April 11, 2026
CHATTANOOGA, T.N. – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have lost their home opener to Fort
Wayne FC with a final score of 0-1.
It was 45 seconds in when the first blow was struck: a well-aimed roll that snuck past a
diving Jason Smith. That lead remained in place for more than 25 minutes afterward, and then
Coach Mackenzie called for a huddle. Aggression had to be kicked up. Shots had to be made. As
the Red Wolves dispersed back onto the field, they exploded into action. Ferocious presses and
corner kicks started picking away at Fort Wayne’s confidence. The score remained the same at
the end of the first half, but the Red Wolves had made 14 shots on target, and their foes were
stuck at one.
As the second half set into motion, the Red Wolves’ ball dominance was clear. They were
controlling the field, impeded only by Fort Wayne’s tight defense in the 18-yard box. The
stability of the Indiana team came into question. Their head coach was absent, barred from the
match by a red card sustained in the previous game. The amount of falls their players interrupted
the game with were innumerable.
Hopes dampened in the 59th when Coach Mackenzie received two yellow cards and was
ejected from the game. Defender Harry Jolley received one of his own in the 62nd, and Bentley
and Kinzner had each gotten one in the first half. But none of that— none of that— could keep
the Red Wolves from coming back with a fury. A corner kick by Omar Hernandez in the 74th
minute landed the ball just over the crossbar and neatly on the net. Lelin replaced Bentley in the
78th, and the team kept consistent control over the ball. And though that fire burnt so
extraordinarily bright in the Wolves’ eyes, it seemed they just couldn’t equalize. Even in spite of
several close-call corner kicks and throw-ins, by the final whistle, the score remained the same.
That lucky shot had earned Fort Wayne their first victory of the season.
There’s still plenty of time left in the 2026 season! The Red Wolves’ next home match is April
25th against Corpus Christi FC; this will be the first round in the Prinx Tires USL Cup. Join the
frey and fury the Wolves bring to the table and get your tickets while you can!
About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Founded in 2018 by Bob Martino, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club
competing in USL League One. The club is committed to building a winning culture rooted in
strong values, developing elite talent, and giving back to the greater Chattanooga community. As
a pillar in the region, the Red Wolves strive to inspire the next generation of players and fans by
fostering excellence and integrity.
