The Villages SC 1–1 Florida Elite SA
The first match ever played at The Range at H. G. Morse Stadium, against the side we had already decided was the toughest fixture on our calendar.
Nicholas Butler scored the first goal in this ground's history, in the 24th minute, and it was worth the occasion — a one-time finish off his chest, off the bounce, an absolute laser into the back of the net.
Butler had returned to the club after a year away. This was his first of the season, and the first by any Villages SC player at The Range.
Anderson set us up differently for this one — three at the back, a rarity for us. Mathias Tieppo in goal, with Nicolas Vitter, Leonardo Andrade and Enrique Luro behind a midfield anchored by Matheus Ferreira.
We came in 2–0 for the season and had not conceded a goal all year. Florida Elite arrived 3–1–1. Two of the top sides in a restructured Southeast Division, meeting on the opening night of a new ground.
Florida Elite equalised, and it was the first goal we had conceded in 2023. It cost us two points.
1–1.
A disappointing finish, and a good night anyway. A new stadium, great fans, and the first goal here scored by a player who chose to come back to this club.
One for the record. Butler is the same player who scored against River Plate in Orlando in 2021, one of the most memorable goals in this club's history.
Man of the Match For the first home game of the season, Nick Butler brought joy with his goal and was rewarded by our supporters with them selecting him as our "man of the match." It was good to play at home. Even better to celebrate a goal.
