WHAT TO WATCH FOR AND WHAT TO EXPECT
The Red Wolves host the Richmond Kickers for the first time this season after two road matches in Richmond. The Kickers picked up wins in both matches with a 1-0 win to open the series on June 3rd and a 2-0 victory on July 1st. This match will be the third in seven days for the Red Wolves after two road games against Central Valley Fuego on Saturday, August 5th (D, 1-1) and Wednesday, August 9th against Forward Madison FC (L, 1-0).
Chattanooga’s most recent match saw frustration against Forward Madison with a late tally securing the victory for the Flamingos after 90 minutes of a nil-nil deadlock. Goalkeeper Carlos Avilez registered a nearly flawless performance with three key saves against a barrage of shots from Madison to keep the Red Wolves in the match; however, Stephen Payne finally broke through just before stoppage time for the only goal of the contest.
Richmond will also play their second match of the week following a 2-2 draw against North Carolina FC on Wednesday night. The Kickers opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a goal from Emiliano Terzaghi for his tenth of the season, but North Carolina quickly responded just three minutes later to even the score. In the 60th minute, North Carolina grabbed the lead following a corner kick and subsequent scramble in the box that was ultimately ruled an own goal on Michael Hornsby to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Hornsby was able to find an equalizer in the dying minutes of second half stoppage time to force a draw and split points with first place North Carolina.
This weekend, fans can celebrate Rusty the Red Wolf’s birthday this weekend with Rusty’s Birthday Bash, featuring inflatables, face painting, a halftime mascot race, and post match fireworks! There will also be an array of construction, emergency, and large vehicles for kids to explore and play on at the stadium.
CARLOS AVILEZ NAMED TO TEAM OF THE WEEK
Goalkeeper Carlos Avilez was recently named to USL League One’s Team of the Week for Week 21 of the 2023 season. This is his second nomination to the list this year, with his first coming in Week 1 after an eight-save performance against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.
He has also been nominated for Player of the Month (April) in addition to nominations for Save of the Week.
RED WOLVES REMAIN WITHOUT LOMBARDI
The Chattanooga roster remains unchanged through Saturday as Aarón Lombardi remains unavailable due to concussion after two hard hits in August 5th’s match against Central Valley Fuego.
Additionally, Moe Espinoza and Alex Tejera continue to be out with injuries.
SCOTT MACKENZIE, MARIOS LOMIS MAKE DEBUT AT HOME
Due to a medical leave of absence of head coach Jimmy Weekley, Park City Red Wolves coach Scott Mackenzie has stepped into coaching duties for the Chattanooga Red Wolves for the past two matches on the road. This Saturday will be the home fans’ first opportunity to see Mackenzie at home, in addition to getting a first look at Marios Lomis.
Lomis played his first minutes with the Red Wolves against Central Valley Fuego FC as a starter and appeared again on Wednesday, August 9th against Forward Madison. He was originally signed by Chattanooga in June.
