Huntsville, Ala. (Sept. 22, 2024) — In a bittersweet end to their home season, Huntsville City FC fell 2-0 to a determined FC Cincinnati 2 on Saturday night at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium. A resilient crowd of 4,381 loyal fans came out to cheer on the Boys in Blue as they battled in their final home match of the 2024 season.
Despite the loss, there were silver linings as the team out-passed their opponents 588-404, showcasing their commitment to controlling the pace and keeping possession. The game marked several key milestones for the Huntsville squad, including Joey Akpunonu facing his parent club for the first time, and Jony Bolaños captaining the team for the 22nd time this season—a testament to his leadership on and off the field.
FC Cincinnati 2, however, had plans to spoil the home finale. The visitors struck early, with Brian Schaefer finding the back of the net in the 15th minute after a slick assist from Kenji Mboma Dem. Despite solid goalkeeping from Bryan Dowd, who recorded five crucial saves, Huntsville City FC couldn’t claw their way back into the game. The dagger came late in the 88th minute, when Yair Ramos Perez slotted home a second goal, putting the match out of reach.
In what could be described as a physical contest, both teams displayed plenty of grit, with six yellow cards handed out over the course of 90 minutes. Huntsville’s Will Perkins received a caution as early as the 6th minute, setting the tone for a match that was fought hard in every corner of the pitch.
The defeat closes the curtain on a challenging home campaign for Huntsville City FC, but there’s still work to be done as they prepare for two critical road matches to close out the regular season. The Boys in Blue will head to High Point, North Carolina, to face Carolina Core FC next Sunday at 4 p.m. CT. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Huntsville knows every point matters.
A Glimpse of What’s Next:
Huntsville’s upcoming match against Carolina Core FC will be one for the books, and fans unable to make the trip can catch the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. For those looking to keep the community spirit alive, the club has organized an official watch party at Yellowhammer Brewing, where supporters can gather to cheer their team on from afar.
Notable Moments:
Randall Leal made his highly anticipated return to Huntsville City FC, his first appearance since the historic home opener back in May 2023.
Makel Rasheed made his matchday debut, an encouraging sign of the team’s depth heading into the final stretch.
Despite the loss, the team showed their technical ability, out-passing Cincinnati and controlling much of the tempo.
While the home record may not have been what Huntsville hoped for this season, the fans at Joe Davis Stadium witnessed moments of growth and flashes of brilliance. With one chapter closed, the Boys in Blue now look to write the final lines of their 2024 season with grit, passion, and the unwavering support of their city.
Final Score:
Huntsville City FC: 0
FC Cincinnati 2: 2
Scoring Breakdown:
CIN 2: Brian Schaefer (Assisted by Kenji Mboma Dem) 15’
CIN 2: Yair Ramos Perez 88’
As the team hits the road for their final games, the message is clear: the season may be winding down, but there’s still fight left in Huntsville City FC. The road ahead won’t be easy, but the Boys in Blue are ready to prove they’ve got what it takes.
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