MLS NEXT PRO: U.S. OPEN CUP - Chattanooga FC Overcomes Early Deficit to Advance Past Kalonji Pro-Profile
- Staff Writer
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattanooga FC (CFC) demonstrated professional resilience on Wednesday night, coming from behind to defeat UPSL side Kalonji Pro-Profile 2-1 at Finley Stadium. The victory officially sends the "Boys in Blue" to the Second Round of the 111th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, marking the second consecutive year the club has advanced past its opening match.
The contest was a tale of two halves, beginning with a historic moment for the visitors. In the 13th minute, Kalonji Pro-Profile was awarded a penalty kick. While CFC goalkeeper Griffin Huff made a spectacular initial save on Toni Tiente’s effort, the rebound fell to Braiden Kalonji. The 14-year-old phenom showed composure beyond his years, chipping the ball over an out-of-position Huff to give the amateur side a stunning 1-0 lead.
Ortiz and Mohand Fuel the Comeback
Despite falling behind, Chattanooga dominated the statistical battle, outshooting the visitors 11-2 in the first half. The pressure finally told in first-half stoppage time when 20-year-old midfielder Darwin Ortiz pounced on a loose ball to score his first professional goal, leveling the match just before the whistle.
Whatever was said in the locker room during the break translated into immediate results. Just 11 seconds into the second half, Ameziane Sid Mohand received a pass and drove a low shot into the bottom corner. The lightning-fast strike put Chattanooga ahead 2-1 and ultimately stood as the match-winner.
"We had a really hard half-time discussion," said Interim Head Coach Richard Dixon. "I felt we let the game start to get away from us a bit in the first half... The guys did a great goal getting that first goal to make sure we ended the half with the momentum on our side. We got the second goal and I thought the guys did a good job managing the game."
Defensive Grit and "The Beauty of the Cup"
Kalonji Pro-Profile did not go quietly, mounting a serious charge in the 74th minute that required a crucial save from Huff to preserve the lead. Chattanooga nearly added insurance late in the match when Nathan Koehler’s header rattled off the post in the 85th minute, but the hosts maintained 60% possession to see out the result.
With the win, Chattanooga FC moves into the Second Round of the nation’s oldest soccer tournament, where they await the winner of the remaining First Round matchups.
"We win and we move on now," Dixon added. "Who knows who we'll play next round. It's the beauty of the cup competition. For us, it's a chance to continue to showcase ourselves against high-level teams. These guys love to play, so the more we advance, the more they get to play."
Match Statistics:
Stat | Chattanooga FC | Kalonji Pro-Profile |
Possession | 60% | 40% |
Shots (on Goal) | 23 (6) | 7 (4) |
Passing Accuracy | 83% | 67% |
Corner Kicks | 7 | 1 |
Attendance | 2,139 | — |
Scoring Summary:
KPP: Braiden Kalonji — 13'
CFC: Darwin Ortiz — 45'+1'
CFC: Ameziane Sid Mohand — 46'
Chattanooga FC returns to league play this Saturday, March 21, for a road trip against Huntsville City FC before shifting focus back to their upcoming Second Round Cup opponent.
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