MLS NEXT PRO: U.S. OPEN CUP - Youthful Spark and Veteran Grit Propel Chattanooga FC to Second Round
- Staff Writer
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattanooga FC is moving on. In a match defined by a 14-year-old’s historic strike and a clinical professional response, Richard Dixon’s side overcame an early scare to defeat Kalonji Pro-Profile 2-1 on Wednesday night. The victory marks the second consecutive year that CFC has successfully navigated the opening round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The night began with an early "wake-up call" for the hosts. In the 13th minute, CFC goalkeeper Griffin Huff appeared to be the hero, brilliantly parrying away a Kalonji Pro-Profile penalty kick. However, the rebound fell perfectly for Braiden Kalonji. The 14-year-old showed Remarkable composure, chipping the ball over a scrambling, out-of-position Huff to give the amateur side a shock 1-0 lead.
Ortiz and Mohand Turn the Tide
Chattanooga refused to panic, maintaining a relentless offensive rhythm that saw them outshoot the visitors 11-2 in the opening stanza. The breakthrough finally arrived in first-half stoppage time. Honduran midfielder Darwin Ortiz—who has emerged as a key figure in the 2026 campaign after seven appearances last season—hammered home his first goal for the club to level the score at 1-1.
If the first goal provided hope, the second provided the knockout blow. Just 11 seconds into the second half, Ameziane Sid Mohand caught the Kalonji defense sleeping. He drove a low, clinical strike into the bottom corner of the net, handing CFC a lead they would not relinquish. The goal marked Mohand's first for the club and served as the eventual match-winner.
"Still Dancing" Into the Second Round
While CFC has navigated mixed results in league play early this season, their offensive output remains a bright spot. The club has now netted eight goals across four matches in all competitions in 2026.
"We stayed patient and trusted the process," the club noted following the comeback. "Getting those goals on either side of the halftime whistle completely changed the energy of the match."
Chattanooga FC now looks ahead to the Second Round of the Open Cup, but the "summer of soccer" schedule offers little rest. The team makes a short road trip this Saturday, March 21, to face Huntsville City FC in MLS NEXT Pro action.
Match Highlights:
Historic Moment: 14-year-old Braiden Kalonji becomes one of the youngest scorers in Open Cup history.
Club Firsts: Both Darwin Ortiz and Sid Mohand recorded their first career goals for Chattanooga FC.
Efficiency: CFC scored the match-winner just 11 seconds into the second half.
The opponent and location for CFC’s Second Round matchup will be determined following the conclusion of the remaining opening-round fixtures.
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