
This match was already next on my list to see more of Rod Underwood in action, but given Chattanooga FC’s signing activities of the last week, there’s much to see in this late season matchup between Chicago House AC and Stumptown (Stumpnooga?) AC at the SeatGeek Stadium. Four of CFC’s new signings started (three for Stumptown, one for Chicago) as Chicago House found a 2-1 victory over Stumptown.

Much of the game was spent in a scuffle of attrition; neither team was able to settle into a rhythm as both opted for a high tempo, high press game. Nearly every touch was challenged, with neither team opting to sit back behind the ball. Chicago House pressed really high up, recording more possession in Stumptown’s half than their own. 63% of the battle took place in the middle of the park, with the two teams sharing under 15% of the ball in attacking areas, meaning most of the chances created came from quick counterattacking play. In the melee, chances fell to both teams throughout both halves. Stumptown found the back of the net first, but the ball had just edged out of bounds in the build up to rule out the goal. The teams went in level at the break but came back out with the same intensity, and Chicago House finally put one past the Stumps in the 53rd minute. Colin Stripling looked to have pulled back a point for Stumptown in the 79th minute, but Chicago pulled ahead in the 86th minute and didn’t give Stumptown another sniff at goal.

Of the new signings, I was happiest with Franky Martinez; very calm and collected on the ball, not drawn into unnecessary tackles, but physical when necessary. Stripling got Stumptown’s only goal of the game, and Cerro was involved in much of what was good in Chicago’s build up play. Both teams created plenty of chances, but neither midfield (nor standout new CFC signing) was really able to take control of the game. Stumptown’s woes once again came from a lack of target men up front to put the chances away. I’m certainly excited to see who Chattanooga FC signs up front for the 2022 season, as they will no doubt be backed up by one of the most talented midfields in the league. At the time of writing, Brett Jones is the only forward listed on CFC’s website; maybe we’ll see more soon!
Thank you for your support so far! I can’t wait to write these as the games happen rather than months later. Thanks!