CHATTANOOGA CHALLENGE:Red Top FC Puts the Cherry on Top in 4–1 Win Over Georgia United
- William White
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
LakePoint Sports Complex | Cartersville, GA | 8:00 PM Kickoff
Just days after a difficult opening loss to Potros FC in the 2026 NSN Chattanooga Challenge, Red Top FC found themselves back under the lights for the second round of tournament play. In the opener, Potros delivered a 5 to 1 statement win that exposed Red Top’s early stage chemistry under new head coach Kennet Fosuhene. Tuesday night at LakePoint Sports Complex in Cartersville, however, told a very different story.
In the minutes before the 8 PM kickoff, the air carried a competitive rhythm. At this level, the players looked at home. The warmups were sharp, the touches were crisp, and both sides understood the stakes. The Chattanooga Challenge is more than preseason minutes but an honest measuring stick and a mirror for clubs before they enter the regular season.
When the referee signaled the start, Georgia United wasted no time setting the tone.
Within the opening three minutes, Georgia United carved through the Red Top defense and found the net, stunning the home crowd and putting Red Top on the back foot early. It was exactly the kind of fast start that suggested Red Top might be in for another long night.
Instead, it served as a wakeup call.
Red Top labored for the next 10 to 15 minutes, searching for composure. Georgia United’s defensive organization and early build up play, anchored by captain Enrique Cortez and goalkeeper Jacob Ortega, initially kept Red Top at bay. But gradually, the momentum began to shift. Red Top tightened their spacing in midfield, started winning second balls, and forced Georgia United into uncomfortable areas.
The equalizer finally came after sustained pressure. A well worked sequence in the attacking third resulted in Dailin Allen finding space and finishing past Ortega to bring the match level. The goal changed everything. Red Top’s body language lifted, while Georgia United suddenly found themselves reacting rather than dictating.
Just before halftime, Red Top delivered a decisive blow.
Chris Johnson launched a trademark long ball from deep that dropped perfectly into the path of the Red Top attack. The ball was quickly slipped to Dailin Allen, whose first effort was blocked brilliantly by Ortega. But the rebound fell kindly back to Allen’s feet, and the striker reacted instinctively, tapping home his second of the night to give Red Top a 2 to 1 lead heading into the break. It was a sequence defined by precision from Johnson and relentless awareness from Allen.
At halftime, Coach Fosuhene urged his squad to stay aggressive and maintain their rhythm. With fresh legs and renewed confidence, Red Top emerged in the second half in full control.
The difference was most evident in possession. Red Top’s build up became seamless. The midfield players helped circulate the ball efficiently, while wide outlets stretched Georgia United’s shape. Rarely were they prevented from entering the attacking third. The tempo was patient but purposeful.
Georgia United showed grit and quality in moments. They recycled possession well and attempted to reset through midfield, but their attacking presence faded. Too often they advanced to the halfway line only to lose a duel and find themselves scrambling defensively. Long balls forward failed to produce consistent danger, and Red Top’s back line dealt comfortably with aerial threats.
Red Top’s third goal came after another direct delivery into the box. A long cross caused hesitation, and when Ortega fumbled the ball under pressure, Red Top reacted first, slotting home to extend the advantage.
The final goal put the cherry on top of the Red Top performance.
Dominic Mendy threaded a precise slide rule pass into the path of Matthewos Habtemichael, splitting the defense and leaving him one on one with Ortega. Habtemichael calmly tapped the ball past the goalkeeper and sprinted toward the corner flag in celebration as teammates swarmed around him. It was clinical, composed, and symbolic of Red Top’s second half dominance.
What began as a potential setback turned into a statement response. While the matchup was expected to be tighter, Red Top’s 4 to 1 victory showcased the growth within the program. The partnership between Red Top FC and Potros FC appears to be accelerating development, and under Coach Fosuhene’s leadership, the Cartersville club is beginning to find its identity.
Georgia United will now look to regroup as they prepare for an even sterner test. Up next, they face Potros FC in the following Chattanooga Challenge fixture on Wednesday, Feb. 25. After witnessing Red Top’s response performance, the question shifts to whether Georgia United can deliver one of their own.
If Tuesday night proved anything, it is that the Chattanooga Challenge is doing exactly what it was designed to do. It is revealing character, exposing gaps, and offering clubs across North Georgia an opportunity to grow under competitive lights.
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