HUNTSVILLE — A first for Huntsville City FC’s Maximus Ekk resulted in a first for the Boys in Blue.
Ekk scored his first goal with HCFC in Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Orlando City B and that resulted in the club clinching its first playoff berth.
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“We’re extremely proud of the effort and performance last night,” said Head Coach Chris O’Neal. “That level of consistency throughout the season has earned us a place in the playoffs. From the start, one of our goals has been to bring a playoff game to Huntsville, and we’re excited that opportunity is still in front of us.
“We’ll continue working to make it a reality.”
While HCFC had 7 shots on goal to Orlando City B’s 4, Ekk’s goal didn’t come until the 80th minute of the scoreless match.
Off a corner kick, Pep Casas chipped a pass to Zach Barrett in front of the Orlando City goal. Barrett drew the goaltender out and sent the ball to Ekk who shot it into the vacant net.
And, a few minutes later, the Boys in Blue punched their ticket to the postseason.
Not only does HCFC (12-8-6, 46 points) qualify for the playoffs, but they have a chance to clinch a home playoff match on the friendly pitch of Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.
There are two matches left in the regular season and wins in both games could clinch a coveted home match.
Huntsville City FC is home Sunday against Inter Miami II (6-14-6, 25 points) with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Then, they wrap up the regular season at high noon Oct. 5 when Carolina Core FC visits The Joe.
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