WHAT TO WATCH FOR AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Looking to get back in the win column at home, the Red Wolves return to action at CHI Memorial Stadium on Saturday, June 24th against Charlotte Independence. Chattanooga last faced Charlotte on May 27th in the Queen City in a 3-0 road loss for the Red Wolves. The clubs will meet for a final time in North Carolina on September 9th.
The Red Wolves’ last outing in Greenville ended in a 5-1 victory for Triumph after a stellar performance from Lyam MacKinnon, who collected four goals, three of which came in 20 minutes to set a new league record. Chattanooga was able to avoid the shutout with a 9th minute goal to tie the match at one apiece from an own goal initiated by Moe Espinoza, but MacKinnon came roaring back to give the home side a 3-1 lead going into the half. Chattanooga looked to get back into the match in the second half and had a handful of opportunities, including a free kick in the 59th minute that was blocked by the Greenville keeper. MacKinnon continued his offensive attack on the Red Wolves, notching his fourth goal of the match followed by a header goal from Leo Castro to extend Greenville’s lead to four goals for the final 5-1 result.
Charlotte’s last match ended in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of One Knoxville SC on Saturday, June 17th in Knoxville. One Knox scored their first goal in the 36th minute to carry a short lead in the half and collected their second from a penalty kick in the 51st minute. The visiting Independence ramped up their offense, exploding with ten shots up from four in the first, but remained off the board through the end of the match for their first loss in three matches.
Fans can enjoy Tacos & Tequila Night on Saturday with $5.00 drink specials on margaritas and three tacos for $9.00. The Red Wolves’ next road test will be on Saturday, July 1st against Richmond Kickers.
CARDONA SET TO RETURN TO BACKLINE FOLLOWING GOLD CUP INTERNATIONAL DUTY
The Gold Cup run of Nico Cardona and the Puerto Rican National Team in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup came to an end on Tuesday, June 20th in a 2-0 loss to Martinique in the second qualifying round. Puerto Rico advanced from the first preliminary round, knocking off Suriname in penalty kicks on Saturday, June 17th.
Cardona’s return could not be more timely as the Red Wolves backline remains without its starters due to injuries to Manuel Madrid, Richard Renteria, and Aarón Lombardi.