HUNTSVILLE — The “Space Cowboy” match between Huntsville City FC and its parent Nashville SC gave fans the opportunity to experience a special evening Wednesday.
And it also was an opportunity for HCFC players to “showcase” themselves in front of the “first team.”
“We talked about it being an opportunity, an opportunity for them to showcase themselves, and I think certain guys really grasped that moment,” said Huntsville Head Coach Chris O’Neal. “There were certain individuals, I think had high level performances, but also as a collective group it’s a positive way, a positive night for, I think, both teams in the end.”
Nashville Head Coach B.J. Callaghan called the night a “celebration of the entire club and the entire organization.”
“I think it was a really great moment when you see that you have first-team players playing with Huntsville players and playing with (Nashville) Academy players,” he said. “And there was an opportunity for guys to seize the moment. They’re out on the field, it’s the brightest lights and I think you saw a lot of really good performances by a lot of players and it’s really great to see everyone rise to this type of occasion.”
Woobens Pacius was one of those to rise to the occasion, scoring both goals in Nashville’s 2-0 win.
“Since the beginning, my goal has been to be with the first team,” he said. “Obviously, with my injury and other situations and circumstances, I have to come here and play, get minutes, and get fit. But again, to be able to play with the first team today is great. I’m really grateful for that opportunity.
“I thank God for everything and all the glory goes to him.”
Huntsville defender Joey Skinner said the local club played well against their Major League Soccer counterparts.
“I thought for us, Huntsville specifically the first half, we did really well,” he said. “I thought we were in control for most of it. Hit the crossbar twice. Unfortunately, we wish those were going, but I thought mostly in the first half we did really well. Second half we kind of fell short a bit and they kind of dominated and were in more control and they obviously scored two goals and ended up winning the game 2-0.
“But overall for us being the second team, Nashville being the first team, I thought we went out and did well and we should be proud of ourselves for that.”
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
