Chattanooga FC came out on top in their final home game of the Fall 2021 season with a one-nil win over Michigan Stars FC courtesy of Damien Rodriguez’s first goal of his professional career. Three points were needed to keep CFC’s hopes of a top half finish alive and that’s exactly what the players and fans got on a cold night at Finley Stadium.

The game was a tale of two halves as CFC were quick off the blocks at the beginning of the game, dominating proceedings especially for the opening 25 minutes. CFC ended the first half with just about 60% of the possession, in threatening areas too. Michigan Stars failed to capitalize on a few dangerous fast breaks, and were ultimately punished when Damien Rodriguez slotted home in the 29th minute. Both defenses worked well in general to prevent that final pass needed to get a shot away, with only a few, high quality chances coming along. The game in general felt pretty slow- the ball was dead for nearly 18 minutes in the first half, with all sorts of throw ins and goal kicks being taken with no rush (for reference, the ball was dead for only 10 minutes in the first half of CFC v Stumptown).

The Stars realigned in the second half as Michigan flipped the possession script, holding the ball for much of the half in the middle of the park. In this flurry of possession, the Stars generated 1.07 xG, including a justly awarded penalty that was smashed onto the bar by Kyle Nuel. Alec Redington was called into action to make a few crucial saves in the dying moments of the game, ensuring that his clean sheet remained intact. Once again the game was played without much urgency, especially from the lead holders CFC. It felt like the ball was in Redington’s gloves most of the half, whether from claiming a cross or taking his time on a spot kick. Both keepers were bold in coming off their lines; the Stars’ penalty came from a failed Redington claim, and Zimbabwean international keeper Tatenda Mkuruva nearly crossed the halfway line a few times to win the ball. They both had me nervous!

Overall, Chattanooga FC may consider themselves lucky to walk away with three points; the Stars generated plenty of chances and Kyle Nuel was unlucky to miss his penalty attempt as well as a one-on-one chance in the first half that he fired over the bar. However, CFC were rewarded for their high press from the first whistle. The true star of the night was Damien Rodriguez, showing that dreams do come true as the Dalton native took his chance to shine with a goal in the 29th minute.

Chattanooga FC’s season ending trip to the Stumplex in Matthews, NC saw the Boys in Blue emerge victorious with a one-nil win over Stumptown AC. It was not a vintage performance but the three points were enough to see CFC rise to the top half of the NISA table after a campaign where we may have hoped for a bit more. We can look back on this match with extra intrigue as Stumptown’s then head coach Rod Underwood has since crossed over the mountains to join Chattanooga FC.

We can certainly empathize with Stumptown supporters who may feel that they deserved something from the match. Rod Underwood employed a possession-hungry “four-two-freedom” lineup that did very well retaining the ball and pinning in CFC for much of the game. Stumptown reached a staggering 63.8% possession, of which 38% was spent in CFC’s half of the pitch. This possession was not devoid of threat, with the team accumulating an xG of 1.48. Stumptown’s commentators on Eleven Sports touched on the topic of goal scoring throughout the match. The club has struggled massively to score throughout the season, and frankly doesn’t have an out-and-out striker to rely on. On a side note, I’m excited to see if this trend of Stumptown underscoring is constant throughout the season- I think we have some great strikers at CFC and if Underwood soccer is really creating chances then CFC will thrive this coming season!

Chattanooga FC sprung a few surprises in their lineup, opting to use a rarely seen back four and pushing the defensive stalwart Nick Spielman into more of a stopper position. Sitting back on 36.2% possession (with 61% in their own half) meant that CFC needed real quality in their outlets when they won the ball. Two players stood out the most going forward. James Kasak (who gave Stumptown nightmares in the reverse fixture) and Damien Rodriguez were CFC’s best players on the field, displaying great quality and skill as they provided CFC with progressive movement and passing. Rodriguez was the best of the lot providing quality end product as well, sending in crosses that resulted in a shot off the upright from Markus Naglestad in the first half and the lone goal (scored by Brett Jones or a Robert Hines own goal? Depends on who you ask) to seal the deal, even netting once himself, although it was called back for offsides. In total, CFC racked up an xG of 1.1, justly reflected in the score.

There were no big surprises in terms of flow of the game, with CFC starting the best in each half and Stumptown growing into each half. CFC did let Stumptown have a few quality looks on goal but they were of course unable to convert. Most of these chances didn’t even hit the frame; Alec Redington got his clean sheet, but the Stumptown strikers didn’t make him work very hard for it.

All in all, although it wasn’t Chattanooga’s best night out, they walked away with three points against a well structured Stumptown team that has struggled to score.