The showpiece of the evening at the Red Bull Arena was undoubtedly Sonia Bompastor’s maiden game in charge of the Blues. But there was plenty more on offer away from the pitch.

With the clock counting down to kick-off, we strolled through the activity-filled Fan Fest event to talk to those who would soon be sitting inside the stadium watching the clash between the Women’s Super League and NWSL champions.

Some fans had travelled far and wide, others not so much – but, no matter where they had come from, they were soaking in the lively atmosphere which only grew stronger and stronger as the hours past and 7pm approached.

Amidst the photo opportunities with the WSL and NWSL trophies, the live music and a performance from a troupe of drummers from Brooklyn United, one family taking it all in was Casey, her wife Kortney and young daughter Denver.

We spoke to Casey who caught our eye thanks to a sign which suggested this clash was set to be a special occasion. ‘My first game had to be Chelsea,’ it read – on blue card, of course.

Not only was the match the start of what the Blues fan hopes is a successful new era for Bompastor and her squad, Kasey also hopes it will mark the beginning of a life-long love of football for her young daughter.

‘We are super excited because it is our daughter’s first match,’ Casey told us before kick-off. ‘It is super special to have her watch these two champions collide.

‘It’s going to be a memory for her. Well, more of a memory for us! Years down the road and - hopefully, when she is a soccer player - we can tell her that she watched players like Lucy Bronze and the rest of such a talented squad.’

We continue to walk through the Fan Fest, past fans kitted out in Gotham jerseys and Chelsea shirts from seasons been and gone.

Adding the finishing touches to a sign in support of Blues midfielder Erin Cuthbert – now our No.8 – was Pippa and Grace, two fans from England who happened to be working in New York this summer.

What better way to spend their Monday evening off than getting a taste of home thanks to watching the club they love?

‘We just couldn't miss this game,’ Pippa said. ‘It’s champions versus champions, and a great opportunity to see the new management and their style.’

A sentiment shared by Grace, who described the match ‘as massive’ in both occasion and opportunity. Those two fans certainly would have left the stadium happy with what they saw after Bompastor and her side secured a convincing 3-1 victory.

Every Chelsea fan at the stadium had their own story to tell. We could have spoke to them all and discovered a unique tale with each one.

Some may have been like Casey, Kortney and Denver who will have made a memory that will last a lifetime. Others more like Pippa and Grace who embraced the opportunity to watch the club they follow near and far in new surroundings.

But one thing unites them all... The Blues. It’s always the Blues.