After advancing to the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC fell to Major League Soccer side Nashville SC, 1-0, at GEODIS Park on Tuesday night.
In Chattanooga's first meeting with an MLS opponent and Nashville's first encounter with a USL League One side, the hosts edged past the visiting Red Wolves, advancing to the Round of 16 thanks to a first-half winner from defender Josh Bauer. Bauer's goal came in the 18th minute when he pounced on a loose ball inside the box and fired a laser past Ricardo Jérez.
Despite dominating possession and firing off 14 shots, Nashville was unable to add to its early lead, leaving the door open for a scrappy, intriguing contest.
Chattanooga struggled to break down Nashville's sturdy backline and registered only three efforts on target. The Red Wolves upped their physicality in search of an equalizer, ultimately leading to a second yellow card for substitute Alhassan Alhassan in the 80th minute, putting the match to bed.