Huntsville City FC bringing ‘new vibe, intensity’ to season opener in Windy City

HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville City FC Chris O’Neal could tell that his players are ready to face someone in different jerseys.

“You can tell that it’s match day and the game means something,” he said. “The intensity has been high, good and competitive.

“The atmosphere is one that we can positively build into the weekend.”

The Boys in Blue will kick off their third season in MLS NEXTPro on Sunday when they take on Chicago Fire II. The match is 3 p.m. at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill.

There are just four players on the roster from last season, but O’Neal said the club is ready for the regular season to start.

“There’s a new vibe in and around the team,” he said. “We’re ready for it and we’re excited for the weekend.”

New defender Blake Bowen said HCFC will play an up-tempo style and maintain ball control.

“The fans can expect a fast, attacking team that doesn’t allow the other team to have the ball very much,” he said. “We’re going to focus on us and take the game to them.”

Here are five things to know for this weekend’s match, streaming on MLSNEXTPro.com.

1. This is the first full season head coach Chris O’Neal leads the Boys in Blue. O’Neal was appointed head coach last August and won five of his nine games in charge last season, including three wins in five road matches.
2. Fans will see four familiar faces represent the Boys in Blue this season: defenders Kessy Coulibaly and Jordan Knight, and midfielders Patrick Amarh and Ethan O’Brien. Additionally, the club has signed 16 new players with experience from around the world, including in France, Italy, Panama, and Spain. Also among the new signings are two 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup winners and a 2024 NCAA College Cup champion.
3. Huntsville City FC has only visited SeatGeek Stadium once in its history, earning a 1-1 draw and 4-1 shootout win over Fire II in May 2023. Midfielder Isaiah Johnston scored from the penalty spot both in regulation and to seal the extra point in the shootout.
4. Midfielder Christian Koffi will begin his career with the Boys in Blue at his old stadium. Prior to joining Huntsville City FC, Koffi spent one season with Chicago Fire II, where he made 29 appearances and 22 starts in all competitions, recording five assists and scoring two goals.
5. Fans who cannot make it to Illinois for Sunday’s match can see the game at the club’s official watch party at Yellowhammer Brewing at Campus 805 on Clinton Avenue. Attendees will be able to enjoy $5 Yellowhammer Gold pints and $8 special blue shots.