Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (8-7-8) fell to FC Tucson (8-7-7) 1-0 at Kino Sports Complex on Friday night. An early penalty would ultimately decide Chattanooga’s fate.
The penalty came in the 16th minute of the match, after Tucson’s Devyn Jambga played a ball in over the top of the Red Wolves defense to Jordan Jones. Jones looked to find Guillermo Delgado who was tripped up as he approached the pass. Following the whistle, Jones finished the penalty to give Tucson a 1-0 lead.
Chattanooga created chances of their own during the first half, including a well-struck shot from Yaya Cisse in the 7th minute that flew just left of the post and a strike from Greg Hurst that bounced wide in the 29th minute. Tucson would hold on to the lead going into halftime.
The second half began with an impressive save by goalkeeper Alex Mangels after Tucson’s Erik Virgen hit a shot from outside of the Red Wolves 18-yard box. Jones nearly put another on the board for Tucson in the 64th minute, but the goal was whistled for offside.
Despite efforts from Chattanooga to connect offensively and level the match, Tucson came out on top.
Mangels recorded four key saves, two crosses claimed and one punch on the night. Defender Timmy Mehl had a solid debut with the Red Wolves, recording four tackles, two clearances and five interceptions. Midfielder Conor Doyle played true to form, recording four tackles, three interceptions and two blocks. Cisse, Hurst and Walls recorded shots for the Red Wolves.
Chattanooga continues its road-stand as the team travels to Toronto to face Toronto FC II on Friday, Sept. 6 for the second-ever meeting between the two clubs. Toronto visited Chattanooga on June 1 with the match ending in a 2-2 draw. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET, and the match can be streamed live via ESPN+.