One Knox preps for A.V. Alta, humid conditions for Saturday night tilt

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - As the dog days of summer roll on, it currently feels like a 90-degree day in Knoxville, and the humidity is a big reason why.

One Knox isn’t exempt from it, but the club has used the sticky conditions to its advantage while climbing to the top of the USL League One table. The league leaders hope to keep that trend going Saturday night when A.V. Alta arrives from California.

“I think the humidity is the thing that kills you a little bit more,” said Teddy Baker, a native of London, England, in his first year with the club. “I like heat, I like training heat, but I think the thickness of the air, and the humidity, and the density, it makes it worse. I love the water breaks, personally.”

Head coach Ian Fuller said that despite the difficult conditions, that won’t be used as an excuse.

“The other team has to deal with it as well,” Fuller said. “Luckily, we’re at home, and we feel comfortable. We’re sleeping in our own beds. We never have any excuses for any situation.”

That mindset has helped One Knox build a strong home record since moving into Covenant Health Park. The club has played 22 matches at the stadium and has lost just twice.

With Knoxville expecting one of its biggest crowds of the season Saturday night, the responsibility now shifts to the team to match the atmosphere

“I’m thrilled that we’re going to be playing in front of a good crowd. It drives us,” said Fuller. “It’s now our job to excite them, get them out of their seats, and bring them back.”

Saturday’s kickoff inside Covenant Health Park is set for 7:30 p.m.