Chattanooga FC rallies over ATL United to pull the upset
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- In a thrilling match at Finley Stadium, Chattanooga Football Club secured a landmark 2-1 victory over Atlanta United, marking their first-ever win against a Major League Soccer team. The Saturday afternoon clash saw Chattanooga display remarkable resilience and skill, coming from behind to clinch a memorable triumph.
Match Highlights
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80th minute: Atlanta breaks the deadlock
- Ronan Wynne heads in from Saba Lobjanidze’s corner
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Quick response: Chattanooga equalizes
- Jesus Ibarra showcases exceptional skill, rounding keeper Josh Cohen
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87th minute: Chattanooga seals the win
- Two trialists combine from a free-kick for the decisive goal
Coach’s Perspective
Chris Nugent, Chattanooga FC’s Head Coach, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance:
“It’s really pleasing. We’ve had such a short preseason. One of the things we’ve been speaking about is how we respond to adversity and how we deal with difficult situations. Going a goal down fairly late on from a set piece can be frustrating, so seeing the guys continuing to press and get numbers forward, that’s really reassuring after two weeks of training.”
First Half Action
The first half saw both teams create notable chances:
- 29th minute: Markus Naglestad’s opportunity thwarted by Brad Guzan
- 34th minute: Alexey Miranchuk’s shot narrowly misses
Second Half Drama
Chattanooga dominated portions of the second half, but Atlanta struck first. However, Chattanooga’s persistence paid off:
- Ibarra’s equalizer showcased individual brilliance
- A trialist scored the winning goal from a free-kick
- Michael Barrueta’s crucial save in the final moments secured the victory
Looking Ahead
Coach Nugent emphasized the importance of staying grounded:
“It’s still preseason, so it’s important to stay grounded. Had we lost today we wouldn’t have felt it was the end of the world. After two weeks of training and then to beat a very good team is a good boost going into the remainder of the season. It’s definitely a good starting point.”
This historic win sets a positive tone for Chattanooga FC as they prepare for the upcoming season, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level against established MLS opposition.
