Sherman, Texas - Texoma FC opened its inaugural season in USL League One on March 22, 2025, marking a historic moment for the area as the team took to the field against One Knoxville SC at Bearcat Stadium. Even though the outcome was not what the home crowd had hoped for, with Texoma FC falling 2-0, the energy in the air was palpable as fans and players engaged in this significant milestone.
Months of anticipation culminated in an electrifying atmosphere outside the stadium, where fans gathered to tailgate ahead of the match. Excitement ran high as supporters expressed their enthusiasm for the event. "This is my intro to the game," one fan shared. "I’m excited, I want more stuff like this to come to Texoma, but we have to support it for it to come." This sentiment of local pride and support resonated strongly throughout the evening.
As kickoff approached, the throngs of fans filled the stands, ready to cheer on their new team. The first half was a whirlwind of emotions, marked by fouls, saves, and missed opportunities. In a disappointing turn, One Knoxville SC managed to score the first goal, silencing the home crowd momentarily. However, halftime brought a brief respite with a Celtic performance that rejuvenated spirits among the fans.
The second half saw Texoma FC come out with renewed energy, but a second goal from One Knoxville SC dashed hopes for a comeback. Despite the 2-0 defeat, Texoma FC's Head Coach Adrian Forbes viewed the match through a lens of optimism. "This team wasn’t here a year ago, so the fact that it is here, playing in the first USL League One game here is amazing," he remarked. He focused on the positives, acknowledging that for large parts of the game, they competed against an established team. "There are some real positives from that point of view," Forbes added.
With an eye towards next week’s match against Westchester SC, Forbes emphasized the need to rebuild confidence in his players. "They’ve given me absolutely everything they can today, and they did fantastic for the club in their first game. Now it’s time to help them develop even more to get that winning performance next Saturday," he said. His commitment to the players' growth reflects a long-term vision as they navigate this inaugural season.
Goalkeeper Mason McCready also shared his views on the community support, which he found inspiring. "The result wasn’t what we wanted, but I’m proud to say we’ve got something to get behind, and the fans got behind us," McCready expressed. "Hopefully we can get some wins in the future to give the fans something more to cheer for, but I’m just happy that everyone showed up and had a good time." His words encapsulate the collective hope of the team and its supporters moving forward.
Despite the loss, the significance of this opening game cannot be understated. It symbolized not just the beginning of a team’s journey but also the fortification of community ties through sports. As Texoma FC gears up for their next matchup against Westchester SC on March 29, the focus is set on harnessing the lessons learned from their first game and fueling the drive for future success. The passion displayed by fans and players alike will undoubtedly contribute to a promising future for Texoma FC.
