News Summary
Chattanooga FC achieved a dramatic 2-1 victory against Huntsville City FC, expanding their lead in the Eastern Conference. After falling behind early, defender Nathan Koehler equalized, followed by Daniel Mangarov’s stunning game-winner. Goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović secured the win by saving a late penalty. Head Coach Chris Nugent expressed mixed feelings about the performance, but the team looks forward to their upcoming match against New England Revolution II.
Chattanooga – In a tense matchup at the five-star stadium, Chattanooga FC managed to pull off a remarkable 2-1 victory against Huntsville City FC on Saturday evening. This triumph not only allowed Chattanooga to secure three vital points but also expanded their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference to eight points.
The match was pivotal for Chattanooga FC, who had initially fallen behind early in the game. However, the turning point came in the 63rd minute when defender Nathan Koehler scored his first goal for the club. Koehler equalized with a header from a corner kick, which was expertly delivered by Tate Robertson.
As the game advanced, tension escalated when, in the 84th minute, Daniel Mangarov scored the decisive goal. His stunning shot from just outside the penalty area sent the crowd into a frenzy and secured the win for Chattanooga FC.
Chattanooga’s goalkeeper, Eldin Jakupović, played a crucial role in preserving the lead by saving a late penalty kick taken by Huntsville’s Blake Bowen. This save came in the closing moments of the match, where a successful conversion could have tilted the outcome back in favor of Huntsville.
Head Coach Chris Nugent acknowledged the mixed performance of his team. He expressed satisfaction with the second half’s intensity but noted disappointment with the first half’s showing. The coach made strategic adjustments by implementing two changes to the starting lineup from their last fixture against the Toronto FC II, introducing Steeve Louis Jean and Milo Garvanian. Notably, Louis Jean made his second league start for the team, while Nick Mendonca and Robert Screen were substituted early in the match.
In addition to their impressive performance on the field, Chattanooga FC’s men’s team is looking forward to returning to Finley Stadium for their next match. They will face the New England Revolution II on Saturday, May 24th, at 7:00 p.m. EST. Tickets for both this match and the preceding home opener for the CFC Women’s team on Friday, May 23rd, are currently on sale.
This victory not only boosts team morale but underscores Chattanooga FC’s strong position in the Eastern Conference as they continue their quest for success this season. The club’s supporters are increasingly optimistic about their team’s performance as they approach a crucial part of the schedule.
As they prepare to defend their lead, the team will focus on improving their first-half performance while maintaining the second-half intensity that led to their dramatic win over Huntsville City FC.
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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
