Chattanooga’s undefeated streak against North Carolina FC since it’s inception was broken Friday night in 3-0 loss to the home side on their first road trip of the 2023 season. With typical starters midfielder Christian Enriquez & center back Manuel Madrid unavailable for the match Chattanooga looked to others to step up in Friday’s showdown with North Carolina FC. The Red Wolves worked to find the back of the net in the first half with several key opportunities to get on the board, including a blocked penalty kick just before halftime, but were held off through the final whistle.
The first half chances came early with a shot by Aarón Lombardi in the 11th minute blocked by the North Carolina goalkeeper, an additional blocked shot from Ualefi in the 24th minute, and a series of corner kicks. Alex Tejera picked up the Red Wolves’ first yellow card of the match in the 29th minute.
On the other end of the field, goalkeeper Carlos Avilez held off the North Carolina offense including a one-on-one attempt from Oalex Anderson to keep the match scoreless. NCFC would manage to get on the board in the 44th minute with a successful goal from Anderson to take the lead. Not long after, Chattanooga was awarded a penalty kick in extra time off a penalty won by Tejera with the kick taken by Ryley Kraft that was saved by the NCFC goalkeeper.
Chattanooga entered the second half in search of the equalizer, but NCFC extended the lead to two with his first goal of the season in the 56th minute. The final goal of the match, would come in the 65th minute. The Red Wolves pushed to get on the board through the final minutes including a shot from Chevone Marsh that was denied by the goalpost in the 84th minute, but North Carolina would take the match by a final score of 3-0.
The Red Wolves return to CHI Memorial Stadium on Saturday, April 29th against Lexington SC for Wine & Whiskey Night featuring drink specials and $2.00 select wine and whiskey pours. The action continues at home on Friday, May 5th when they face Tormenta FC for a Cinco de Mayo themed match.
