The Chattanooga Red Wolves faced Charlotte Independence in Charlotte, NC for their third away series of the 2023 season with a final score of 3-0 in favor of Charlotte. Chattanooga led Charlotte in shots and shots on goal throughout the match with thirteen and six to Charlotte’s eight and three but Charlotte managed to convert all three of their opportunities to goals. The clubs’ next meeting will be at CHI Memorial Stadium on June 24th before closing the series out in Charlotte on September 9th
The match featured Richard Rentería in his first Red Wolves appearance on the back line in addition to a restructuring of the starting eleven to account for the continued absences due to injuries to Andrew Paoli and Christian Enriquez.
Chattanooga’s offense had several good looks early in the match, aiming to capitalize on the slick conditions at American Legion Memorial Stadium and collecting early shots. Charlotte would open the scoring in the 15th minute of the match with Joel Johnson’s first goal of the season and would take a 2-0 lead shortly thereafter following a successful free kick by Omar Ciss as a result from a yellow card issued to Manuel Madrid. Chattanooga continued to apply pressure through the end of the half but were unable to find the back of the net before the end of the first 45 minutes.
The Red Wolves worked to turn the odds in their favor in the opening minutes of the second half, increasing their shots from two to nine in the second half. Aarón Lombardi had an early chance in the 56th minute, but his rebound shot was knocked away by the Charlotte goalkeeper. Charlotte added on to their lead in the 66th minute with a breakaway chance from Mbuyu for their third and final goal of the match.
Chattanooga turns their focus to their fourth road match of the season against Richmond on Saturday, June 3rd. They return to CHI Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, June 7th for their first meeting with Forward Madison and $2.00 Beer Night.
