If Huntsville City Football Club’s first match is any indication, fans can expect plenty of drama in the Nashville Soccer Club affiliate’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer’s NEXT Pro league.

Huntsville City FC earned an extra point in winning a penalty kick shootout with Crown Legacy FC after the teams battled to a 2-2 tie at the end regulation.

“We controlled the possession and showed a lot of energy in our first match,” Huntsville City FC coach Jack Collison said. “The only thing that didn’t go our way was the goal at the end (of regulation).”

Indeed, Huntsville City FC led 2-1 on two goals by striker Azaad Liadi when the match went into extended time. Crown Legacy FC’s Nicholas Scardina scored three minutes into extended time to force the shootout.

“I think we saw in the early stages, they were really ready to play today,” Collison said. “The way they moved the ball and passed the ball was really pleasing.”

Liadi staked Huntsville City FC out to the early lead with a goal at the eight-minute mark. But Crown Legacy FC tied the game on a penalty kick by left-winger Brandon Cambridge at the 29 minute mark, sending the match into the locker room tied at half.

Liadi scored again at the 72 minute mark after Jonathan Bolaños played a ball through the attacking zone. Liadi timed his run perfectly and in a one-on-one with the keeper, the striker danced around him to finish his brace.

“Azaad’s been phenomenal during the preseason,” Collison said. “I think he scored six goals in the games. He looked really dangerous …. As a top striker, you’re going to get touches and score goals. It was great for him to get two today.”

Joseph Skinner, Cyrus Rad, Isaiah Johnston and Adam Sipic scored during the shootout that Huntsville City FC won 4-3. Goalkeeper Ben Martino – down from Nashville FC – preserved the victory with a pair of saves.

“We got to experience a lot of emotions in the group, which is fantastic,” Collison said of the shootout. He said the team had been practicing penalty kicks the last few weeks.

Collison said Huntsville City FC should see more of Martino during the season.

“I think we’ll continue to see him grow,” Collison said. “It’s great for the goalies at the end. They can always be the heroes at the end of the shootout.”

Collison said he felt calm before with game with his team making its debut.

“I’ve seen all of the work the boys have been putting in on the training ground,” he said. “It was just a real good feel around the camp today going into this game.”

The game was the first of seven straight road games while renovations are being completed at Joe Davis Stadium. Huntsville City FC is expected to make its home debut on May 19 against the same Crown Legacy FC squad.