Kickin’ it with Redlands FC

REDLANDS – The fans wore jackets and hoodies as they descended upon Dodge Stadium on Saturday night.

Some rocked Redlands FC scarfs bought at more than $20 a pop from a souvenir stand doing a brisk business.

The occasion was Redlands FC’s USL2 soccer debut against Stars FC at Redlands High. The game kicked off the hosts’ third season.

The effort was a successful one, as Redlands FC started quickly and held on for a 3-2 victory. Hundreds watched the game played in chilly weather and under threatening skies.  

Among the Redlands FC fans was Karis Johnson, the mother of player Kristian Johnson. Kristian is a former Redlands High star.

“We’re proud Redlands natives,” Karis said. “This brings the community together. Kristian is playing with a lot of guys that he played with when he was younger.”

Karis was accompanied by her husband Ken and Nicole Bell, the mother of Redlands FC player Cody Bell.  Cody played at Redlands East Valley High and the University of Redlands.

“Cody grew up with a lot of these guys,” Nicole said. “It’s fun to see them playing at another level. This is a good crowd and it’s good soccer.”

Occupying a cozy corner of the home stands were the boisterous I-10 Ultras. These crazies are Redlands FC’s unofficial boosters. They bang on drums and chant all game long.

“Oh, oh Redlands, you’re the club for me,” Ultras co-founder Daniel Torres sang. “I love you til I die, and when that happens, I’ll be singing up in the sky, ‘Oh, oh Redlands …’”

I introduced myself to Torres as a member of the press and he quipped, “Who let you in here?”

“I just have love for the beautiful game,” Torres explained. “Once we got a pre-professional team, I knew I had to get involved as a season ticket holder or a super fan. It’s the power of soccer.”

Some of the fans are kids. One of them is Mateo Chronopoulos, 10, of Yucaipa. He stood on the edge of the field wearing a New Balance United jersey and holding a soccer ball.

“It’s fun and I like watching experienced players,” Chronopoulos said. “It’s good quality soccer.”

Stars FC is an expansion team, but it is no pushover. Scoring chances were few early. Finally, Redlands FC’s Luko Lukic of Belgrade, Serbia and UC Riverside put one in the back of net for the in the 27^th minute.

Up in the stands, the I-10 Ultras whooped it up.

“I’m Redlands til I die,” Torres sang. “I’m Redlands til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, I’m Redlands til I die.”

Fourteen minutes later, Javier Hernandez scored again to put Redlands ahead 2-0. The crowd roared.

Stars FC tallied before halftime to make it 2-1, but the home side had things under control.

I took this as my cue to head out. I left the stadium as the I-10 Ultras' drums pounded and Torres' voice boomed.  

It was a fun way to spend Saturday night.

Reach John Murphy at berdooman@gmail.com and follow him at @PrepDawg2.