Huntsville City FC still chasing elusive first victory of season

HUNTSVILLE – The quest for the first victory of 2024 continues tonight when Huntsville City Football Club returns home to take on Toronto FC II.

The match at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium kicks off at 7 p.m. in the first of a two-game homestand for the Boys in Blue.

The meeting is the first between Huntsville City (0-4-3-0) and Toronto (2-2-2-0). Huntsville is coming off a 2-0 loss at Philadelphia as the winless season continues.

“We talked about it as a team,” Blue Boys midfielder Izzy Johnston said following practice Wednesday. “We had a similar start last year. It wasn’t great, but if we can start to find form, if we can get the little things right in terms of creating more chances, scoring goals, I think if we do this (tonight), we’ll get our first win.

“And then from there it’s just about putting together a good spell of wins, and we’re at home for the next two.”

Huntsville City’s tendency has been to produce a strong first half but not sustain momentum.

“I think it’s the concentration levels and when the game’s still there in your sight, you know, you still need to be organized and patient and just wait for your moments,’’ interim head coach Christophe Berra said. “We also need to take our chances.”

The match serves as High School Soccer Night, coinciding with the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s State Soccer Championships being played at the Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex at John Hunt Park.

Tickets Can Be Purchased Here.

Five things to know for tonight’s match, broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV.

1. The first time these clubs met, HCFC earned the first road win for the club in a 2-1 victory at York Lions Stadium on June 15, 2023. Former Boys in Blue Kemy Amiche and Josh Drack scored, and midfielder Jony Bolaños assisted on the first goal. Goalkeeper Ben Martino, midfielder Izzy Johnston, and forward Adem Sipić all started.
2. Two Boys in Blue have connections to the city of Toronto and Toronto FC II. Midfielder Izzy Johnston grew up in the Toronto suburb of Milton and started both matches against the Canadian side last season. Midfielder Dominic Wilson made his Huntsville City FC and professional debut against Toronto FC II on July 16, 2023.
3. Midfielder Jony Bolaños will become Huntsville’s all-time minutes leader if he plays at least 40 minutes. Bolaños became the second Boy in Blue to reach the 30-match appearances mark on May 5, 2024 against Philadelphia Union II, joining midfielder Ollie Wright as the only HCFC players to reach that milestone. Midfielder Izzy Johnston and forward Adem Sipić are also closing in on the 30-appearance mark, with both logging 27 appearances for Huntsville City FC.
4. Ahead of the holiday, Huntsville City FC will celebrate Mother’s Day at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium. Women’s apparel will be 20% off and there will be a surprise gift for moms as they leave the stadium following the match.
5. The match is High School Soccer Night. High school soccer players are encouraged to wear their jerseys to The Joe, and after the final whistle they can run across the pitch.

Huntsville City will entertain Atlanta United 2 at 7 p.m. on May 18. The Boys in Blue then hit the road to play Orlando on May 26.