Rocket City’s club has arrived.
In its first-ever appearance in the MLS NEXT Pro on Sunday afternoon, Huntsville City FC defeated Crown Legacy FC in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 away draw.
Winning the penalty shootout, Huntsville earned two points compared to the Legacy’s one point.
MLS NEXT Pro’s penalty rule states that if a match ends in a draw at the end of regulation time, the teams will take penalty kicks to attempt to secure an extra point (added to the one already earned from the 90 minutes).
“The boys were phenomenal today,” said Collison. “I think for large parts of the game, we were fully in control and played some really good stuff.”
Coming off an unbeaten preseason, the team traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina ready to play and confident of its abilities, showcasing its white ‘First Launch Kit’ inspired by the astronauts’ white space suits.
“It was just a real good feel around the camp going into this game,” said Collison. “In terms of being prepared, I don't think they could have gone into the game more prepared, and I think you saw in the early stages they were ready to play today. The way they moved the ball, passed the ball was really pleasing to see. Obviously to go up early it’s fantastic.”
Forward Azaad Liadi, in great form during preseason, started his season no differently, attacking the Crown Legacy defense and marking the scoresheet twice.
“Obviously it always helps to score early. It puts a smile on your face, gets the fans going, gets the team going,” Liadi said. “But credit to the guys mostly and the coaches for the game plan and I was just lucky enough to score the two.”
Collison was well pleased with Liadi’s brace.
“He looked really dangerous right from minute one, playing on people's shoulders, you can see he's got a bit of edge to him as well out of possession,” he said. “Normally as a Number Nine and a top striker, you're going to get judged from scoring goals. So, it's great for him to get in the two today.”
Goalkeeper Ben Martino, who signed with Nashville SC this offseason, also played a key part in Huntsville’s first match, starting and saving two penalties in the shootout.
“It’s great to have Ben down, and I think the most pleasing thing was just how much he came and got involved,” Collison said. “He was a big part of the group today. “It gives us a real good hope and a real good feeling going forward that whenever these guys are going to be dropped down and get involved with the group, they're here to be a part of it.
Overall, Collison said he was happy with earning an extra point with the shootout win.
“For us, it's great to get the extra point and I think we really deserve it today,” said Collison. “I'm pleased for the boys, and I know they're happy despite conceding late to get an extra bonus point. It could be massive for the end of the season.”
The group will now continue on the road for six more matches before making its official debut at the recently renovated Joe Davis Stadium on May 19 vs. Crown Legacy FC.
The stadium will seat 6,000 people and will become HCFC’s new home.
Collison looks forward to the homecoming and the support of the Huntsville fan base.
“You can see what sort of game it's going to be in front of the fans at the Joe Davis under the lights,” Collison said. “I'm sure it's going to be a great spectacle as well, but we appreciate the support, we can feel it even on the road.”
“It's really driving the boys at the moment. It's really driving them on and it's great to see the community get behind the team.”
