Chattanooga Football Club has been named MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Matchweek for the second time in the month of September, and for the third time overall this season, following the club's comprehensive 5-1 win over Toronto FC II on Sunday.
The Boys in Blue earned three crucial points to remain firmly in the playoff race heading into the final matchweek of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season.
A brace by Taylor Gray and goals from Jesus Ibarra, Milo Garvanian and Alex McGrath propelled the team to an emphatic victory to equal its largest-margin of victory in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season since the 6-2 win over Inter Miami CF II back on April 13th and to record its largest victory away from home.
"Winning 5-1, especially when the results are really important at this stage of the season, I'm pleased," said interim Head Coach Chris Nugent. "I don't remember a lot from the game because of the emotions, but I know there were a lot of really good moments, especially in attack with some of the pressing when we set a weak-side trap.
"I was pleased with how the guys dealt with the small window of adversity when they made their shape change. Obviously when you concede a goal, the momentum can go the other way, so the guys did a really good job of adapting and targeting some of the spaces that were left. A lot of credit goes to the guys for recognizing that and making the adjustments. There was a lot of confident soccer and smiles from the guys, so I'm always pleased to see that with this group."
Gray also gave his perspective on what the key factors were to the performance.
"I think we were just flexible throughout the game," said Gray. "We had to make some changes, a lot of guys subbed in, they worked hard and that gave us opportunities to score. We celebrated together and really enjoyed the match.
"Starting the season we all wanted to do well. Everyone had goals. Now that the season is coming towards the end, it's a lot of pressure and stress, and I think the guys just came together, we had conversations about it and we just wanted to play free and work hard and end the season swinging."
The result sees CFC remain in playoff contention heading into MLS NEXT Pro Decision Day on Sunday, October 6 against New York Red Bulls II. Tickets are on sale now!
