KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – One Knoxville SC claimed its first USL League One title on Sunday night as it took a 2-0 victory against Spokane Velocity FC before a League One-record crowd of 7,500 fans at Covenant Heart Park to add the league crown to its regular season Players’ Shield.

Final MVP Nico Rosamilia and Kempes Tekiela scored early in either half for the hosts to send them to victory, and an undefeated first season in League One play at their new home.

Here are three things we took away from the Final.

1. One Knox’s Fast Start Gave Spokane Déjà Vu

Prior to his side’s second consecutive trip to the USL League One Final, Spokane Velocity FC Head Coach Leigh Veidman knew it couldn’t suffer the same slow start as it did against Union Omaha 12 months ago, conceding after just three minutes on the way to a 3-0 loss at Werner Park.

Having conceded only three times in the opening 15 minutes across its 32 regular season and playoff games this season, however, Velocity fell into the same trap. Boosted by the capacity crowd, One Knoxville jumped out to a brilliant start that resulted in Nico Rosamilia’s fourth-minute finish. Set up by Stávros Zarokóstas – who was one of the standouts on the night for the hosts – as he cut one way and then the other to get to the right byline, the low cross and tap-in finish sent an already energized crowd into wild celebrations.

Knoxville had been among the better starters in League One this season, scoring seven goals in the opening 15 minutes of games. Adding another to that tally set the hosts up for another victory as One Knox ended the League One campaign with a 17-1-5 record when scoring first.

2. Velocity Finds Crossing Connections, Can’t Turn into Chances

In keeping with its resilience in prior contests this postseason, Spokane came into the game after going behind early and found success on the flanks and in created set piece opportunities that saw the visitors force 11 corners to Knoxville’s two. While Velocity was able to find some success delivering balls into the penalty area, completing a season-high 12 of 33 crosses overall, they were unable to capitalize fully as One Knox’s defense held firm to deny second opportunities inside the box.

Luis Gil’s header eight minutes before halftime off a cross by Derek Waldeck – who led all players with nine crosses overall – proved the only time Knoxville goalkeeper Sean Lewis was called on to make a save in the game. On other opportunities, three shots were blocked, but more often a Knoxville defender was able to intervene and clear the second ball before a chance to be sent toward goal. The One Knox center back duo of Sivert Haugli and Jordan Skelton combined for 20 clearances to help the hosts withstand Spokane’s consistent pressure.

3. One Knoxville Caps Historic Campaign Before Record Crowd

As it entered its new home at Covenant Health Park for its third season in USL League One, One Knoxville SC looked ready to take another step forward after its first postseason appearance a year ago. Under first-year Head Coach Ian Fuller, the side did just that and produced one of its best halves of the season for last to earn an undefeated home record and end the campaign with its ninth consecutive home victory.

There will be debate as to the penalty awarded to the hosts as Stuart Ritchie was ruled to be brought down inside the penalty area by Spokane’s Lucky Opara, but after Kempes Tekiela put home his second goal of the postseason – ensuring he appeared on the scoresheet in all three playoff games – the hosts were clinical in shutting down Spokane’s chances of another comeback. Knoxville allowed only two shots in the second half overall, neither of which troubled goalkeeper Sean Lewis, to cap a season in which it conceded only eight goals in 18 games at home across the regular season and playoffs.

As the newest League One title-winner, the platform now appears set for the club to become one of the league’s perennial powers, with the potential for even more to come.