April 20, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Chattanooga FC News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Chattanooga Football Club picked up all three points against Southeast Division rivals Huntsville City FC with a 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal scored by captain Alex McGrath.
After a cagey first half, Chattanooga FC put more attacking pressure on Huntsville and created several goalscoring chances in the second half, ultimately leading to McGrath finding the winner with a deft chip past goalkeeper Ben Martino.
Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood made four changes from the 6-2 home win over Inter Miami II last weekend. Jean Antoine, Joseph Perez, Jude Arthur and Jesus Ibarra came in for Jonathan Burke, Jesse Williams, Luis Garcia Sosa and Taylor Gray.
The Boys in Blue finish the evening in first place in the Southeast Division and second place in the entire Eastern Conference.
Chattanooga FC will now look forward to a second consecutive road match in the Southeast Division against Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday, April 24th at 7:30 p.m. ET before hosting fellow independent club Carolina Core FC on Saturday, April 27 with a 7:00 p.m. ET kick-off at Finley Stadium. Tickets are on sale now.
Quotes
Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood gave his post-match reactions:
On his overall takeaways from the win:
“It’s a result we’ve needed, because when we played them the first time they came back and tied it, and we won the shootout,” said Underwood. “We played in New York, took the early lead and we didn’t keep it and lost on penalties, so to come here today, coming off a result like last week, we needed to develop that gritty performance. We started to do that today. We have a lot of work ahead. We’re nowhere near where we want to be. A lot of work ahead.”
On what qualities he saw from his team from the game that he liked the most:
“We talk a lot about maturity. I just want to see them mature. Maturity comes with composure, decision-making… we showed some of that, but we just need to get way better in that area.”
On Jean Antoine and Jude Arthur getting their first starts of the season:
“They both were important today. You can see what Jude brings. He broke up plays. He was calm on the ball. And he basically just got here! (laughs) It was big for Jean to start and get a shutout.”
On the type of matchup it was coming up against Huntsville for the second time this season:
“I don’t think we’ve seen a game like that yet. We probably could have had a bit more control….
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