AC Boise settles for 1-1 draw in home debut despite dominating Spokane Velocity

A record-setting crowd of 7,211 fans packed the stadium, but AC Boise could only convert one of its many scoring chances.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:52am

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In its home debut, Athletic Club Boise controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities against the Spokane Velocity, but could only manage a 1-1 draw. Despite dominating the game and setting a new USL League One attendance record with 7,211 fans, AC Boise struggled to find the back of the net, with their only goal coming on a rebound off a saved penalty kick. The team's coach took responsibility for an early defensive mistake that led to Spokane's goal, but was pleased with the team's overall performance and the electric atmosphere at the new stadium.

Why it matters

The strong turnout and passionate fan support for AC Boise's home debut demonstrates the growing popularity of professional soccer in the Boise area. While the team was disappointed not to secure all three points, the performance and atmosphere suggest that Boise has firmly established itself as a soccer town that will provide a strong home-field advantage for the club going forward.

The details

AC Boise controlled 68% of possession and put six shots on target compared to just two for Spokane, but struggled to convert their chances. Boise's lone goal came in the 51st minute when Nick Moon buried a rebound off a saved penalty kick. The team had several other close calls, including a header that narrowly missed the net and a powerful shot that hit the post. However, Spokane goalkeeper Carlos Merancio Valdez made five saves to keep the score level. Boise coach Nate Miller took responsibility for an early defensive mistake that led to Spokane's opening goal, but was pleased with the team's overall attacking play and the electric atmosphere created by the record-setting crowd.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Spokane's opening goal came in the 21st minute.
  • Boise's equalizer was scored in the 51st minute.

The players

Nick Moon

A veteran player who joined AC Boise and scored the team's lone goal in the 1-1 draw.

Nate Miller

The head coach of AC Boise, who took responsibility for the defensive mistake that led to Spokane's opening goal.

Blake Bodily

A homegrown player with MLS experience who praised the atmosphere at AC Boise's new stadium as one of the best in the USL League One.

Carlos Merancio Valdez

The goalkeeper for the Spokane Velocity, who made five saves to preserve the 1-1 draw.

Joe Gallardo

The Spokane Velocity player who scored the opening goal by capitalizing on a defensive mistake by AC Boise.

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What they’re saying

“I've been around a lot of really cool stadiums. But this is definitely up there. I think as far as the USL goes, this is about as good as it gets.”

— Blake Bodily, Homegrown player with MLS experience

“I'm not even from here, and I was getting kind of emotional. It was amazing to see just so many people in the stands all pulling for the same thing.”

— Nick Moon, AC Boise player

“I mean, 80% of the game was us attacking them and them defending. And that's the posture we want to put our opponents in, for sure. But in football, the hardest thing is to score goals.”

— Nate Miller, AC Boise head coach

What’s next

AC Boise will look to bounce back on the road next week when they travel to Southern California to take on AV Alta on April 12. The team will then return home on April 18 to host Westchester, with limited remaining tickets going on sale on April 10.

The takeaway

Despite the disappointment of not securing all three points in their home debut, AC Boise's performance and the electric atmosphere created by the record-setting crowd of 7,211 fans demonstrate the growing popularity of professional soccer in Boise. The team's attacking play and the coach's willingness to take responsibility for the defensive mistake suggest that AC Boise is poised to be a formidable force in the USL League One going forward.