Alun Webb found himself in a familiar setting: streaking down the pitch on a breakaway in the
7. After Juan Hernandez’s lead pass led him past the defense, Webb’s only obstacle was the
prowling Detroit City goalkeeper. As he entered the box, Webb slowed down ever so slightly,
and began to load up for the inevitable volley.
That shot never came, as Detroit’s Tendai Jirira made a tackle behind Webb and separated the
ball from his control. Play continued as Webb pleaded for a penalty kick, as it appeared he had
been fouled on the tackle attempt. This play encapsulated the Chattanooga Football Club ‘s
less-than-spectacular start to their new life as a professional team. Following a 1-0 loss to New
York, CFC lost their next match to Detroit City, this time 2-1.
Detroit City had a bit more luck on the counterattack in the first half, when Marcello Borges
chipped in an easy finish past Phil D’Amico. His score was made possible by the patient play of
Cyrus Saydee, who waited for the lone Chattanooga defender to commit to him, before
whistling a pass to his partner on the wing, thus leading to the easy fastbreak finish.
This goal seemed to be a while in the making, as both teams seemed to move the ball
throughout the midfield with ease. Chattanooga in particular was creating good chances on
several occasions, even if those chances were squandered in the end.
Another counterattack goal in the 60th minute gave Detroit a 2-0 lead, and Chattanooga
seemed to be reeling. However, Alun Webb gave Chattanooga some daylight when he took a
long pass and belted the ball in between the keeper’s legs, producing Chattanooga’s first goal
of their NISA season. While he may have been fouled, the infraction did not affect the shot.
However, the no-call 71st minute certainly did, and Chattanooga never could recover from this
botched opportunity. Webb had a chance to even the score (again) in the 88th minute on yet
another fastbreak, but his shot was deflected by the keeper.
Chattanooga will be back at home this Saturday, when they play the Michigan Stars FC.