Chattanooga Football Club were edged 1-0 by Atlanta United 2 in what was the club's first defeat of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season.
Chattanooga FC trailed for the first time this season when Atlanta United 2 opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Javier Armas converted a spot-kick after Luke Brennan's low cross had struck the arm of Farid Sar-Sar in the penalty area.
The Boys in Blue struggled to find a rhythm in attacking possession and to create scoring opportunities, so it was imperative that Jonathan Burke was in top form.
Burke made a crucial save in the latter stages of the first half when he stopped a low, driven shot from Karim Tmimi to keep CFC within striking distance at the break.
CFC found more attacking opportunities and overall possession in the second half. Jalen James had a shot on target midway through the half but it was thwarted by Atlanta United first-teamer Josh Cohen.
Substitute Andres Jimenez Aranzazu attempted a shot after some fluid build-up play and Jesus Ibarra had a shot saved by Cohen in stoppage time, but ultimately CFC were unable to find the breakthrough needed in what was the club's first defeat of the regular season.
Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood made six changes to the starting line-up from the one in the club's 1-0 win at Huntsville City on Saturday. Jonathan Burke, Jesse Williams, Farid Sar-Sar, Luis Garcia Sosa, Taylor Gray and Carlos Rivas came in for Jean Antoine, Joseph Perez, Duvan Viafara, Andres Jimenez Aranzazu, Jesus Ibarra and Mehdi Ouamri.
Chattanooga FC remains in third place in the Eastern Conference and in first place in the Southeast Division.
Chattanooga FC will now look forward to the first independent derby of the year against Carolina Core FC on Saturday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m. ET at Finley Stadium. Tickets are on sale now.