Austin Pack appeared to collect the ball, but it fell from his hands with Stefan Lukic next to him. The ball rolled towards goal and was cleared. Referee Cristian Campo Hernandez called it a goal. It was credited to Lukic.

Bruno Rendon conceded a penalty to substitute Khori Bennett, which he converted to make it 2-2. Hailstorm then showed their quality. Powder scored his first for the club in the 79th, finding space at the box to bend one in. Then in the final kick of the game, substitute Marky Hernandez scored in transition to make it 4-2.

Like a few games this year, it was a wild ride, but Amann and company were able to relax and enjoy the result postgame.

“The last two days I didn’t think about it all this week until probably Friday, Saturday. I was sitting there watching soccer all day thinking about our game, thinking about what I have to do, what I have the potential to do. Today I was pretty nervous,” Amann said with relief.

Reflecting on Trevor Amann’s record breaking night:

When asked how he’s gotten to 19 goals this year, the player and head coach Éamon Zayed both credit his worth ethic and improved finishing.

“It’s what I just shared with the boys. Last year, I struggled with my finishing. For some people it’s probably unexpected. I found that belief inside myself that I knew I could do it. I continually put myself in good spots. Teammates continually find me,” said Amann.

“I feel more comfortable. I’ve adapted. Coming out of college, it’s a different level. Especially a DII college. There was an adjustment period. I have a coach who’s continually given me opportunities.”

“He’s flying. He’s improved not just his finishing but his hold up play is better. I said it to him and and his mom, ‘you broke the record. Now go and smash it. You’ve got eight games to go. Go and smash it,” Zayed said with excitement.

The coach and former forward chose to give the 25-year-old encouragement through his struggles last year. He was a bit of a project in his first professional season. It’s now paying off.

“He’s gotten it through hard work. He works his balls off in training and after training. Last year he was getting on the end of chances. We knew he was going to get on the end of them. That’s an art and a talent. That was enough for me. I knew he’d come good.

“I’m a striker, I love working with strikers. We talked about his finishing last year. He was casual with his approach. He’s getting better at his anticipation. I don’t know. I know I found him. I know that much.”

Eight games left as USL League One enters the home stretch

This was a massive result for Hailstorm. They’ve won back-to-back games against the first and fourth placed teams. They’re up to second place. Irvin Parra is working his way back to fitness. Arthur Rogers has done well at center back with Rob Cornwall nursing an injury. Lucky Opara and Powder have done well on the flanks with Rogers more central. Just like last year, they’re peaking at the right time. The difference is they’re fighting for first instead of on the bubble.

“It’s the home stretch into the playoffs. We went four in a row where we lost. We can go high. We can go low. We have to stay humble and keep the same mentality,” said Powder.

Photo Credit: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. Westminster, Colorado native Trevor Amann talks to his parents after a Hailstorm home game.

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