Misc Soccer News

Chattanooga FC Falls 1-0 to Atlanta, Remains Top of Southeast Division

Chattanooga FC

April 24, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Chattanooga FC News Release

KENNESAW, Ga. – Chattanooga Football Club were edged 1-0 by Atlanta United 2 in what was the club’s first defeat of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season.

Chattanooga FC trailed for the first time this season when Atlanta United 2 opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Javier Armas converted a spot-kick after Luke Brennan’s low cross had struck the arm of Farid Sar-Sar in the penalty area.

The Boys in Blue struggled to find a rhythm in attacking possession and to create scoring opportunities, so it was imperative that Jonathan Burke was in top form. Burke made a crucial save in the latter stages of the first half when he stopped a low, driven shot from Karim Tmimi to keep CFC within striking distance at the break.

CFC found more attacking opportunities and overall possession in the second half. Jalen James had a shot on target midwayy thruogh the half but it was thwarted by Atlanta United first-teamer Josh Cohen.

Substitute Andres Jimenez Aranzazu attempted a shot after some fluid build-up play and Jesus Ibarra had a shot saved by Cohen in t, but ultimately CFC were unable to find the breakthrough needed and tallied the club’s first defeat of the regular season.

Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood made six changes to the startiing line-up from the one in the club’s 1-0 win at Huntsville City on Saturday. Jonathan Burke, Jesse Williams, Farid Sar-Sar, Luis Garcia Sosa, Taylor Gray and Carlos Rivas came in for Jean Antoine, Joseph Perez, Duvan Viafara, Andres Jimenez Aranzazu, Jesus Ibarra and Mehdi Ouamri.

Chattanooga FC remains in third place in the Eastern Conference and in first place in the Southeast Division.

Chattanooga FC will now look forward to the first independent derby of the year against Carolina Core FC on Saturday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m. ET at Finley Stadium. Tickets are on sale now.

Notes:  

Chattanooga FC conceded the first goal and trailed in a match for the first time this season in what was the club’s sixth game of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season

Farid Sar-Sar and Carlos Rivas made their first starts in MLS NEXT Pro for Chattanooga FC

Jude Arthur and Sar-Sar both completed full 90 minutes for the first time this MLS NEXT Pro season

Box Score:  

Atlanta United 2 (2W-3L-0D, 0SOW, 6 pts.) vs. Chattanooga FC (3W-0L-2D, 1SOW, 12 pts.)       

Fifth Third Bank Stadium | Kennesaw, Ga. 

Final Score: 

ATL: 1

CFC: 0

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central MLS NEXT Pro MLS NEXT Pro News…