Calgary Foothills FC beat Puget Sound Gunners in season opener

Soccer returned to Calgary Sunday.

And Calgary Foothills FC gave its fans something else to celebrate, other than just the return of the beautiful game to YYC — a season opening 2-1 win over visiting Puget Sound Gunners at Hellard Field at Shouldice Park.

Close to an estimated 1,000 spectators watched as Foothills FC U23 made its debut in the Premier Development League (PDL), and, in the process, earn their first three points.

Calgary Foothills FC’s foray into the PDL is seen by many as a first step towards the city getting a professional soccer team.

Foothills FC U23’s Yoann Promonet attempt to bring the ball under control against the Puget Sound Gunners during their Premier Development League (PDL) match at Hellard Field in Calgary, Alberta Sunday, May 17, 2015. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project

Darius Ramsay and Nat Tecle scored for the home side, while Renan Troccoli tallied for the visitors.

But for some missed chances, Calgary Foothills FC could have been ahead by three or four by half-time — a point not lost on Foothills head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

“It could have been a 4, 5-nil game, but it was a 2-1 game. It gives us lessons to build on, but we bagged three points and I’m delighted with that,” said Wheeldon after the match. “It was a good game, not a great game. We are better. We gave ourselves a platform to build on.”

Foothills FC U23’s Nat Tecle, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Puget Sound Gunners during their Premier Development League (PDL) match at Hellard Field in Calgary, Alberta Sunday, May 17, 2015. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project

Wheeldon was quick to praise the club’s small yet passionate supporters group The Foot Soldiers, who managed to maintain a constant stream of chants from their little corner of the grandstand.

“The Foot Soldiers were outrageous – loved them,” he grinned when asked about the local support. “That’s what makes football. It’s a starting point for growing it into something bigger.”

Foothills, Soccer, Foothills FC U23, PDL, Premier Development League, Calgary, Alberta, Puget Sound Gunners

Members of the Foot Soldiers Supporters Group, fans of the Foothills FC U23 club, push their club on during their Premier Development League (PDL) match against the Puget Sound Gunners at Hellard Field in Calgary, Alberta Sunday, May 17, 2015. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project

Foothills’ next two matches are on the road, with games this Friday against the Kitsap Pumas and this Sunday against Sounders U23 in Seattle.

The next home game will be Tuesday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at Hellard Field against Portland Timbers U23.

Foothills FC U23 vs Puget Sound Gunners, Premier Development League (PDL) match at Hellard Field in Calgary, Alberta Sunday, May 17, 2015. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project

Darius Ramsay, left, celebrates a goal for Foothills FC U23 vs Puget Sound Gunners in their Premier Development League (PDL) match at Hellard Field in Calgary, Alberta Sunday, May 17, 2015.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project

Foothills FC U23 vs Puget Sound Gunners, Premier Development League (PDL) match at Hellard Field in Calgary, Alberta Sunday, May 17, 2015.
Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project