The Chattanooga Red Wolves battled to a 1-1 draw with Texoma, Wednesday night at CHI Memorial Stadium in USL League One action.
Chattanooga and Texoma both came into the match on Wednesday night looking to rebound off losses.
Omar Hernadez and the home side opened the scoring in the 38’ minute. Hernandez recorded his third goal of the season after cutting inside on his left at the corner of the eighteen-yard box and bending a ball far corner around a Texoma defender. The first half did not provide many scoring opportunities for either side which would send the Red Wolves into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The hosts started off the second half strong, almost doubling their lead. Greyson Mercer lofted a ball into space at the back post finding right wing back Joshua Ramos unmarked. Ramos attacked it heading a ball on frame, but the Texoma keeper managed to come up with a huge save to keep the visitors in striking distance.
The Red Wolves’ next scoring opportunity presented itself just a little over ten minutes later. Pedro Hernandez was in behind after Ramos headed a ball into space for Hernandez to pick up. The striker raced in behind creating a one-on-one opportunity at the corner of the six-yard box, but Texoma’s keeper came up with another huge stop.
Momentum started to shift in the visitors favor after Ramos picked up his second yellow of the match after a reckless challenge resulting in the Red Wolves having to play down a man for the remaining part of the contest. Ramos’s sending off came in the 60’ minute.
Chattanooga held steady through 90 minutes of play allowing just one shot on goal. Nine minutes of extra time was shown giving the away team life and plenty of time to tack on the tying goal which they did. After a quick throw in by Texoma and a failed clearance by Chattanooga, Sergio Chavez struck a half volley beautifully from about 25 yards out to level the score.
Both Ricard Jerez and Matthew Bentley were shown red later in extra time. With the draw and the point, Chattanooga remains in fourth in the latest standings.
“Overall, a disappointing evening” Head Coach Scott Mackenzie said. “I feel and my team feel that we were really let down by a poor evening from the officials.
“That being said it once again showed the character and resolve of this special group to play against major adversity and to still come away with a point. It’s keeps us in contention.”
The Red Wolves have a huge fixture on deck as they are set to collide with Spokane Velocity FC who are atop the league with 29 points.
“Spokane on Saturday will be a massive test, Mackenzie stated. We know they have been flying in the league, but we like challenges, and we will be up for this one.”
Chattanooga sits five points back and can close the gap on Saturday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at CHI Memorial Stadium.
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