Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC started their 2024 season with a 0-0 draw at Lexington, SC.
“Really delighted with the clean sheet and the effort that everybody put in to get a clean sheet,” says Hailstorm head coach Éamon Zayed. “We were missing a few attacking pieces, so there’s more to come.”
The teams combined for just four shots on target, but the best chance of the match came in second half stoppage time when defender Bruno Rendon’s shot in a goalmouth scramble was well saved by Lexington goalkeeper Amal Knight.
“Got a clean sheet and a point away against one of the teams in the league that are strong, so a decent start,” Zayed says.
It was a hard-fought first half with Lexington having more of the ball, but Hailstorm had the best chance when forward Noah Powder hit the post in the 13th minute. Lexington had just one shot on target as Hailstorm’s league-best defense from 2023 picked up where it left off, with a clean sheet anchored by goalkeeper Lalo Delgado.
“Obviously, the guys came out to win. That’s the standard now,” Delgado says. “But overall, we’re happy as a defensive unit with the clean sheet.”
The match also marked the professional debut for Hailstorm forward Ethan Hoard, who came on in the 81st minute and provided a spark for the Northern Colorado attack.
“I’m very, very grateful and happy to get started,” Hoard says. “It was something different, a new environment, and I’m excited to keep going.”
Hailstorm will now turn their attention to U.S. Open Cup action against Tulsa Athletic, who they face at 6 p.m. on March 19 in Tulsa, Okla. More information is available at hailstormfc.com and futurelegendscomplex.com.