The Chattanooga Red Wolves hosted One Knoxville SC in the first round of the new USL Jägermeister Cup. After a scoreless first half, a 48th minute header from One Knox led to a 1-0 win for the visiting side. The intrastate rivals will meet again in cup competition on Saturday, July 20th and in regular season action on Friday, August 16th, both in Knoxville, before finishing the regular season matchup at CHI Memorial Stadium on October 5th.
Much of the first half stayed in the midfield as each side looked to break through and grab the first goal of the night, trading throw-ins and aerial duels.
Chattanooga collected two shots early and held Knoxville to one shot in the opening 15 minutes. The physical rivalry was renewed as well as two yellow cards were issued to One Knoxville.
Goalkeeper Tim Trilk, making his first appearance in USL League One play, stood tall for Chattanooga and made several key saves as Knoxville pressed. The Red Wolves were held off on a handful of set piece chances with a corner kick chance from Ricky Ruiz that went wide, a free kick that was knocked out of the box, and a shot from a very dangerous position well within the box for Declan Watters that was kicked just over the crossbar and out of play right before the end of the 1st half.
The clubs headed to the locker rooms in a nil-nil stalemate.
Knoxville found the back of the net early in the second half off of a free kick outside of the box that was headed past Trilk for a 1-0 lead.
Chattanooga looked to inject new energy into the match with their first substitutions of the night to bring on Mayele Malango and Chevone Marsh, both of whom collected a shot shortly after entering the match.
The Red Wolves found themselves focusing on defense for much of the second half as Knoxville worked to extend their lead to two goals. Marsh provided an offensive spark in the 84th minute, barreling into the final third forcing One Knox to make a last ditch tackle within the box. A free kick opportunity in the 87th minute was also booted out by Knoxville.
After five minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle, ending the contest and cementing the 1-0 score in favor of the visitors.
“It was a lot of 50/50 battles in the game,” said Leopoldo Hernandez. “I felt like we could have been better in many aspects…I like the direction we’re going. Thank you to all of our fans, we’re hard-working guys and we’ll be better in the next one.”
Chattanooga will go into a bye week before returning home on Saturday, May 11th to face the Richmond Kickers in the second round of the USL Jägermeister Cup and Margarita Madness + Tacos & Tequila Night. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.