The fans were there in force Friday night at Joe Davis Stadium.

But just after the 2-1 loss, Huntsville City coach Jack Collison wished his team had started as strong. Huntsville City allowed its first goal in just the ninth minute, then the decisive goal came in the 70th on a penalty kick as it suffered its fifth loss of the season.

“We can’t afford to start games like that against any team,” Collison said. “Last week were were lucky enough to get away with it, but tonight we got punished.

“Very uncharacteristic for us. A little flat on the back foot, but to be fair to them, they scored a really good goal.”

While Huntsville City didn’t get off to its best start of the season, it battled back quickly. In front of a crowd of 5,168 at Wicks Family Field, HCFC got the equalizer less than 10 minutes later. On a free kick from Tyler Freeman, Chris N’sa finished it with a header in the right side of the net. It was the first goal this season for the 24-year-old Canadian.

Huntsville City FC held firm until a penalty kick in the 70th minute in the box by Joey Skinner. Huntsville had plenty of chances to tie the match in regulation but could not capitalize.