CFC Edged by Carolina Core in Second Battle of the Independents

June 22, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Chattanooga FC News Release

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Chattanooga FC faced off against rivals Carolina Core FC after an undefeated away stint for their first home game since June 1, and were edged 2-1 in front of nearly 4,000 supporters at Finley Stadium.

The Core started quickly, with their early pressing successful against Chattanooga. Facundo Canete received the ball inside the box and turned to finish in the bottom left corner, putting the visitors up 1-0 in the fourth minute.

In the 20th minute, Canete had a chance to double their lead from the spot, but CFC keeper Jean Antoine extended for a strong save to his left, keeping the game within reach.

In the 29th minute, Carolina found their equalizer after a long buildup, and Joshua Rodriguez tapped in the goal to go up 2-0.

Chattanooga had a number of chances themselves in the first half. In the 28th minute, Andres Jimenez Aranzazu had a driven shot from distance go just wide of the far post. In the 31st minute, Taylor Gray had a curling effort saved, keeping the score 2-0 Carolina at halftime.

Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood made three substitutions for the start of the second half with Jalen James, Milo Garvanian and Jesse Williams coming in for Minjae Kwak, Joseph Perez and Farid Sar-Sar respectively.

Most of CFC’s attacking threat came down the left flank with Gray creating a handful of chances early in the half.

Gray and Mehdi Ouamri had a neat exchange on the top of the penalty area in the 63rd minute, but Ouamri curled the resulting shot just wide of Alex Sutton’s post.

James scored his fifth goal on the season in the 76th minute with a fine piece of individual skill, cutting in from the right flank and finishing from 18 yards out with his left foot.

The goal ultimately proved to be a consolation on the evening as CFC fell to its first league defeat of the season at Finley.

“We talked about being better at getting to loose balls and second balls [during half-time],” said Underwood. “Jalen [James] was dangerous and got the goal. Jesse [Williams] and Milo [Garvanian] came in and gave us a little more stability. It just wasn’t enough in the end.”

The result sees CFC remain in second place in the Eastern Conference table with 28 points.

Chattanooga FC will return to Finley Stadium in Matchweek 16 with a Southeast Division match against Crown Legacy FC on Military Appreciation Night presented by Food City, complete with fireworks after the game,…