Chattanooga FC remain undefeated in league play and are yet to surrender a goal in the league, after a 0-0 draw on Saturday night in Romeo, Michigan.
It was a physical battle against familiar foes, Michigan Stars, with neither side finding a breakthrough.
The boys in blue made the trip to Michigan on the back of a midweek tussle with the Birmingham Legion that went to 120 minutes and penalties. In contrast, the Stars had a two week break since their last matchup, a 2-1 win over Gold Star Detroit.
Head coach Rod Underwood made three changes to the eleven that faced the Legion.
Juan Louis started on the wing in place of Taylor Gray, Beto Alvarenga stood in for Luis Garcia Sosa in the midfield, and Jungwoo So returned to right back in place of Colin Stripling.
Throughout the first half, very few chances fell to either side. A high press employed by Michigan ensured that most of Chattanooga’s possession was not threatening to the goal. There were some moments of brilliance, especially from Damian Rodriguez on the wing, but ultimately neither goalkeeper was tested.
Play opened up in the second half as mindsets shifted from avoiding loss to seeking victory. Chattanooga began to find spells of possession in the opposition half that resulted in chances. However, just as the first half, nothing bothered the Michigan goal. On the other end, excellent defending prevented the Stars from testing Jean Antoine despite a more open game.
In the end there was not much to write home about for either side across ninety minutes as the match finished scoreless. The Chattanooga clean sheet was helped tremendously by Man of the Match Anatolie Prepelita.
Despite earning a yellow card in the 10th minute, Prepelita played a tough, physical match that prevented the Stars front men from having a sniff at goal. The Moldovan showed great discipline and consistency as Chattanooga earned a fourth clean sheet in the first four league matches, the first team to ever do so in NISA.
With another point earned, Chattanooga FC sits comfortably at the top of the NISA table having earned 10 points in four games.
Chattanooga will be looking forward to a more exciting matchup at home against the Savannah Clovers, an expansion side apt to concede goals.
The boys in blue will face them at Fort Finley on Saturday, May 6th. Tickets are available now at ChattanoogaFC.com/tickets.
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