Chattanooga Red Wolves SC took down South Georgia Tormenta FC 2-1 on Saturday at Erk Russell Park.
The win moved Chattanooga up to sole possession of third place in League One standings and marked the team’s second-ever road victory.
Here are three takeaways from the second and three meetings between Chattanooga and Tormenta:
SITO “EL MATADOR” SEOANE IN GOOD FORM
Red Wolves forward Sito Seoane was fantastic in the 2-1 win over Tormenta, notching his third goal of the season.
After a scoreless first half, it was Seoane who opened up scoring in the 57th minute of the match. After receiving a ball in from defender Tony Walls off the right flank, Seoane managed to break past Tormenta’s defense down the middle of the pitch to the top of the 18-yard box. Seoane struck a left-footed shot that fired past goalkeeper Pablo Jara and into the top left corner of the net to give the Red Wolves the 1-0 lead.
The 5’9 Spaniard has been in impressive form as of late, earning starts in the last eight matches. He is a top three contender on the team in total shots, shots on target and goals.
Interesting enough, all three of Seoane’s goals have been on the road. He’ll look to notch his 4th at home this Saturday.
THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK MAKES HIS DEBUT
Last week, Chattanooga announced the signing of Scottish forward Greg Hurst to the team’s roster. According to President and General Manager Sean McDaniel, Hurst’s arrival provides a new key option for the Red Wolves offensively. This was proven to be true on Saturday.
Less than 10 minutes after stepping onto the pitch, the 22-year-old Stirling native recorded his first assist of the season. Hurst delivered a pass to midfielder Josue Soto on the right side of the Tormenta 18-yard box who then took one touch and hit a low bouncing, left-footed shot past Jara to give the Red Wolves the 2-1 lead.
Game-winning assist aside, Hurst’s strong display Saturday night revealed promise. He’s an important addition to keep an eye on during the next seven weeks.
MANGELS SHINES
Goalkeeper Alex Mangels has been solid between the posts all season for the Red Wolves. The 6’4 California native has appeared in all 20 matches, posting 56 saves, 30 catches, 11 punches, 21 clearances and only one drop.
After a strong defensive display from his backline, Mangels only faced six shots on target on Saturday night—five of which were saved. Tormenta’s Lucas Coutinho and Mikie Rowe had chances to put Tormenta FC ahead inside the final 15 minutes from free kicks that each produced big-time saves by Mangels to keep the game level.
Those saves proved crucial with five minutes to go as Soto found the net to earn his side a big road victory.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s North Texas SC matchup, Mangels will focus on finishing untouched to earn his 7th clean sheet of the season.
UP NEXT
Chattanooga turns around to host North Texas SC at David Stanton Field on Saturday, Aug. 17 for the club’s Kickin’ It For Kids With Cancer match in partnership with the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The match marks the third and final meeting between the clubs with the season series tied at 1-1. Gates open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. For tickets, visit chattredwolves.com/tickets.
