WHAT TO WATCH FOR AND WHAT TO EXPECT
The Chattanooga Red Wolves look to extend their unbeaten streak at home to five matches this week against North Carolina FC. The clubs previously met on Saturday, April 21st in Cary, NC for the Red Wolves first road match of the 2023 season. North Carolina took the first of the two match series by a score of 3-0 with two goals from former Red Wolves player Rafa Mentzingen.
The Red Wolves’ latest outing saw a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory on the road against One Knoxville SC on Saturday, July 22nd. After going into halftime down 1-0, Chattanooga equalized in the 60th minute with a free kick banger from Ryley Kraft, his first of the year. Knoxville responded shortly after for a brief 2-1 lead, but the Red Wolves once again knotted things up with a Chevone Marsh penalty kick to bring the score even at 2-2. Chattanooga remained aggressive on offense and found the go ahead tally in the 80th minute, once again from Marsh, this time assisted by Omar Gomez and continued their press into the eight minutes of stoppage time. One Knoxville pushed to force a draw, but were left without a shot as the final whistle blew for the 3-2 Red Wolves win.
North Carolina FC enters the match on the heels of a 2-0 victory over Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on Wednesday, July 26th to jump up to the second spot on the table. They notched their first goal of the match just before halftime on a free kick from Louis Perez. While Northern Colorado managed 70% possession throughout the second half, North Carolina picked up a second goal in extra time for the final 2-0 shutout and will face the Red Wolves with a five-match unbeaten streak.
This week’s match will feature a pre-match live concert by local group Lilac Line as well as drink specials, including $5.00 margaritas sold exclusively at the Howl Bar. Fans will also enjoy $1.00 hot dogs all night as well as the return of Cardiac Punch (21+).
MONSTER MARSH
Recently twice nominated for USL League One’s Team of the Week, forward Chevone Marsh leads the charge for the Red Wolves offense–following his latest two goal outing, Marsh is now in sixth place in goals across the league with seven tallies. He has back to back braces against South Georgia Tormenta FC (July 15th, 13’ (P), 56’) and One Knoxville SC (July 22nd, 74’ (P), 80’) and a 38% scoring efficiency.
The Jamaican national also had a three match scoring streak at home with goals against Union Omaha on May 20th, Forward Madison FC on June 7th, and Charlotte Independence on June 24th, the latter of which secured a draw against a then-second place squad.
His strong performances have earned him league recognition for Teams of the Week three times this season so far and Man of the Match nominations for the Red Wolves.
RED WOLVES LOOK TO EXTEND UNBEATEN STREAK AT HOME TO FIVE MATCHES
The Red Wolves are currently on a four-match unbeaten streak at home, stretching back to May 20th against Union Omaha where they picked a comeback 3-3 draw. The club has also reclaimed the moniker “Cardiac Red Wolves” as of late with seven goals scored in the last 15 minutes of matches and have won twelve points from losing positions, more than any USL League One Team.
Chattanooga is also on a three match scoring streak with goals against Northern Colorado (July 8th, 1-1 D); South Georgia Tormenta FC (July 15th, 4-2 L); and One Knoxville SC (July 22nd, 3-2 W).
ROSTER NEARING FULL HEALTH FOR CHATTANOOGA
After weeks of inconsistency, the Red Wolves are nearing full health and availability ahead of this week’s match. Attacking midfielder Jonny Filipe has recently joined the squad on loan from USL Championship side Hartford Athletic to provide more depth while the impact of recent signing Omar Gomez was apparent in the Red Wolves’ last match against One Knoxville SC. Following a one match suspension, goalkeeper Carlos Avilez will be available to play in tandem with Ricardo Jérez.
While listed as questionable in the latest match against Knoxville, the Red Wolves were able to get minutes out of Walter Varela and Aarón Lombardi and could get time out of Manuel Madrid, returning from a hamstring injury. As the club awaits the arrival of Marios Lomis, long standing injuries to Alex Tejera and Moe Espinoza will keep them out of this week’s match.