
Chattanooga Drops First of Three Match Series to Charlotte Independence
Published on May 27, 2023 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC News Release
The Chattanooga Red Wolves faced Charlotte Independence in Charlotte, NC for their third away series of the 2023 season with a final score of 3-0 in favor of Charlotte. Despite a statistically even match up, Independence was able to capitalize on two key opportunities in the first half for an early lead and keep Chattanooga off the board through 90 minutes. The clubs' next meeting will be at CHI Memorial Stadium on June 24th before closing the series out in Charlotte on September 9th.
The match featured Richard Rentería in his first Red Wolves appearance on the back line in addition to a restructuring of the starting eleven to account for the continued absences due to injuries to Andrew Paoli and Christian Enriquez.
Chattanooga's offense had several good looks early in the match, aiming to capitalize on the slick conditions at American Legion Memorial Stadium and collecting early shots. Charlotte would open the scoring in the 15th minute of the match with Joel Johnson's first goal of the season and would take a 2-0 lead shortly thereafter following a successful free kick by Omar Ciss as a result from a yellow card issued to Manuel Madrid. Chattanooga continued to apply pressure through the end of the half but were unable to find the back of the net before the end of the first 45 minutes.
The Red Wolves worked to turn the odds in their favor in the opening minutes of the second half, increasing their shots from two to nine in the second half. Aarón Lombardi had an early chance in the 56th minute, but his rebound shot was knocked away by the Charlotte goalkeeper. Charlotte added on to their lead in the 66th minute with a breakaway chance from Mbuyu for their third and final goal of the match.
Chattanooga turns their focus to their fourth road match of the season against Richmond on Saturday, June 3rd. They return to CHI Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, June 7th for their first meeting with Forward Madison and $2.00 Beer Night.
United Soccer League One Stories from May 27, 2023
- Owls Fall 2-1 to Forward Madison - Union Omaha
- Tormenta FC Secures Hard-Fought Point Against Richmond - South Georgia Tormenta FC
- Three Goals and a Fifth Clean Sheet for the Independence in Win Over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC - Charlotte Independence
- Chattanooga Drops First of Three Match Series to Charlotte Independence - Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
- Lexington SC Draws 1-1 with One Knoxville SC in Second Leg of Rivalry - Lexington SC
- Forward Madison FC Earns Victory in Omaha - Forward Madison FC
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