HUNTSVILLE — With the final preseason match under their belt and an exhibition match against the University of Alabama in Huntsville this week, Huntsville City FC is “fine-tuning” as they head toward Sunday’s inaugural season opener.
The first-year MLS NEXT Pro club finished its preseason unbeaten and Head Coach Jack Collison is liking what he sees from his club.
The eight-match preseason schedule offered the Huntsville City a taste of their competition this season. The matches included MLS NEXT Pro clubs, USL clubs and even a closed door match against the parent Nashville SC. They will close out Wednesday at UAH with a 6 p.m. kickoff.
“I’m really pleased with the work … they’ve been pushing each other,” he said. “The results are really pleasing – it’s great to go unbeaten.
“This puts us in a really good place now, going into that first game of the season against Charlotte.”
Now, the club is learning from their preseason matches and setting their sights on the regular season.
“Just a bit of fine tuning,” Collison said as the club works on the field and studies video off the field. “We’ll focus on how we press and go after teams to force our style of play. We’re going to try and control our own destiny the best we can.”
In the preseason matches, Huntsville City has been impressive. The club has shown some offensive firepower with a tight, shutdown defense. Collison said he is excited about his squad for the upcoming season.
“We’ve got some really exciting individuals and, as a coaching staff, it’s a pleasure to work with them,” he said. “But we’ll continue to get them used to playing with each other and, hopefully, we’ll continue scoring a lot of goals.”
Huntsville City starts its 28-game season Sunday in Charlotte – the first of seven straight road matches until the home debut.
Collison said he is grateful for the support of the fans and the club has “really felt the love of the community.”
“Hopefully, we’re going to give them that team they can be proud of,” he said. “We cannot wait to see everyone at the home opener on May 19.
“But, until then, we’re going to do our best … and really represent the city as best we can.”
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