CFC sprints to title in 3-0 win
The Chattanooga Football Club wrapped up an NISA Independent Cup championship with a 3-0 victory over Soda City FC on Saturday night at Finley Stadium.
CFC completed the Southeast Region’s round robin with another dominant performance, going 3-0 and outscoring its competition 8-1 in the return-toplay event. The only other match this season for the 12th-year club was a tie in its National Independent Soccer Association and professional debut in late February.
Although fans were not permitted in the stadium due to coronavirus precautions — just as in a 3-1 win against Georgia Revolution FC on July 11 and a 3-0 win against Savannah Clovers FC on July 18 — CFC displayed plenty of energy the visitors from Columbia, South Carolina, as first-year head coach Peter Fuller’s team once again got off to a quick start.
From midfield, Juan Hernandez started the action by sending a deep pass down the right sideline to wingback Richard Dixon, who patiently dribbled toward the net before passing back to Jose “Zeca”Ferraz, whose shot from 12 yards away was deflected by the Soda City keeper.
Opportunistic center forward Ian McGrath did not give up on the play, though, charging in to hammer the ball into the back of the net in the fifth minute. The former USL Championship player has scored in all four matches this season.
Hernandez also had the assist two minutes later as Brian Bement notched his fourth goal of the tournament, and reserve forward Kaleb Jackson completed the scoring in the 64th minute.
CFC will open its NISA fall schedule next Saturday at Michigan Stars FC.
For more CFC coverage, see Monday’s Times Free Press.