Red Wolves Hard-Fought Match Sees Last-Minute Knockout of the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup
The Red Wolves traveled to Louisville Wednesday night to take on USL Championship side Louisville city. The second-round match was the second Open Cup appearance in Red Wolves history. The game got off to a vibrant start as the Red Wolves pressed the home side high up the pitch and defended valiantly to keep the score knotted at zero apiece. It was a particularly noteworthy half for Carlos Avilez in goal, marking his Red Wolves debut, who made several key stops to keep Chattanooga level. Just before the half the Red Wolves would get their best chance courtesy of a brilliant run by Josue España, but his effort went just barely over the crossbar.
The second half started brightly for the Red Wolves as Jimmie Villalobos forced Kyle Morton in Louisville City’s goal to make a key stop, preventing the opening goal. Minutes later Louisville City would find their best opportunity of the match, but a heroic DJ Benton would make an enormous goal line clearance to deny the home side once again. After making substitutions, the Red Wolves pushed for the opener as Rey Ortiz broke through the Louisville defense menacingly in the 74th minute but had his effort saved by Morton. Then, only a minute later, Wilson Harris put the home side up 1-0. The Red Wolves would challenge late in the match looking for the equalizer, but their valiant road performance would come up just short, bowing out in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Final Stats:
XG:
Lou City- 1.97
Red Wolves- 0.57
Shots:
Lou City- 15 (4)
Red Wolves- 6 (3)
Possession:
Lou City- 54.3%
Red Wolves- 45.7%
Pass Accuracy:
Lou City- 78.2%
Red Wolves- 73.5%
Yellow Cards:
Lou City- 2
Red Wolves- 3
The Red Wolves return to USL League One action on Saturday, April 9th as they travel to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC to face off against North Carolina FC.
