The Chattanooga Red Wolves lost a midweek match against an organized and motivated Lexington SC on Wednesday night with a final score of 2-0 to even the 2023 series. Chattanooga controlled possession of the ball at 56%, but were unable to convert their offensive opportunities into goals through 90 minutes. The Red Wolves will face Lexington SC once more this season on the road on September 23rd.
The first half saw physicality from both sides early with Red Wolves captain Ualefi Dos Reis receiving a yellow card just thirteen minutes into the match. Shortly thereafter in the 30th minute, Lexington would be awarded a penalty, the third conceded by the Red Wolves this season, ending with Don Smart scoring his third goal of the season to give the home side an early 1-0 lead. The remainder of the half saw each club picking up additional yellow cards as they battled for possession. The Red Wolves worked to break out of the midfield until the closing minutes of the half in which Ryley Kraft had the best opportunity of the first frame with a cross to Mayele Malango that was sent wide, followed by an off-target shot from Ropapa Mensah.
Chattanooga looked to build offensive momentum going into the second half, but Lexington continued to stifle Mensah and Malango on the flanks. The match remained a highly physical affair with both sides trading blows as the Red Wolves looked to even the score; however, Lexington would extend their lead in the 62nd minute with a goal from Khalid Balogun for their second and final goal of the match.
After being without key offensive pieces for several consecutive matches, the Red Wolves were able to get minutes from Andrew Paoli, who had previously been out of the lineup with an foot injury since April 29th, as well as Christian Enriquez, who appeared in Chattanooga’s last match against Forward Madison as a late substitution, coming off of an ankle injury.
The Red Wolves’ next match will be on the road once more against Greenville Triumph for the first time this season on Wednesday, June 21st, before facing Charlotte Independence at home on Saturday, June 24th at CHI Memorial Stadium.
