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Match Recap: MBFC 1 - 2 Chattanooga FC - 5.7.2022

Maryland Bobcats FC Suffer First Loss of the Season at Home
Published May 9, 2022

Written By: Kalin Hicks

BOYDS, Md. - Maryland Bobcats Football Club suffered their first loss of the season in a rain-filled home match against Chattanooga FC. 

The Bobcats came into Matchweek Seven with numerous regular starters missing from the lineup. Striker Elijah Amo, Midfielder Darwin Espinal, and Midfielder Davey Mason were all missing from action with various injuries. Christian Caulker got the start in goal, Noah Wright played on the left flank, and newly acquired D’Morea “Mo” Alewine made his first appearance since signing with MBFC. 

Unfortunately for both teams and fans alike, the state had seen nearly 36 hours of torrential rainfall leading up to kickoff. Caution was in abundance as for many games that occur during precipitation. Both teams started slow and the Bobcats noticeably controlled most of the possession in the first few minutes. 

While the players were soaked and the ball was slippery, the pitch itself was in great condition thanks to the diligent work of the Maryland SoccerPlex grounds crew. 

As the visiting team attempted to get in behind defense the officiating crew flagged the Chattanooga forwards offside numerous times as they seemed eager to get an early lead. 

The first taste of action came halfway through the first half as Chattanooga took one of the first shots on goal that went wide left. Shortly after, Manuel Gonzalez and Brandon Clegg both had good shots that went wide of the opposing team’s goal. 

Chattanooga struck first as a cross came into the box and just got past a sliding Brandon Clegg which allowed Markus Naglestad to put in the back of the net for Chattanooga’s first goal. 

As halftime came, the Bobcats tried to find an equalizer but were unable and went back to the locker room to possibly re-strategize. 

MBFC returned to the pitch with two changes to the lineup: James “Pele” Sesay was brought on for Andy Alvarado. Additionally, Sam Solomon was replaced by Joseph Boone to add fresh legs in the final third. 

The task at hand became even harder for the Bobcats as in the 51st minute, Chattanooga capitalized on a corner kick as Alex McGrath sent the ball right into the net. MBFC now down 2 – 0 were in desperate need of a goal. 

In the 63rd minute, two more substitutions were brought on: Drew Wivell came on for Noah Wright and Michael Akinkoye came on for D’Morea “Mo” Alewine. 

The fresh legs proved necessary for Maryland and the attack became much more fluid and dangerous in front of goal. Although it was a defender who was able to get one back for MBFC. In the 72nd minute, Manuel Gonzalez and Brandon Clegg set up for a free kick. As Gonzalez stepped over the ball, Clegg ran up and put his foot through it and sent a screamer past the keeper and into the top corner of the net. Being the defender’s second goal of the season, the shot proved to be one of the best this season despite the context. 

As the dying minutes came, Maryland saw numerous opportunities to equalize but the weather mixed with the Chattanooga defense proved too much. The game ended 2-1 for the visiting CFC. 

The Bobcats were without several familiar faces in the lineup and will have to find solutions as these players heal in order to return to action. The win puts Chattanooga in fourth place in the East with 5 points. Despite the defeat, Maryland remain in first place in the East as they head on the road for their next game. 

Maryland Bobcats FC will face Flower City Union in Rochester, NY on May 14th 2022. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00pm EST. The game will be streamed live on Eleven Sports at https://elevensports.com/en

Match Information

Maryland Bobcats FC: Caulker (GK), Forka, Clegg, Fane; Wright (Wivell 63’), Alewine (Akinkoye 63’), Possian, Alvarado (Sesay 46’), Majano, Gonzalez; Solomon (Boone 46’)

Substitutes: Annan (GK), Hollinger (GK), Sesay, Boone, Arbelaez, Quintanilla, Schneider, Wivell

Goals: Clegg (72’)

Bookings: Caulker (45’), Wright (45’)

Chattanooga FC: Gonzalez (GK), Robertson, Spielman, Stripling, Ward; Cerro, Bermudez (Hernandez 76’), Jones (Green 35’), Gray, McGrath; Nagelstad

Substitutes: Redington (GK), Stratton, Ferreira, Green, Rodriguez, Hernandez

Goals: Naglestad (38’), McGrath (51’)

Bookings: Green (80’)