Match Recap: Huntsville City regains form, defeats Toronto FC II 2-1 on the road
After a disappointing home loss to conference leading Chattanooga FC, Huntsville City FC grabbed their passports and took to the skies as they prepared to defeat Toronto FC II by a score of 2-1.
Moises Véliz opened the scoring for the visitors in the 32nd minute, with Hassan Ayari equalizing for the hosts in the 68th. Just a few minutes later in the 71st, Christian Koffi scored the winner for Huntsville to give them all three points.
Let’s dive in.
Lineup
Xavier Valdez appears to have all but locked up the number one position in goal for Huntsville, as he made his third consecutive start between the sticks.
In front of him, a back four of Tyshawn Rose, Blake Bowen, Kevin Carmichael, and Zach Barrett defended. In midfield it was Moises Véliz and Philip Mayaka, who was making his second start in succession.
The front four of Christian Koffi, Real Gill, Gio Miglietti and Ethan O’Brien led the line for the Rocket Men. Off the bench, Damien Barker John, Malik Henry-Scott, Alan Carleton, Isaiah Jones and Pep Casas saw time on the field.
The Numbers
Huntsville City FC
Shots: 20
Shots on goal: 6
Corners: 13
Possession: 54%
Yellow Cards: 3 (Kevin Carmichael, Isaiah Jones, Malik Henry-Scott)
Toronto FC II
Shots: 9
Shots on goal: 3
Corners: 6
Possession: 46%
Yellow Cards: 1 (Reid Fisher)
Analysis
A really impressive road win for Huntsville to start off what would be a six-point weekend for the organization as a whole north of the border, with Nashville defeating the Reds’ first team by the same scoreline the Rocket Men did.
First, hats off to Moises Véliz on that first goal, a real peach of a finish. Almost identical to Wyatt Meyer’s Open Cup winner in Orlando in midweek, except Véliz picked out the opposite post.
Second, plaudits must go to Philip Mayaka who has taken his chance the last few weeks and really run with it. Turned out Real Gill wasn’t hurt after all, and he did well including providing the assist for Christian Koffi’s goal.
All in all a great result for the Rocket Men heading into a bye week as they jump back up to second in the East ahead of the two Hudson River Derby rivals in New York.
Next up for Huntsville is a home date with Orlando City B on June 6th, so we’ve got time to reflect and breathe in North Alabama. I’ll be doing a film review of this game later this week over at SixOneFive Soccer if you’re subscribed and interested, but until the next one, see you then!