The Red Wolves Earn a Point in the Season Opener in front of the club’s first ever sellout at CHI Memorial Stadium.
CHATTANOOGA, TN (April 4th, 2022) – The Red Wolves welcomed Forward Madison FC to CHI Memorial Stadium for the opening match of the 2022 USL league One season. The first half was a robust affair between the two sides as both looked to shake away the rust of the offseason and get control of the match. The Red Wolves took control of the match early in the first half, with Brian Bement nearly marking his Red Wolves debut with a goal inside the first 15 minutes. His header went narrowly wide, but the Red Wolves continued to press high and put the pressure on. In the 41st minute, the Red Wolves finally found the breakthrough as Jimmie Villalobos hit a brilliant half-volley that looped over Phil Breno in goal to put the Red Wolves up 1-0 heading into halftime.
The second half started once again with the Red Wolves well on top, with Jimmie Villalobos being denied a goal after a good one on one save from Phil Breno. The Red Wolves continued to mount the pressure but could not find a second goal. Moe Espinoza checked in midway through the second half to make his Red Wolves debut, while Pedro Hernandez and Josue Cartagena would come on late not only making their Red Wolves debut but their full professional debut as well. However, Forward Madison would strike deep into stoppage time courtesy of Nazeem Bartman. The Red Wolves were left with little time to strike back, and the match would finish 1-1 as the points were shared to begin the season.
History was made at CHI Memorial Stadium tonight as the club recorded its first ever sellout, with 2,618 fans in attendance for the match. The club would like to thank the supporters for their continued and dedicated support, truly the 12th man helping to defend the den.
The Red Wolves next match will be played on Wednesday, April 6th, as Open Cup play begins as the club travels to Louisville to play USL Championship club Louisville City FC.