To kick off the 2023 season, 3,059 of the Red Wolves faithful descended upon CHI Memorial Stadium as the smell of soccer, stadium food and beer surrounded the turf stage that is visible from the interstate.
But both offenses were as stagnant as the traffic at the I75/I-24 split in the Chattanooga Red Wolves’ home opener against the Northern Colorado Hailstorm, as the 90-minute contest ended in a 0-0 draw.
The Hailstorm won the battle for shots on goal (8-4), but prime opportunities were a rarity for both teams. The contest was a matter of exterminating any early nerves, as neither team necessarily went for a knockout punch. It was like two boxers feeling each other out in the opening rounds.
Chattanooga and Northern Colorado will face off two more times this season, and I would expect for haymakers to be thrown by then.
As for right now, the Red Wolves are seeking their identity for the 2023 season after many departures from last year’s USL League One Finals run.
“Give us a couple of games and we will get it right,” said Red Wolves head coach Ziggy Korytoski to the home crowd following the tie.
Chattanooga’s defense shined in the effort, as evident by the score and shot statistics, but a dominant second half performance kept the Hailstorm from sniffing the net. The Red Wolves cannoned 24 clearances to stall any offensive attempts made by Northern Colorado.
Red Wolves’ goalkeeper Carlos Avilez warded off the shots made by Northern Colorado in great succession. Avilez would be awarded the player of the game for his duties at protecting the net and has already become a reliable asset for the Chattanooga stalwart defense for the 2023 campaign.
Last year, Chattanooga settled to a 1-1 draw against Forward Madison FC in the season opener, so Red Wolves fans should have no concern about the outcome. In fact, the new Koytoski era is just getting started.
Game Summary
NORTHERN COLORADO 0 0 — 0
CHATTANOOGA 0 0 — 0