GRAND RAPIDS, MI - At about 6 p.m., Matt Roberts looked about as stressed as a minor league soccer coach could be as he watched the rain from Houseman Field before the home debut of Grand Rapids FC.

By halftime, the weather hadn't cleared, but his disposition took a remarkable turn.

Drenched but wearing a broad smile, the founder of the team came into the press box and made an announcement.

"We have 2,409 people here," he said, as friends and family broke into cheers.

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The debut of minor league soccer in the city came on a dreary day - it rained nearly non-stop morning to night. But what Roberts feared throughout the day turned into a testament to what he always believed about soccer in the area. They showed up anyway.

He shook his head at the walk-up sale of more than 800.

"Unbelievable."

The team delivered on the field as well. Grand Rapids FC scored five unanswered goals in a 5-1 win against AFC Ann Arbor. Domenic Barone, who starred at East Kentwood and Michigan State, scored the first three, with two in the first half.

The team sold out all of its team scarves and replica jerseys, and 250 mini-soccer balls were distributed within 10 minutes. The Grand Army, the official fans of the team, marched about a mile from a downtown bar and banged drums and sang from the stands throughout.

Grand Rapids FC, after splitting its first two games on the road to begin its inaugural season, got goals from Barone at 18:30 off a cross from Noble Sullivan and at 38:40 off a long pass from Tyler Fischer.

Barone saluted the Grand Army after his first goal, then acknowledged his parents and fans in the middle of the stands on his second.

"It was unbelievable. We were a little worried about the weather, but everyone showed up, and we had a lot of support," Barone said. "... As soon as we heard the drums coming (from the Grand Army), as a player, when you hear that, it will get your adrenaline going."

In the second half, Barone got free on the left side and rolled a shot inside the right post at 50:28. Sullivan and Aldony Mendez added late goals before Ann Arbor got on the board in stoppage time.

The combination of rain and nerves for the home debut weren't an issue.

"It was fun to see so many people happy in the rain," said coach George Moni. "It was exciting. It was impressive to see 2,400 people here, and I think it gave a lot of energy to the boys."

It marked a win in the first of seven home games. Grand Rapids FC will host the Croatian Eagles next Friday. As for the forecast? Doesn't matter.

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.