The Chattanooga Red Wolves return to action this Saturday at 1:00 PM EST against New England Revolution II at CHI Memorial Stadium in Chattanooga for the first ever matchup between the two sides. This is a must win for both teams, as they each have recently moved down within the rankings. The Red Wolves after starting off the season well, have dropped to #9 after losing their last 2 matches. New England Revolution II, who had a poor start to the season, are coming off of a huge 1-0 win against the previously undefeated league leaders on Wednesday night. New England sit right behind the Red Wolves at #10 in the standings, as both teams need a win to get back on track in the standings. As the Red Wolves battle to right the ship this Saturday, they will need to address these three points.
First and foremost, the Red Wolves have to put away their chances. They have done an excellent job at holding possession and creating solid chances in the run of play, but they have to capitalize on them. After last week’s loss at home, Coach Obleda said, “We fell asleep for 5 minutes and they scored…We aren’t playing a full 90, that’s what it is right now, we have to play a full 90 minute game.” Obleda told interviewees after the game that it is imperative that his team not take the foot off the gas, indicating that a problem his team has right now is getting complacent. He was very clear that this would be a focal point in training this week, and that this is a problem that his team is eager to fix. Coach Obleda followed this comment up on Monday and used the word ruthlessness. He later describes this as a balance of being disciplined, but utilizing every opportunity to punish the opponent. Red Wolves Forward and goal scorer Greg Hurst had a similar attitude after the Red Wolves loss to Tormenta, but was very optimistic about this upcoming weekend, saying, “We are creating chances. The ability and the talent is there… We need to be the ones who take responsibility to finish off the chances and finish out the game.”
Another major key to success this weekend is the return of Chattanooga soccer star, Steven Beattie. Beattie was a fan favorite of the Red Wolves Inaugural 2019 season, becoming the first ever captain for the Red Wolves. He was a force to be reckoned with for opposing teams, scoring 9 goals with 3 assists in 24 matches, including a brace against Tormenta FC and an impressive hat trick against 2019 finalist, Greenville Triumph. Beattie has been sidelined since picking up an injury at the end of the 2019 season, but has been working relentlessly to return to play and get back in the squad. He was set foot on the field for the first time in months last weekend after coming on as a sub late in the game, immediately making an impact, striking an incredible shot with his first touch forcing the Tormenta keeper to make a fingertip save. Coach Obleda is thrilled to have the veteran healthy again, saying, “Having Beattie in the lineup strengthens us in every aspect. He’s a quality player, person and leader. From a tactical aspect, having the leading scorer from last year on the field again is huge. From a personal aspect it’s great for the players to have their captain back.” Having played in Ireland’s Premier League and the Europa Champions League, Beattie is one of the most experienced players in USL League One, and the Red Wolves will need him to light a fire in the offense, and help pick up a vital 3 points.
The third point will be for Alex Mangels to secure another clean sheet. Mangels has continued his momentum from 2019 into the current season and will need to minimize the goals during this game to see the game all the way through. He already has 1 clean sheet and 13 saves on the season. Joseph Rice of NE currently has 2 clean sheets and 19 saves which draws the conclusion that the offensive conversion rate will prove to be a vital part of this weekend’s match up.
The Red Wolves will have to be very cautious not to underestimate New England, as they handed the league leaders, Greenville Triumph, their first loss of the 2020 season at Gillette Stadium Wednesday. New England Revolution II is coming off of their first win in club history, and will enter this weekend’s game with momentum in an effort to begin a win streak. The Red Wolves must be very disciplined, and will need to account for Isaac Angking, and Ryo Shimazaki, who have both proved to be very dangerous. Angking has scored 2 goals for New England, and was a constant headache for Greenville defenders on Wednesday.
The Red Wolves are set to kickoff at 1:00 PM EST against the New England Revolution II for the first time in history this Saturday. Get your Back to School Pack at https://bit.ly/CRWb2s. Once inside the park you will be able to get 2 scoops of ice cream from Bruster’s inside our new food concourse. If you aren’t able to come to the game, make sure to catch it on ESPN+.
