News

CHATTANOOGA, TN. (June 3, 2021) – This Thursday afternoon, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC have announced the signing of midfielder Rey Ortiz, pending league and federation approval. Ortiz was selected 29th overall by FC Cincinnati in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Portland then loaned to Charlotte Independence for the remainder of the 2020 USL Championship season.

The 24-year-old comes to Red Wolves with over eight years of MLS, USL Championship and collegiate soccer experience. Ortiz was Born in Acapulco, Mexico and raised in San Diego, California. Ortiz spent three years training with the LA Galaxy Academy before beginning his collegiate career at the University of Portland. During his four seasons with the University of Portland Pilots, Ortiz was featured in 64 matches and accumulated 50 starts, 14 goals and 26 assists. Impressive performances landed him All-West Coast Conference First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team honors.

As a product of the LA Galaxy Youth Academy, Ortiz appeared in two games for LA Galaxy II during the 2015 USL Championship season. While attending the University of Portland, Ortiz also competed with USL League Two side Portland Timbers U-23 making 18 appearances and adding one goal and four assists.

“Rey is someone Coach Jimmy Obleda and I had our eye on for several months. The second he became available we made our move quickly and got him into the Red Wolves training camp immediately,” says Red Wolves President and General Manager, Sean McDaniel, on the signing of Ortiz. “With Rey’s MLS and Championship experience he will give us a level of professionalism both on and off the field. He’s a very good signing for us and we are ready to see him in action.”

“Rey is another top quality player that we have signed. I think the quality of his speed, his technical ability, his technical speed, his ability to take people on 1-v-1 fits into what we want from a soccer player. And also his mentality and his attitude fits in our DNA,” says Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. “We hope for big things from Rey. he’s a young man with a lot of experience. He was drafted by FC Cincinnati and he played last year with Charlotte Independence. He’s a young man I’ve known for many years and has always been a special player. We are looking for special things from him.”

“Many of these guys know each other from youth, college, from having played together. Rey is another kid that knows everyone on the team,” says Obleda on Rey’s transition into the locker room. “He’s been in training already with the guys and is already part of the family and part of the team. His adjustment has been really smooth and easy for everyone.”

“I am very excited to join Chattanooga, I’ve trained a couple days with the guys and they work hard and want to win,” says Ortiz excitedly after his first week in training with the squad. “This season I want to earn being a regular starter on the team and help the team in any way I can. I want to win games that lead up to winning the league.”

Making an easy transition into the squad, Ortiz admires the diversity of his teammates, “It’s amazing to see so many different nationalities on the team, especially having guys that speak Spanish. It’s something different that I haven’t yet gotten to experience in any other club that I’ve played for.”

Chattanooga Red Wolves take on North Carolina FC at home June 26th at 7:00pm. See you at CHI Memorial Stadium for another exciting match-up, don’t miss out! Tickets available here

CHATTANOOGA, TN. (June 2, 2021) – This Wednesday afternoon the Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves announced their 2021 Home Opener will be held on Sunday June 6th at 7pm against North Alabama Soccer Coalition (NASC). The Lady Red Wolves will be playing at CHI Memorial Stadium for the first time in club history. The team is off to an impressive start of the season, sitting currently undefeated with a record of 2 shutout wins and 0 losses and currently 1 match is pending with Southern Soccer Academy.

The Lady Red Wolves have been longing to take the field in Chattanooga since COVID-19 shuttered the WPSL 2020 Season last Spring.

“It is such a privilege to be playing at CHI Memorial Stadium. Being a part of the Red Wolves organization and the idea of playing at the stadium has been something we all have dreamed about from the beginning,” says General Manager Gretchen Hammel. “We are so excited for the opportunity to play in our very own professional soccer stadium. It is a great feeling to be able to represent the Red Wolves organization and our community in this way!”

CHI Memorial Stadium which will feature multiple new elements in the 2021 season including the region’s largest jumbotron, digital field runners, floodlights, as well as the Executive Club and Sky Suites building.

Upcoming opponents NASC is a high-energy team with a good, consistent work ethic. They have solid players all over the field. Hammel believes that the squad will have to play a very solid game in order to get past them. Finishing well will also have to be a priority in order to bypass NASC goalkeeper Adriana Wright. “We were specifically impressed with their goalkeeper. She is great at making those difficult/impulsive saves!” exclaims Hammel.

Following a successful 2019 season, the Lady Red Wolves were crowned the 2019 Southeastern Conference Champions under the leadership of former Head Coach Billy Sparks who was consequently named the 2019 Head Coach of the year. Five players were named to the WPSL National All-Star list of which four have returned to the current 2021 roster. Chattanooga hopes to continue their success with the latest addition of new Head Coach, Luke Winter. “We are so excited to have Luke with us this year. He is a very knowledgeable and tactical coach,” says Hammel. “He has a great and unique ability to draw out the very best in his players. He’s been doing great and we expect more greatness ahead!

This year’s talent for the Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves is as strong as it has ever been. The squad is bolstered by returning Goalkeeper, Dani Krzyzaniak: 2019 Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year; and Renegade National Goalkeeper of the year and Golden Glove winner.

“I believe our culture is what separates us from most teams we face. We have a consistent, strong squad that is laced with great leadership. Several of the leaders of this team have been playing together for years. They know what it takes to win,” says Hammel. “They know what it takes to compete. They bring that standard to all practices and games. And, they pass that standard and expectation down to the other players beneath them. And at the end of the day, these ladies are friends and they take care of each other and invest in each other on and off the field. That’s a BIG part of what makes us tick well. Both player quality and culture have to be a BIG part of the product.”

● Away: @ Southern Soccer Academy – Date TBD

● Away: @ Alabama FC – June 4th – 7:00pm

● Home: vs. North Alabama Soccer Coalition – June 6th – 7:00pm

● Home: vs. Peachtree City MODA – June 11th – 7:00pm

● Away: @ Nashville Rhythm FC – June 13th – 8:00pm

● Away: @ Peachtree City MODA – June 20th – 7:30pm

● Home: Vs. Nashville Rhythm FC – June 25th – 7:00pm

● Home: Vs. Alabama FC – June 27th – 7:00pm

● Home: Vs. Southern Soccer Academy – July 11th – 7:00pm

You don’t want to miss out on a historic night under the lights this Sunday night at 7pm! See you at CHI Memorial Stadium. Tickets available here

Chattanooga, TN. (May 29, 2021) – Coach Obleda and the Red Wolves welcomed fans back to CHI Memorial for the second of a back-to-back home stand Saturday Evening. Chattanooga hosted Richmond and fell behind early in the second half, but a confident and composed second half performance saw Obleda’s men find two goals and 3 points to extend the unbeaten start to the season to four games. 

The match kicked off under perfect conditions for soccer as direct competitors in USL League One clashed for an all-important early season three points. Both sides came out looking to make a statement of intent, as the physicality of the match made itself known early and often. The Red Wolves claimed much of the possession in the first half, and their slick passing and patented high intensity press made life extremely difficult for the Kickers. It was a night where the intensity of the match could be felt throughout the stadium, and both sides would be happy with their first half performance. The opportunity of the first half finally broke the Red Wolves’ way in the 39th minute as Jimmie Villalobos was a centimeter away from connecting on a beautiful cross from Blake Frischknecht that rolled all the way through the six-yard box.

After creating plenty of good chances and dictating the pace of the game, Obleda’s squad would hope to come out in the second half and do more of the same. However, a gut punch in the form of a Kicker’s goal would come in the 46th minute, setting the tone for the second half. However, the Red Wolves have shown moment after moment so far this season that they thrive under adversity, and Saturday night was no different. The equalizer would come just minutes later, as long throw wizard Jonathan Esparza found the foot of Carrera-Garcia who then beat Kickers keeper Akira Fitzgerald with a volley across the goal to Ricky Ruiz, who put it away. 

As the second half went on, it looked as if the match could go either way as the intensity heightened and the sunset over the 1,752 supporters at CHI Memorial Stadium. Manager Jimmy Obleda had other plans however, showing his on-the-fly tactical prowess by once again making a game changing substitution. Juan Galindrez was introduced for Blake Frischknecht whose play troubled the Kickers all night long, and his introduction would be rewarded. Minutes after the change Galindrez took his chance, a beautiful free kick whipped in by Marky Hernandez fell in the box, and Galindrez finished coolly past veteran goalkeeper Fitzgerald to tally his first goal in USL League One and put the Red Wolves in the lead for good. Another dramatic three points at home for the Red Wolves extended the unbeaten start to the season to four games and moved them up into a three-way tie for second place in the table only 3 points behind first place Greenville with a game in hand.

Several Red Wolves players were given USL Team of the Week nods as well, with captain Jose Carrera-Garcia and early season standout Ricky Ruiz receiving honors. Coach Obleda praised his team’s performance postgame saying, “I’m just really happy for the guys, today was an important day. We couldn’t be happier with the result obviously, playing against a good Richmond team and to continue to do what the team is doing, we are over the moon.” With the side playing for their teammates and supporters, the manager emphasized the team’s pride, “I think the resilience of the group and their fight comes from what they represent and how proud they are to represent this club, this city.” The squad has prided themselves on their fightback and determination and showed once again on Saturday that CHI Memorial Stadium will be a fortress this season and beyond. 

The Red Wolves look to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign to five games on Saturday, June 6 at 8 PM EST as the squad travels to Statesboro, GA to take on Tormenta FC.

• 6198 N Mack Smith Rd, 37412
   
• Access Spring Creek Rd
   
• Turn onto N Mack Smith Rd (beside the Shell)
   
• This turn is directly across from Parkridge Hospital

CHI Memorial Stadium is opening up an additional Parking Lot called the South Lot, to access the lot turn off of Ringgold Road Corner of North Mack Smith Rd and Ringgold Road (Landmarks include, Portofino’s Restaurant, Cracker-barrel)

Approaching from Exit 1 from I-75: After exiting Exit 1 from I-75, Head West on Ringgold Rd. Pass Champy’s and then turn right onto North Mack Smith Rd at the corner of Ringgold Rd and North Mack Smith Rd, continue past Cracker Barrel and follow the road as it contues straight and bends left, you will then be at the South Lot. 

Approaching from Spring Creek Rd: Approach the intersection of Spring Creek Rd and Ringgold Rd. Turn left onto Ringgold Rd. At the corner of Ringgold Rd and North Mack Smith turn left onto North Mack Smith Rd. Then continue past Cracker Barrel and follow the road as it continues straight and bends left, you will then be at the South Lot. 

Approaching from the Bachman Tunnel: Continue approximately 3.5 miles straight down Ringgold Rd. At the corner of Ringgold Rd and North Mack Smith turn left onto North Mack Smith Rd. Then continue past Cracker Barrel and follow the road as it continues straight and bends left, you will then be at the South Lot. 

• All vehicles must have a parking pass to park in the CHI Memorial parking lot on gameday.
   
• If you have purchased a FULL SEASON PARKING PASS, you may show your receipt to the gate attendant for initial entry. Please pick-up your parking pass at will call.
   
• If you purchase a single-match parking pass, show your receipt to the gate attendant for entry.
   
• Parking passes for the match will be available for purchase upon entry
   
• However, it is highly recommended to pre-purchase a parking pass
   
• Purchase your parking pass here: https://chattanooga-red-wolves-soccer-club.square.site/shop/parking-passes/11

• Cash will no longer be accepted as a form of payment
   
• Continued mobile-only ticket entry for Stadium admission and parking.

• One clear bag no larger than 12″ by x 6″ x 12″.
   
• Guests may carry a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 8″ x 8″, with or without a strap.
   
• Each ticket holder, including children, may carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse.
   
• The only exclusion to this rule are diaper bags & medical emergency bags. These bags are subject to a thorough check by security.
   
• Additional clothing, blankets, etc. are permitted if carried loosely or in an approved clear bag.
   
• Blankets should be carried over the shoulder to be screened more quickly.
   
• Small cameras, binoculars and cell phones may be carried in loosely or in an approved clear bag.

• Outside alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles, and coolers

• Outside food, snacks, and beverages

• Stroller wagons, or any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled, or towed

• Radios without headphones

• Umbrellas. Guests are encouraged to bring raincoats, pullovers or ponchos.

• Unapproved video cameras, professional cameras or cameras with detachable lenses.

• Folding chairs or camp chairs (exceptions exist with approval)

• Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and Mace/Pepper Spray.

• Selfie sticks

• Drones

• Confetti

• Unauthorized smoke bombs

• Fireworks

• Bikes, inline and roller skates, skateboard, scooters, shoes with wheels.

• Any non-clear bag, back pack, or purse that exceeds the maximum size.

Following the win on Sunday at CHI Memorial Stadium, the Red Wolves welcome the Richmond Kickers to town. Ranked 4 and 5 respectively in the latest iteration of the USL Power Rankings, the match promises excitement on both ends of the pitch. Coach Obleda’s side looks to extend their unbeaten start to the season to four games following a thrilling match against Fort Lauderdale CF the week prior. His side has all but patented a hardworking, high tempo, pressing style of play that frustrates opposition attacks and leads to chances on the other end of the pitch as well.

Jason Ramos and Josue España were named to the USL Team of the Week for their performances in the home opener. España earned his first start of the season following a quick-fire brace at Gillette Stadium, and rewarded the manager with another sensational effort last time out. Jason Ramos was once again pivotal to almost all aspects of the Red Wolves’ game plan and managed to steer home a beautifully taken Ricky Ruiz free kick in the fourth minute of extra time to secure three points for the home side. 

Coming off his first start of the campaign, Blake Frischknecht had this to say on taking 3 more points at home tomorrow evening, “Same thing as last week, we are at home, we need to protect the den and get these points. We’ve had a great start, so we just have to keep going.” Frischknecht’s physicality and work rate was once again a problem for the opposition, and he will look to make an impact against the Kickers.

No stranger to the Red Wolves, Darren Sawatzky’s Kickers come to town looking for their first ever triumph against the home side. Coming off a 0-0 draw from which Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald and defender Jalen Crisler were named to the USL Team of the Week alongside Ramos and España, Richmond is simply looking to score some goals. 

To do so, they will look to key target man Emiliano Terzaghi, who is the Kickers’ leading goal scorer. Having led the team, and the league, with 10 goals in 15 appearances last campaign, he is no stranger to carrying the goal scoring burden. He has scored twice in 5 appearances so far this season and will look to make life difficult for the Red Wolves’ backline. 

Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald has also been a bright spot for Darren Sawatzky’s side, playing a pivotal role in winning the Kickers points. He has kept 3 clean sheets in 4 appearances and has only conceded one goal in the 10 shots he has faced, making him one of the best shot stoppers in USL League One so far in 2021.

CHI Memorial Stadium was opened to full capacity for last weekend’s home opener, and the twelfth man was a deciding factor. Pushing Obleda’s men to a late winner at the end of the match, he once again looks to supporters to be the deciding twelfth man. “Words can’t describe the joy and excitement,” Coach Obleda remarked on the last-minute winner, “It gives joy to the team, gives us all joy, but perhaps more importantly the fans and the supporters who came.”

2,072 Red Wolves supporters helped defend the den last Saturday, and the squad looks to supporters to bring the energy once again against direct rivals in the league table. In addition, the side will no doubt continue to look to their anchoring backline for support, as fullbacks Jonathan Ricketts and Ricky Ruiz continue to dazzle. Homegrown talent Ricketts leading the backline, with the sure hands of Sebastian Mora-Mora in goal could very well mean a cagey, defensive affair as the Red Wolves come up against one of the best shot stoppers in the league in Akira Fitzgerald. 

The all-important early season grudge match takes place at 7 PM EST Saturday evening at CHI Memorial Stadium.

Chattanooga, TN. (May 22, 2021) – The Red Wolves welcomed supporters back to CHI Memorial Stadium for the first time in the 2021 campaign Saturday evening looking to keep an unbeaten start to the campaign alive. The supporters were a driving force for the home side, as a storybook evening was capped off with an unbelievable stoppage time winner for Jason Ramos as the Red Wolves squeaked out a 2-1 victory against Fort Lauderdale CF. 

Coach Obleda’s squad once again came flying out of the gate with a slightly tweaked starting XI that introduced Blake Frischknecht and Josue Espana. The attacking duo earned a starting role with game changing substitute appearances and a quickfire brace from Espana on the road in Gillette Stadium. Espana’s inclusion in the starting XI paid off quickly as he received a beautiful pass from Jimmie Villalobos out wide, cutting inside with force and finishing past Fort Lauderdale’s keeper to put Chattanooga up 1-0. The first half continued in what was a cagey and intense affair on the pitch at CHI Memorial, as the Red Wolves controlled the game with fluid passing between the lines and a relentless pressure that made life difficult for Fort Lauderdale CF.

Jonathan Esparza and Frischknecht stood out alongside the Red Wolves superstar midfield three. Esparza’s pace down the wing from the back was difficult for the away side to deal with, and the resulting pinpoint crosses made their backline work hard to keep Frischknecht off the scoresheet. As the game progressed into the second half, Fort Lauderdale grew into the game and their effort was rewarded in the 72nd minute, as Ethan Hardin rose highest to head a corner home to tie the game at 1-1. 

But on a night like Saturday night, the Red Wolves simply would not be denied. As stoppage time rolled in and the fans got louder, the home side won a free kick with only a sliver of time left on the clock. Captain Jose Carrera-Garcia would take it, placing it beautifully in the middle of the box, and Jason Ramos got on the end of the free kick, firing past the keeper to steal a dramatic three points at CHI Memorial. When asked about the moment, Ramos reiterated his desire to win saying, “I told him [Carrera], ‘give the ball to me, I want it, I’m going to win it.” He went on to praise his team emphasizing, “Minute 89, minute 94 we’re going to keep fighting, we’re going to try to get the win every time.”

Jason Ramos was the hero on the pitch, but Coach Obleda made sure to express his gratitude to the 2,072 fans in attendance, “The atmosphere tonight was incredible, the fans were loud and supporting us every step of the way and I really feel that that played a huge role in getting us across the finish line with 3 points. It’s always important to me to deliver for our fans, I feel they left with a degree of satisfaction and happiness that their team won.” He went on to detail the fans impact on the game saying, “When we play, we want the fans involved in what we do, and they were massive tonight… so today, the twelfth man helped us win. The twelfth man, the fans, helped us win today.”

Coach Obleda and his squad will be thrilled to be back in front of fans at home Saturday, May 29, as the Red Wolves battle the Richmond Kickers at CHI Memorial at 7 PM EST. 

USL League One Team of the Week – Week 7

After a historic and memorable home opener at CHI Memorial Stadium ending with an electric 94th minute go ahead goal for Chattanooga, both Jason Ramos and Josue Espana were named to the USL League One Team of the Week.

M – Jason Ramos, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Ramos scored the game-winning goal in the 94th minute to give the Red Wolves a dramatic 2-1 win over Fort Lauderdale CF on the team’s return home to CHI Memorial Stadium. He also passed at a 90 percent success rate and completed two tackles.

F – Josue España, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: España continued his fine run of form on Saturday, scoring Chattanooga’s first goal on the night – his third in the last two games. He created one additional chance in the match as well.

• 6198 N Mack Smith Rd, 37412
   
• Access Spring Creek Rd
   
• Turn onto N Mack Smith Rd (beside the Shell)
   
• This turn is directly across from Parkridge Hospital

• All vehicles must have a parking pass to park in the CHI Memorial parking lot on gameday.
   
• If you have purchased a FULL SEASON PARKING PASS, you may show your receipt to the gate attendant for initial entry. Please pick-up your parking pass at will call.
   
• If you purchase a single-match parking pass, show your receipt to the gate attendant for entry.
   
• Parking passes for the match will be available for purchase upon entry
   
• However, it is highly recommended to pre-purchase a parking pass
   
• Purchase your parking pass here: https://chattanooga-red-wolves-soccer-club.square.site/shop/parking-passes/11

• Cash will no longer be accepted as a form of payment
   
• Continued mobile-only ticket entry for Stadium admission and parking.

• One clear bag no larger than 12″ by x 6″ x 12″.
   
• Guests may carry a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 8″ x 8″, with or without a strap.
   
• Each ticket holder, including children, may carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse.
   
• The only exclusion to this rule are diaper bags & medical emergency bags. These bags are subject to a thorough check by security.
   
• Additional clothing, blankets, etc. are permitted if carried loosely or in an approved clear bag.
   
• Blankets should be carried over the shoulder to be screened more quickly.
   
• Small cameras, binoculars and cell phones may be carried in loosely or in an approved clear bag.

• Outside alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles, and coolers

• Outside food, snacks, and beverages

• Stroller wagons, or any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled, or towed

• Radios without headphones

• Umbrellas. Guests are encouraged to bring raincoats, pullovers or ponchos.

• Unapproved video cameras, professional cameras or cameras with detachable lenses.

• Folding chairs or camp chairs (exceptions exist with approval)

• Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and Mace/Pepper Spray.

• Selfie sticks

• Drones

• Confetti

• Unauthorized smoke bombs

• Fireworks

• Bikes, inline and roller skates, skateboard, scooters, shoes with wheels.

• Any non-clear bag, back pack, or purse that exceeds the maximum size.

• Fans will be respectful towards the players, staff, officials, and fellow fans.

• Fans will refrain from using language or displaying gestures which are foul, abusive, or obscene in nature. Platforms for display include clothing, signage, chants, social media posts, or any other methods.

• Unless a child can sit in a parent’s lap for the duration of the match, a purchased ticket is required.

• Fans will abide by both the venue and USL smoke device policy. Adherence to this policy includes only the use of approved devices, timing of use, locations, safety precautions, and users with signed waivers on file.

• Fans will follow directions from venue staff regarding compliance with the Fan Code of Conduct, stadium policies, and emergency procedures.

• Fans that are 21 and older will consume alcohol in a responsible fashion. 

• Fans will not behave in ways that are unruly, disruptive, inappropriate, or illegal in nature.

• Fans will not fight or incite violence.

• Fans will not damage property either inside or outside the venue.

• Fans will not interfere with the progress of the match including entering the playing field or surrounding area, throwing objects, including throwing of objects on or towards the field, or declining to promptly return a ball that has gone out of play.

CHATTANOOGA, TN. (May 5, 2021) – CHI Memorial Stadium will open for full-capacity crowds beginning May 22nd for the first Red Wolves home game of the season against Fort Lauderdale CF at 7pm EST.

As health and safety protocols are still in place for the safety of all stadium goers, face masks are encouraged but not required. Hand sanitization stands throughout the building and increased cleaning staff, will continue to be maintained within the venue. Fans experiencing any COVID like symptoms will not be permitted to enter.

“With COVID-19 vaccines readily available, every day it has become more clear that vaccinations and other controls have severely mitigated active COVID cases in the Scenic City,” says GM and President, Sean McDaniel. “We’ve been working hand in hand with our state and local health officials over the course of the past month and are announcing that our home opener on May 22 at CHI Memorial Stadium will be open at full capacity just like many professional sporting venues throughout the country at this point. We encourage fans to wear masks as an added measure of precaution but will make all seats available for purchase. I want to thank our fans and partners for being patient and unwavering throughout the past year. We cannot wait to open our doors for the first time in 2021, introduce our fans to our new stadium elements like our jumbotron and lights and bring together our community once again.”

Fans interested in securing their seats at CHI Memorial Stadium for Red Wolves’ first home match at a full capacity setting against David Beckham’s  Fort Lauderdale CF at 7pm EST on May 22 can visit the Ticketing page. For more information on the Red Wolves’ SC gameday policies follow the club’s social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

FOXBOROUGH, MASS. (May 16, 2021) – The Red Wolves were on the road for a second game in a row Sunday evening as Coach Obleda and his squad looked to keep the momentum high following an away win and clean sheet in Arlington against North Texas SC. Although the Red Wolves fell behind in the first half, a determined fightback capped off by debutant Josue España scoring 2 goals in 7 minutes was enough to earn a gritty and all-important point on the road at Gillette Stadium. 

Coach Obleda’s Red Wolves started the match in Foxborough Sunday with an unchanged lineup from the game against North Texas SC the week prior. The squad wanted to build on a disciplined, high energy performance on the road where points can at times be hard to come by. The unchanged starting eleven once again began the match with a ravenous energy in all areas of the pitch. Defender Jonathan Esparza spearheaded much of the first half attacking moves, getting up the pitch well and playing dangerous crosses into the box creating chances for the Red Wolves. The squad’s game plan seemed to be working well as the press was making life difficult for New England Revolution II. 

Despite the strong start, the squad was unfortunate in the 36th minute, as several comedic bounces took the ball unluckily into the net to put New England II in the lead. The Red Wolves’ misery was compounded as the second goal came early in the second half for the Revolution. Noel Buck scored his first professional goal to put New England 2-0 up at Gillette Stadium. However, Coach Obleda would show his tactical prowess in the 56th minute bringing on Josue España and Marky Hernandez in an attempt to change the game. His trust in a talented bench paid off as España got on the end of a mistimed volley from Ricketts to beat Joe Rice, making it 2-1. Then, just seven minutes later, the tenacious Red Wolves’ heart and effort paid off.

Substitutes combined as Hernandez beat multiple defenders and played a beautiful ball into the box, which after a beautifully placed header from Chattanooga’s own Jonathan Ricketts found Josue España’s right foot, placing the shot beautifully into the bottom left-hand corner evening the tally at 2-2.

Tenacious defending at the end of the second half would secure a point for the Red Wolves to bring back to Chattanooga. Two brilliant goals from debutant Josue España earned him Man of the Match honors, and Ricketts wouldn’t be too far behind with an excellent goal line clearance and two assists on the night. After travelling to famous venues such as Globe Life Park and Gillette stadium back-to-back weekends, the squad will be looking forward to the squad’s home debut at CHI Memorial Stadium, Tennessee’s first soccer specific professional stadium.

Chattanooga’s team heads home for their 2021 Home Opener against Fort Lauderdale CF kicks off at 7p.m. Saturday evening at CHI Memorial Stadium in 5 days time.