The Red Wolves faced South Georgia Tormenta FC for the second time of the season in Statesboro on Saturday night with the home side taking the match by a final score of 4-2. A highly physical contest, the match ended with five yellow cards issued to the Red Wolves and the second red card of the year. The two clubs will meet for a final time in Chattanooga on Saturday, August 26th at CHI Memorial Stadium.
The first half opened with physicality and two quick yellow cards against the Red Wolves; Mekeil Williams picked up the first just two minutes into the match and Ualefi six minutes later. While goalkeeper Carlos Avilez made the save on the initial set piece following Ualefi’s yellow, the ball was knocked out for a Tormenta corner kick which Deshawon Nembhard banged past the Chattanooga defense for the opening goal. Not long after, Chevone Marsh was fouled in the Tormenta box – on the ensuing penalty kick, South Georgia goalkeeper TJ Bush dove the opposite way allowing Marsh to tuck the ball in to tie the match at one apiece.
The match devolved somewhat for the Red Wolves in the 39th minute with Avilez picking up his second yellow of the night on what was ruled a tactical foul resulting in his exit from the match. JD Myers entered the match and immediately went one on one against Kazaiah Sterling on the penalty kick which resulted in Tormenta’s second goal of the match.
Chattanooga came back in the second half looking to right the ship, down a goal and a man, and would find their equalizer in the 55th minute from Marsh for his second of the match and fifth of the season. The two sides continued to trade blows through the midway point of the second half, with the Red Wolves picking up three additional yellow cards by the final whistle. Tormenta reclaimed the lead in the 65th minute with a goal from Mukwelle Akale as Chattanooga fought for the tying tally.
Ropapa Mensah entered the match and aimed for a late minute opportunity that went over the crossbar. Another penalty in the box was awarded to the home side leading to Akale’s second goal of the match and the final goal of the night in stoppage time. Despite the unfavorable result, JD Myers gave the Red Wolves a yeoman’s effort to give his side a chance in an uphill battle on the road.
Chattanooga heads on the road next to face One Knoxville SC on Saturday, July 22nd before they take on North Carolina FC on July 29th at home.