From May to early-August, the Chattanooga Football Club’s NPSL iteration was defined by gaudy goal-totals and brutal counterattacks. However, CFC’s NISA form, at least through three matches, has been marked by low scores and disjointed play. CFC’s 6-0 obliteration of Napa Valley did more than just secure Chattanooga’s first win as a professional club. It also (hopefully) marked a return to the aesthetically pleasing play-style the team in blue were known for.
It took less than 60 seconds for Chattanooga to take the lead in sunny California, during a sequence started when CFC ripped possession away from Napa Valley.
Juan Hernandez flashed his impeccably precise passing powers when he looped the ball downfield and hit a streaking Max Wilschrey in stride, who had burst behind Napa’s defense. The tall striker belted the ball at the goal upon first-touch, easily beating the lonesome keeper for Chattanooga’s first score of many.
Bizarrely enough, Chattanooga then went scoreless for nearly the rest of the half, only scoring again in added time. Cameron Woodfin’s free kick from the left sideline wobbled into the far post, where Juan Sanchez stood ready for action. Sanchez did the rest, guiding the ball into the net and doubling CFC’s lead. After the goal, CFC’s players converged in a group celebration, appearing to be a mass of pixels on the less-than-stellar Mycujoo stream.
It might not precipitate often in Napa Valley, but Chattanooga made it rain goals in the second half. The first of the four was a beauty, where midfielder Genki Miyachi made a ground-ball pass to Hernandez on the opposite side of the field, who then rifled the ball diagonally toward the goal to Woodfin, who popped another short pass to Wilschrey, who netted his second goal of the match.
The following three goals almost appeared excessive, as Napa Valley was obviously overmatched against the southern team. Aside from Alun Webb’s trademark breakaway score, Chattanooga ripped through Napa Valley with quick passes and superior ball-movement on their way to one of their most dominant wins of the season.
With their first win in hand, Chattanooga waltzes on to Milwaukee with momentum and three more points. They play the Milwaukee Torrent at 8:00 EST next Saturday.