The Chattanooga Red Wolves took down Forward Madison FC, 1-0, Wednesday in USL League One action at CHI Memorial Stadium.
With these three points, the Red Wolves further cemented themselves above the playoff line, making the push to reach the top four needed to qualify. They remain home for a match on Saturday against the boys of Maine, Portland Hearts of Pine.
It took six minutes for the Wolves’ engine to burn red hot. In the first corner of the night, Omar played short to Lelin, who set him up with a perfect angle. Omar sent it in, a strike of lightning that rolled by every Madison player and goalie to give the Wolves a single-point lead in single-digit time.
Adewole had time to shine as well, with remarkable standing and diving headers to defend when Madison had an opportunity. New signing Brandon McManus followed suit when he found himself on the attacking end of a breakaway. Put off balance by a ‘Mingo defender, he maintained possession to take a shot that forced a diving save from Manske.
Commanding in shots, corners, and possession, the Wolves showcased their dominion of the pitch.
Madison suffered a constant hammering of pressure all night, and any of the chances they seemed to have were erased moments after, with Smith only needing to busy himself with a single save. The rest was handled by his preemptive interventions and Chattanooga’s spot-on defenders.
The second half featured a brutal nine minutes of added time, but the Wolves weathered it. They’d held the lead for over an hour-and-a-half, and though the ‘Mingoes bore down with all they had, they couldn’t leave a single mark on the Den.
Pedro Hernandez nearly upped the advantage with a final shot on target toward the end, but Omar’s work proved enough. It was the most extensive shutout of the season, and one of the most-awaited.
_ Isaiah Doll
About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Founded in 2018 by Bob Martino, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club competing in USL League One. The club is committed to building a victorious culture rooted in enduring values, elite talent development, and giving back to the greater Chattanooga community. As a pillar in the region, the Red Wolves strive to inspire the next generation of players and fans by fostering excellence and integrity.
