Chattanooga FC (0-2) dropped its second straight match in its inaugural season, losing 2-0 at Rocket City United in Huntsville.

On a beautiful night for soccer, over 600 fans showed up to watch a good game - and that’s just what they got.

Chattanooga FC got off to a solid start by putting some early pressure on Rocket City’s goal, but could not find the net. Rocket City United (2-1-0), currently in first place in the Southeast Conference of the NPSL, soon began to create some dangerous scoring opportunities of their own. Both team certainly had their fair share of chances throughout the first half, but Richard Masters, Chattanooga’s keeper, and the Rocket City keeper kept things knotted 0-0 going into the half.

“Richard played phenomenally tonight,” remarked Jimmy Weekley, Chattanooga FC assistant coach. “He really kept us in the game by making some key saves throughout the game. He made saves on shots that definitely should have been goals.”

Beginning the second half in full field high pressure, Chattanooga FC set the tone for the second half immediately. “Coming out of the gates, we wanted Rocket City United to know that this was our game and that we were going to dictate speed of play for the second half,” said Fynn Glover, central midfielder for Chattanooga FC. And that’s what they did - Chattanooga played high pressure the rest of the game creating many great scoring opportunities. In fact, they outshot Rocket City 20-17, but could not find the right touch to get the goal they needed to take the lead.

In the 60th minute, Rocket City United’s Norbert Webley got the go-ahead goal off of a cross to the back post. Norbert climbed the ladder and won the header, putting back across the face of the goal into the side netting. “It was a very frustrating time to get scored on,” said Chattanooga forward Sheldon Grizzle. “I felt like we were starting to play well and creating some good opportunities.”

Play continued at a blistering pace with end-to-end excitement, and it was just a matter of time before one of the teams put another one away.

Nearing the end of the game, Chattanooga FC pushed another player up top to play with three forwards. While this definitely created some new offensive firepower, it left Chattanooga exposed in the back and Rocket City United found the back of the net on a scrappy goal to put the game away.

“Overall, I thought we played really well. We just need to work on our finishing,” remarked Chattanooga Head Coach Brian Crossman. “That’s what we’ll be working on this week.”

Chattanooga Football Club’s next match is home at Finley Stadium on Sunday, June 7, at 7 p.m.

For more information about Chattanooga FC, visit www.chattanoogafc.com.

About Chattanooga Football Club

Chattanooga FC provides quality soccer matches and a family friendly environment at the region’s largest sports venue, with the goal of attracting spectators from the area’s widely diverse cultural community to enjoy the world’s favorite sport. The team is comprised of high-level players holding amateur status to maintain collegiate eligibility, and will serve as an engine to develop great players and as a showcase for professional coaches. The club is currently operating as a 501(c)3.