A very nice outing last night for Chattanooga FC at the scrimmage, with an impressive win over the visiting Nashville Metros 5-0. At least 150-200 fans were on hand to get a glimpse of what might be the new starting lineup come May 22 for our first game in league play away to Atlanta FC. I suspect more might’ve braved the game had not the weather forecast been so gloomy — and they missed out on a great match and no rain:
Earlier in the week Chatt FC looked less impressive running a new formation against Sewanee and winning just 4-1. But on Sat night the team looked to be firing on all cylinders.
The Nashville Metros are a player development team in the USL’s PDL league (similar to our NPSL, but a different league with many more teams around the country) and have been in existence since the 80′s. They only brought 11 players, so they had no subs. Was this a case of underestimating Chattanooga FC? Or are they simply not as organized as we are? Regardless, fatigue clearly became a factor.
The first half started well with both sides playing well and making opportunities for themselves. The first slip up came at about the 30 min mark when N’ville fouled in the box and Ivan Heredia slotted in the PK. Just before the half, a defensive letdown resulted in an easy goal for CFC (the new guy Chris from Kenya, or was it Luis Salazar?). 2-0 at half.
Things really got one sided in the second half with CFC dominating and scoring quite easily. Even the bench got in on it at the end. I am kicking myself for not remembering who scored and when — can any of our readers fill in my blanks? I distinctly remember Irvin Espinal’s nice blast, and perhaps Chris tucked in a beauty from a cross – but who else scored? Can you readers supplement my commentary?
Overall, a nice result against a comparable opponent. Fatigue obviously got to Nashville, but Chatt FC has definitely got some skill… Good signs for the rapidly approaching season?
I think one of the ball-boys scored at the end… and maybe the t-shirt vendor as well.