Chattanooga FC wins penalty shootout against Atlanta United 2 to move to the top of the standings

CFC-Chattanooga FC hosted Atlanta United 2 in a drama-filled match, drawing 2-2 but winning 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 match started quickly, with Atlanta United 2’s Luke Brennan firing a quick shot inside the box to take a 1-0 lead in 10 minutes. ATL UTD 2 took advantage of much of the offense early in the match, but CFC held strong on defense.

Towards the end of the first half, the match opened up for CFC. Both teams had numerous chances in the last ten minutes of the half, but both goalkeepers held on. At the end of the first half, both teams had two shots on target.

While ATL started the first half quickly, the Boys in Blue started the second half faster. In the 48th minute, CFC defender Milo Garvanian fired into the back of the net from a low cross into the box sent in by captain and halftime substitute Alex McGrath to level 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 match.

Momentum remained in CFC’s favor, holding a 16-9 advantage in shots over the opposition. As normal time expired, a free kick from captain McGrath found the head of Jesus Ibarra at the near post to take the first lead of the match.

The drama did not end there. In the last minute of stoppage time of the second half, CFC conceded a penalty. Javier Armas fired into the top right corner and sent the match to penalties to settle the tie.