Three of a kind: Boys in Blue hope to play winning hand on Father’s Day

HUNTSVILLE –The mood was expectedly upbeat when Huntsville City Football Club players reported for practice this week after the squad took its second straight victory last weekend to break what had so far been a winless 2024.

“Always easier to come in on Monday morning, your first day back,” interim head coach Christophe Berra said in advance of the team’s Father’s Day clash with Chicago Fire II at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

Huntsville (2-7-3-0) is coming off back-to-back wins in which they scored four goals, a 4-1 road win over Carolina and a 4-2 decision over Crown Legacy FC in front of the home crowd at home this past Saturday.

“Not very many teams, not just in America but Europe as well, that are technically development leagues, where you’re  getting three or four thousand fans, you know, and it’s incredible,” Berra said. “And they always cheer us on, win or lose. They were there again (Saturday) and it was just great to get the win and also to get four goals.

“It makes it even better.”

The Boys in Blue expect another big crowd when they take on Chicago (5-4-2), which is fifth in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference 15-team standings. 

Tickets to Father’s Day match can be purchased here.

“True fans,” Berra said. “They believe in individuals and the team and they’re always there to support us. And it gives the players great confidence to know they’ve got that backing behind them in every game.”

Sunday’s game, presented by Huntsville International Airport, is the second of three home matches this month. Huntsville City will host Carolina at 7 p.m. June 28.  

Here are five things to know for Sunday’s match, airing live on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV:

1. Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium will celebrate Father’s Day with special dad merchandise, including a t-shirt, golf shirt, and other merchandise at the team store. After the final whistle, fathers and their families can come down and take a photo on the field.
2. Huntsville City FC is undefeated all-time against Chicago Fire II, earning two draws against the side last season. The Boys in Blue earned a 1-1 draw and 4-1 shootout win in Illinois on May 12, 2023, with midfielder Izzy Johnston scoring in regulation and converting the winning penalty in the shootout. The two sides played to a 2-2 draw at Wicks Family Field last September.
3. Midfielder Jony Bolaños was named MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 13 for his performance last weekend against Crown Legacy FC. Bolaños recorded two in the first half, bringing his total to four in his last two games. The 26-year-old also scored the winning goal in the 74th minute. He is the third Huntsville player to win Player of the Matchweek honors, joining former Boys in Blue Kemy Amiche and Azaad Liadi.

   

4. Since returning from injury May 18, forward Forster Ajago has scored five goals and recorded one assist in his last four games, including scoring two goals in Huntsville’s 4-2 win against Crown Legacy FC last Saturday.
5. Defender Joey Skinner will make his 30th all-time appearance in his next outing. He would become the fifth Boy in Blue to reach the milestone, joining midfielders Jony Bolaños, Izzy Johnston, and Ollie Wright, and forward Adem Sipic.