Tampa Bay United 0–1 The Villages SC**
The first match of the 2022 season, at the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay.
44' — Rajae Scott, assisted by Daniel Oliveira.
One goal, right before half time, and a clean sheet for the hour that followed.
0–1.
Man of the Match: Nicolai Munch. He won most of the 1v1s on his side, created a great deal going forward, and gave everything for the team — in his first competitive match for this club.
And the curse is broken
Our opening matches have not historically gone well.
The first ever PDL fixture, in 2016, was a 1–0 defeat to South Florida Surf. 2017 opened with a loss at Montverde. 2019 opened with a defeat at Creekside to Florida Elite, in their first ever match in this league. 2021 opened with a goalless draw at Weston, where we noted that "the curse of the first game is alive and well."
2022 opens with three points.
And against Tampa Bay United, who had been the only club to beat us in the 2021 regular season.
Looking good Buffalo!
