Countdown to kickoff: Huntsville City FC to wear new kit for home opener

HUNTSVILLE – The Boys in Blue are coming home and will sport new “The Countdown Kit’’ jerseys for the first time.

The Huntsville City Football Club, which played MLS NEXT Prop newcomer Chattanooga FC to a 2-2 draw last weekend but lost out on earning an extra point by falling in shootout penalty kicks 3-2, will open its home slate Friday wearing their new blue threads. The club’s new white kit is named “To the Moon.’’

The updated duds, sponsored by Renasant Bank, were introduced prior to the season opener.

“Obviously we wanted to create something that represents the team – young, vibrant, hungry,’’ head coach Jack Collison said. “The city is massively important and obviously our incredible fan base as well. So I think in terms of what we’ve done and the guys in terms of what they’ve done, we’ve created two beautiful kits.”

HCFC (0-0-1-0) hosts Orlando City B (1-0-0-0), a 3-2 winner over Atlanta United 2 to open the season, at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are available at www.huntsvillecityfc.com/tickets. Matches can be seen at MLS Season Pass and Apple+.

Jerseys will not be the only fresh look at Wicks Family Field.

“The experience is gonna be even more exciting this year,’’ said Chad Emerson, HCFC managing director of Business Operations. “For example, on the north side, a lot of you love to sit on those north terrace areas. The city has added a 7,800-square foot plaza right behind it, extending to the fence line.

“So we’re gonna have new games there, we’re gonna have picnic tables, we’re gonna have Adirondack chairs to be a great place to hang out during the game.”

In addition, the field boxes behind the south goal that have been reserved for groups of 20 are now available for individual ticket purchasers in two of the boxes, which come with unlimited beverages of all types.

An added beverage for the 2024 season is the official beer of HCFC – Yellowhammer Gold Beer in a boot. The team will also “relaunch’’ the two NASA rocket engines that are housed at the stadium when a home player scores a goal.

Meanwhile, Collison is looking to build on what was deemed by most in the sport as a successful inaugural season of professional soccer in the Rocket City.

“I think in 2023, we created some brilliant foundations, lots of goals, exciting football, and obviously for us it was incredible to get in that beautiful stadium,” he said. “Obviously ‘The Joe’ is just such an incredible part of us and we’re really privileged to be able to play in front of you guys.

“Going into 2024, we’re obviously looking to build on the foundations.”

HCFC returned numerous players from last season and also added new faces.

“The players are gonna represent the city, players with lots of potential,” Collinson said. “And when you talk about diversity, we’ve got players from all over the world.”

HCFC season opener notes:   

• Had eight players make their HCFC debut: Joel Sangwa, Chris Applewhite, Sergi Oriol, Forster Ajago, Julian Gaines, Scott Cheevers, Brennan Creek, and Maximus Ekk
• Had seven make MLS NEXT Pro debut: Joel Sangwa, Chris Applewhite, Sergi Oriol, Forster Ajago, Scott Cheevers, Brennan Creek, and Maximus Ekk
• Scored multiple goals in a match for the 13th time in club history
• Maximus Ekk and Julian Gaines recorded their first assists of the season
• Isaiah Johnston served as team captain for the first time this season
• Adem Sipić and Ollie Wright scored their first goals of the season