The Red Wolves traveled to ERK Russell Park in Statesboro, GA. Saturday night to take on Tormenta FC. Obleda’s Red Wolves looked to extend their unbeaten streak to five games, while Tormenta looked to pick up three points at home. The rain poured and made lives on both sides difficult in the first half, as both teams struggled to find footing in the match. Possession was hard to come by as both sides pressed well and made it difficult to keep the ball in the downpour. In the first half the Red Wolves created multiple opportunities in the harsh weather, and Tormenta only managed one shot on goal.
The second half started in more upbeat spirits as both sides looked to press on from dismal first half displays. Despite Chattanooga dominating over 60% of possession in the match, it was Tormenta who put in the first and only goal of the match in the 59th minute to put themselves ahead 1-0. An effort from the side’s leading scorer Marco Micaletto was saved well by Sebastian Mora-Mora but the rebound fell straight to Azaad Liadi who only had to tap into the empty net for the goal. Nearly 10 minutes later, the Red Wolves nearly found an equalizer as Carrera-García crossed brilliantly to Jonathan Ricketts, but his headed effort went wide. Seconds before the final whistle blew, Carrera-García let a well struck shot fly from nearly 25 yards out just barely missing the Tormenta goal.
Manager Jimmy Obleda looked for inspiration from the bench in the form of Juan Galindrez and Rey Ortiz, the latter of whom making his much-anticipated debut. Both made a substantial impact on the match, with the Red Wolves attack brightening up, but neither managed to find the all-important breakthrough. Jimmie Villalobos came on late, but the Red Wolves were denied an equalizer, as a dominant last 15 minutes ended without a goal for Obleda’s side. The 1-0 result was the first loss of the young season for the Red Wolves, and an all-important second victory for Ian Cameron’s Tormenta FC.
The Red Wolves look to rebound next week Saturday, June 12 at 10 PM EST as Obleda’s side travels to take on FC Tucson.