Chattanooga, Tenn. (March 16, 2024) – Huntsville City Football Club earned a 2-2 draw to open the season against MLS NEXT Pro newcomer Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium. The hosts picked up the extra point via a 3-2 shootout win.
Chattanooga got on the board first when Logan Brown found Taylor Gray deep in the Huntsville half, who fired the ball into the back of the net in the 40th minute. Huntsville equalized early in the second half, when in the 47thminute Julian Gaines long run led to a saved shot, which was tapped in off the rebound by Adem Sipić.
Watch Sipić’s goal here.
Chattanooga would grab the lead back from the penalty spot in the 84th minute following a foul in the box by goalkeeper Ben Martino. Huntsville found the equalizer again just minutes later when a few passes led to Maximus Ekk finding Ollie Wright, who fired the ball into the back of the net.
Watch Wright’s goal here.
The match finished tied at two, with Chattanooga picking up the extra point in a shootout, 3-2.
After the match, Head Coach Jack Collison and Wright spoke about the match, the importance of getting a point on the road, the impact off the bench, and the excitement of returning to Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium next week. Wright also spoke about the importance of knowing your role and the impact he had as a substitute.
Huntsville City FC will host its home opener against Orlando City B at 7 p.m. CT on Friday, March 22 at the Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium. Tickets for the match can be purchased here.
Notes:
- Huntsville City
- had eight players make their HCFC debut: Joel Sangwa, Chris Applewhite, Sergi Oriol, Forster Ajago, Julian Gaines, Scott Cheevers, Brennan Creek, and Maximus Ekk
- had seven make MLS NEXT Pro debut: Joel Sangwa, Chris Applewhite, Sergi Oriol, Forster Ajago, Scott Cheevers, Brennan Creek, and Maximus Ekk
- scored multiple goals in a match for the 13th time in club history
- Maximus Ekk and Julian Gaines recorded their first assists of the season
- Isaiah Johnston served as team captain for the first time this season
- Adem Sipić and Ollie Wright scored their first goals of the season
Box Score:
Huntsville City FC (0W-0L-1D, 0SOW, 1 pt.) at Chattanooga FC (0W-0L-1D, 1SOW, 2 pts.)
Finley Stadium | Chattanooga, Tenn.
Final Score:
HCFC: 2
CFC: 2
Chattanooga wins extra point via shootout 3-2
Scoring Summary:
CFC: Taylor Gray (A: Logan Brown) 40’
HCFC: Adem Sipić 47’
CFC: Alex McGrath (Pen.) 84’
HCFC: Ollie Wright (A: Maximus Ekk) 88’
Discipline:
HCFC: Jony Bolaños (Caution) 35’
CFC: Milo Garvanian (Caution) 90+2’
CFC: Andres Jimenez (Caution) 90+6’
Lineups:
HCFC Starters: Ben Martino, Fernando Ciceron, Joel Sangwa, Chris Applewhite (Scott Cheevers 46’), Isaiah Jones (Ollie Wright 71’), Izzy Johnston (C), Sergi Oriol (Brennan Creek 66’), Jony Bolaños, Forster Ajago, Julian Gaines, Adem Sipić (Maximus Ekk 66’)
Substitutes: Simon Jillson, Jake Grekowicz, Alejandro Velazquez-Lopez, Dominic Wilson, Alexis Cerritos
CFC Starters: Jonathan Burke, Joseph Perez, Logan Brown (Duvan Viafara 90+2’), Anatolie Perpelita, Jesse Williams, Alex McGrath, Andres Jimenez, Luis Garces-Sosa, Taylor Gray (Mehdi Ouamri 79’), Ethan Koren (Callum Watson 78’), Milo Garvanian
Substitutes: Jean Antoine, Michael Barrueta, Jesus Ibarra, Jalen James, Robert Screen, Gavin Castle
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