HUNTSVILLE — Last Saturday was a night of firsts for the Boys in Blue and head coach Chris O’Neal.
In front of more than 4,500 fans at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium, the former UAB player and director of the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club led Huntsville City FC to a close 1-0 victory over Chattanooga FC in his debut as head coach.
Midfielder Jonathan Pérez scored the lone goal in his first match with HCFC. Then, to top it off, goalkeeper Bryan Dowd secured his first career MLS NEXT Pro clean sheet with three saves.
PEREZ 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/tUIb46EOlf
— Huntsville City FC (@HuntCityFC) August 11, 2024
“I was incredibly proud of them,” O’Neal said. “I think they worked collectively on both sides of the ball. They defended when we needed to defend and they were brave in some attacking moments and very happy with the result for tonight not necessarily just from the result, but overall performance how they played, and how they approached the whole game.”
O’Neal described the team’s change in play since taking over.
“I think you saw a little bit more where they were willing to have the ball for longer periods of time and being patient and finding the right moments that they can try to get behind the opposition, trying to catch them by surprise a little bit more and playing with a little bit more uncertainty for the opposition to deal with as opposed to just being a little bit more direct and easy to deal with,” he said. “So we caused some of those situations and, you know, it’s something that we can continue to build on and get a little bit more consistent and the recognition of those moments.”
He gave special credit to Dowd in the shutout.
“I think especially for a goalkeeper they take real pride in not giving up any goals, and it’s an important characteristic that when you do have to make a save, you have the ability to make a save. And I think he showed that tonight,” O’Neal said. “There were a couple where he did come up big for us, and in any high-level game, you’re going to need goalkeepers to step up. He did a very good job.
“But it’s also the connection with the guys in front of him and how they, like I said, they work collectively.”
O’Neal is excited but believes there is room for improvement.
“It was fun to be a part of the group as a collective.” he said. “I think we can still do a little bit more in terms of our technique in certain moments and then also game understanding and situations.
“So we continue to evolve, continue to read the game at a little bit higher of a level so that we are playing one step ahead of the opposition.”
AND THAT’S A WIN FOR THE BOYS IN BLUE!! @HSVHospital @TocCenter pic.twitter.com/tytfsRS7yz
— Huntsville City FC (@HuntCityFC) August 11, 2024
Huntsville City will host the New York Red Bulls II Saturday at 7 p.m. CT at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.
Tickets to the match can be purchased here.
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