HCFC hosts Philadelphia, special Messi ‘appearance’

HUNTSVILLE — It’s not just another Saturday night in the Rocket City.

At least not for soccer fans.

Huntsville City FC is hosting Philadelphia Union II in a key match as they aim for the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Saturday at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

“Similar to us, they got off to a really slow start, but as of late they’re one of the formidable teams in the league,” HCFC Head Coach Jack Collison said of Union II. “But the boys are prepped, they’re ready and they’re itching to go out there and do what they love.”

Huntsville City is in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 8W-9L-5D, 3 SOW record for 32 points. Philadelphia is seventh at 9W-9L-4D, 2 SOW with 33 points. The top seven teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, as Huntsville tangles with the Union II, the team’s parent Nashville Soccer Club will be playing in the Leagues Cup 2023 Final. Nashville is hosting Inter Miami and superstar Lionel Messi in an 8 p.m. match at GEODIS Park.

After the HCFC match, fans at the Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium will get the chance to watch the second half of the Nashville-Inter Miami match on the videoboard.

Then, if that’s not enough, after the match fans can walk the pitch under a special LED light show.

For tickets, click here.