The Chattanooga Red Wolves fought hard against Forward Madison FC on Saturday night and came away with an exciting 3-1 win at CHI Memorial Stadium to secure the series win over the Flamingos. Nico Cardona scored in his second straight game at home while Mekeil Williams and Marios Lomis picked up their first goals of the season. Chevone Marsh also continued to contribute offensively, assisting Cardona’s and Lomis’ goals.
The first half began as both teams battled it out for possession in midfield.
Forward Madison took the early lead after a break away in midfield from Derek Gebhard in the 8th minute. The Red Wolves continued to apply pressure in the top eighteen but were ultimately denied scoring opportunities after a few offside positions. The Red Wolves were issued three yellow cards in the first half to Cardona, Williams, and Marsh, kicking off what would be a highly physical match from both sides. Forward Madison’s Eric Conerty was also issued a yellow card in the 38th minute. The Chattanooga Red Wolves continued to fight toward the end of the half, and Nico Cardona equalized in the 45th minute after an assist from Chevone Marsh. Both teams went into the locker room tied at one a piece.
The second half started off strong with a goal from Mekeil Williams, his first of the season, which gave Chattanooga the 2-1 lead. Chattanooga midfielder Moe Espinoza also had a great shot on target which just hit the post. The Chattanooga Red Wolves continued to build momentum throughout the half. In the 77th minute, Marios Lomis made it 3-1, his first goal with the Red Wolves since signing in June.
Both teams continued to play tough in stoppage time which resulted in Chattanooga’s Alex Tejera picking up a yellow card, as well as Forward Madison’s Stephen Payne after a tussle near the corner flag. The Red Wolves held their lead through the final whistle winning the game and series match up with a strong performance at home while extending their scoring streak to five matches.
“It’s the work put in every week: we work a lot of set pieces…the guys are putting the ball where they’re supposed to and I just head it in,” said Cardona. “We never give up…we know as the game keeps going, we get better and better and today we got the result.”
“That second half performance was the closest they’ve been to executing half start to half end all the way through,” said head coach Scott Mackenzie. “Limited transition moments, played forward when we needed to, got bodies around the ball, very very good performance. It’s just about understanding who we are–identity.”
The Red Wolves will hit the road on Saturday, September 9th to take on Charlotte Independence for the final time this season in Charlotte, North Carolina. They return home the following week to take on Union Omaha on September 16th.