Chattanooga FC outlasts Atlanta United, 2-1, in preseason opener

On a bright and chilly afternoon at Finley Stadium, MLS Next Pro side Chattanooga FC prevailed late over Atlanta United in Atlanta’s first match of their preseason, 2-1.

Ronny Deila rolled out a mixed lineup for the first 45 minutes consisting of some first team locks like Alexey Miranchuk and Brad Guzan alongside up and coming Homegrowns such as Luke Brennan, Dominik Chong Qui, and Matt Edwards.

The team played in a 4-2-3-1 formation as expected, with both Muyumba and Klich sitting deep in midfield, and one dropping back with the centerback pairing of Abram and Cobb as the fullbacks Chong Qui and Edwards pushed high up the flanks. The team stayed high, with both wingers staying forward to apply pressure to the opposing backline along with Thiare.

In the first half, Alexey Miranchuk saw a few looks at goal, one free kick from about 25 yards out which forced a diving save from Chattanooga goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic. Later in the half, a shot from the attacking midfielder glanced off the outside of the post.

The younger players in the lineup tended to get involved, namely Dominik Chong Qui at left back showing his physicality and whipping in some decent crosses and Luke Brennan at right wing beating defenders with pace and creating a few chances.

Chattanooga also had a couple opportunities of their own, but one shot was able to be blocked by Noah Cobb, while another close chance sailed just over the fingertips of Brad Guzan and over the crossbar. After 45 minutes, though, the match remained scoreless.

Wholesale changes were made at the half, with Superdraft pick Ronan Wynne, newest Homegrown signing Will Reilly, and latest addition Cayman Togashi all taking the pitch.

Reilly and Togashi almost worked their way into a goal, with Reilly winning possession back high up the pitch and playing a ball across to Togashi just in front of goal, who didn’t connect well with the ball and sent it spinning wide of the net.

Togashi had a better look around the 74th minute, but a powerful effort fell right in the gloves of Chattanooga goalkeeper Michael Barrueta.

In the 80th minute, a Saba-driven corner kick found the head of Wynne, who placed one into the bottom corner of the goal to finally open the scoring.

Mere moments later, Chattanooga responded with a goal of their own. Jesus Ibarra fended off a challenge from Efrain Morales and dribbled around Josh Cohen, then took a second to celebrate before scoring the equalizer.

Chattanooga wasn’t done there, though. The hosts won a free kick in the 87th minute, which was swung into the box and connected for a shot, which was initially saved by Cohen before another Chattanooga player tucked home the rebound to take a late lead.

A late opportunity arose for the Five Stripes late in stoppage time, as Edwin Mosquera found himself open in the box for a strong volleyed effort which was matched with a terrific save from Barrueta to conserve the scoreline and give Chattanooga a 2-1 victory.

Atlanta United will return to preseason action with a visit to the Birmingham Legion in a weeks’ time on Saturday, February 1st.