The Chattanooga Red Wolves may be peaking at just the right moment. After a mid-season malaise saw them go winless for five straight matches, the Red Wolves’ 2-1 triumph over Tormenta FC on Saturday gave them their second win in a row. Despite only possessing the ball 38 percent of the match, Chattanooga was able to capitalize on the few opportunities they were given against one of the better squads in the league.
Sito Seaone received a pass in a scoreless match against Tormenta, surrounded by defenders who were still a few yards away from him. Seaone took advantage of this space, and made a decisive cut to his left, evading the centerback directly in front of him. From this point, the Chattanooga forward accelerated past the remaining three defenders, and arrived at the top of the box with a good look at the goal.
Seaone then planted his right foot in the grass, loaded up his left, and blasted the ball in between the pipes. The Tormenta keeper was unable to re-direct the ball, and the Red Wolves took a 1-0 lead with 56 minutes gone by in the contest.
Tormenta’s Lucas Coutinho attempted to one-up Seaone with a wondrous score of his own 10 minutes later. After also receiving a pass while surrounded by opposing players, he suddenly cut back against the grain and created space for himself. He then propelled a low shot through the Red Wolves defense and goalkeeper Alex Mangels.
Chattanooga secured their second straight win in the 83rd minute on a counterattack of sorts. Newcomer Greg Hurst had entered the game as a late substitute, and showed off his vaunted speed when he zoomed down the pitch and nabbed a long pass. Hurst then meandered across the box before dropping a pass to his fellow substitute Josue Soto, who only played nine minutes in the match.
The pair’s fresh legs proved to be an advantage for the Red Wolves, as Soto was able to accurately ping the ball to the far left corner before Tormenta’s tired defenders had a chance to recover.
The win vaults Chattanooga past Tormenta in the standings. Now ranked third in the USL League One, the Red Wolves are only four points behind league-leading North Texas. Chattanooga plays the pride of the Lone Star State next weekend at David Stanton Field.