Chattanooga FC Falls to Detroit City FC in Members Cup Matchup
By Chattanooga FC
Autumn made a fashionably late appearance to the Scenic City. The month of October traditionally brings with it cooler weather alongside the traditional scenes associated with it: pumpkins, leaves dropping from the trees and temperatures falling as well. But it has not been a typical fall nor a typical season for Chattanooga FC.
The boys in blue played its first ever October match in the newly formed NPSL Members Cup, and although the timing was new, the opponent was not. Detroit City FC has been a familiar adversary, playing Chattanooga FC four times over the last two years. Every match has been closely contested, and Saturday’s match was no exception, as the away team scored in the last twenty minutes of play and held on to secure all three points and the victory.
The home team started brightly, wearing their brilliant white alternate supporter owners jerseys, which features the name of every owner who bought shares in the team’s public offering. Chattanooga FC held possession for most of the first half, and had several good opportunities, particularly early as Juan Sanchez got a good look on a free kick that went just wide, and Alun Webb who received a field long pass from Jordan Dunstan mid stride but couldn’t find the back of the net. Detroit City traded metaphorical punches with the home team, creating momentum and chances that forced CFC goalkeeper Phil D’Amico to make several key saves. Despite both teams displaying some skill, the halftime whistle blew, leaving both teams scoreless in the first half.
Detroit City turned up the pressure in the second half, pressing farther up the pitch and forcing Chattanooga FC into more uncomfortable situations. Veteran forward Zeca Ferraz had a beautiful open look on a breakaway, but was just inches offsides. Minutes later on the other side of the pitch, Japanese defensive midfielder Genki Miyachi sprinted across the pitch to make a sliding defensive play that broke up Detroit City’s attack.
But the fortunes were cast in the 78th minute as defender Jalen Crisler put one past D’Amico and gave the away side what would be the final result.
“Credit to Detroit, they played well and got the result,” Chattanooga FC Associate Head Coach Peter Fuller said. “We fought them hard and had chances, just couldn’t connect. I’m proud of how we fought, and we’ll finish the season strong.”
Chattanooga FC closes out the Members Cup on October 26th versus Milwaukee Torrent.
Photo Credit: Ray Soldano
