Ouamri Bicycle Kick Rockets Chattanooga FC to Top of League

June 1, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Chattanooga FC News Release

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Chattanooga FC hosted New England Revolution II in a rainy affair, but a beautiful goal made up for the ugly weather in a 1-0 win for CFC that saw the Boys in Blue jump back to the top of the MLS NEXT Pro league table.

The first half saw an even amount of chances for both sides, with the heavy rain keeping the teams cautious in defense. The matchup was cagey, and the weather made it difficult for either side to get a hold of the ball. Each side threatened in the opposition’s box, but it remained all square thanks to strong goalkeeping.

In the 29th minute, Jean Antoine made a split-second kick save to keep the game all square. Each side had two shots on target at the end of the first half, but nothing to separate them at the half.

The second half saw the Boys in Blue shut down New England defensively. In the 69th minute, Farid Sar-Sar had a sliding goalline clearance to keep Chattanooga in the game. The game remained just as tight as it started, until a red card for the away side flipped the game on its head.

In the 72nd minute, New England defender Tiago Suarez received his second yellow card and was dismissed from the game.

Eight minutes after the red card, CFC forward Mehdi Ouamri scored a stellar bicycle kick off of a set piece to give the Blues the lead late in the game. Jude Arthur headed the ball across the six-yard box after receiving the free-kick near midfield to assist the game winner.

The result sees CFC jump back to the top of the MLS NEXT Pro league table.

Chattanooga FC will travel away to Chicago Fire II next Friday, June 7, at 7:30 P.M. ET in their next match, as they aim to stay near the summit of the league table.

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Notes:

Three changes from last match (vs ATL UTD 2 on 5/25): Jesse Williams came in for Anatolie Prepelita on the backline, Alex McGrath started in place of Luis Garcia Sosa and Jalen James came in for Taylor Gray

This was the first match of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season that Anatolie Prepelita did not feature

Jesse Williams started for the first time since April 27th vs Carolina Core FC

Jalen James started for the first time since April 24th vs Atlanta United 2

Minjae Kwak made his CFC debut in the 79th minute

Quotes

Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood gave his reaction to the victory over New England.

“We have a lot of guys in the locker room…