Chattanooga FC hosted Atlanta United 2 in a drama-filled game, drawing 2-2 but claiming the extra point in a 5-3 shootout victory. The two points see the Boys in Blue return to the top of the table, with 22 points.
The game started quickly, with Atlanta United 2’s Luke Brennan firing a quick shot inside the box for the 1-0 lead inside 10 minutes. ATL UTD 2 enjoyed much of the offense early in the game, but CFC held strong in defense.
Toward the end of the first half, the game opened up for CFC. There were a number of chances for both sides in the final ten minutes of the half, but both goalkeepers stood their ground. At the end of the first half, both sides had two shots on target.
While ATL started the first half quickly, the Boys in Blue started the second half quicker. In the 48th minute, CFC defender Milo Garvanian fired into the back of the net off a low cross in the box sent in by captain and half-time substitute Alex McGrath to even the score 1-1.
Things went from bad to worse for Atlanta five minutes after the equalizer. Head coach Steve Cooke received a straight red card for dissent. Assistant Coach Jose Silva acted as head coach for the remainder of the game.
The momentum stayed in favor of CFC, holding a 16-9 shot advantage over the opposition. With time in regulation ticking, a set piece from captain McGrath found the head of Jesus Ibarra at the near post to take the first lead of the game.
The drama did not end there. In the final minute of second half stoppage time, CFC conceded a penalty. Javier Armas fired into the top right corner and sent the game into penalty kicks to settle the tie.
Both sides’ first three spot-kick takers finished their penalties, but Jean Antoine saved the fourth attempt from Atlanta United 2's Jacob Williams. Carlos Rivas fired home the game-winning shot to send the 4,115 Chattanooga FC fans home happy.
Chattanooga FC earned two points after a shootout to return to the top of the MLS NEXT Pro table. CFC’s next matchup will be at home at Fort Finley against New England Revolution II on Saturday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. ET.