CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Huntsville City Football Club earned a 2-2 draw to open the season against MLS NEXT Pro newcomer Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium. The hosts picked up the extra point via a 3-2 shootout win.
Chattanooga got on the board first when Logan Brown found Taylor Gray deep in the Huntsville half, who fired the ball into the back of the net in the 40th minute. Huntsville equalized early in the second half, when in the 47th minute Julian Gaines long run led to a saved shot, which was tapped in off the rebound by Adem Sipić.
Chattanooga would grab the lead back from the penalty spot in the 84th minute following a foul in the box by goalkeeper Ben Martino. Huntsville found the equalizer again just minutes later when a few passes led to Maximus Ekk finding Ollie Wright, who fired the ball into the back of the net.
The match finished tied at two, with Chattanooga picking up the extra point in a shootout, 3-2.
After the match, Head Coach Jack Collison and Wright spoke about the match, the importance of getting a point on the road, the impact off the bench, and the excitement of returning to Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium next week. Wright also spoke about the importance of knowing your role and the impact he had as a substitute.
Huntsville City FC will host its home opener against Orlando City B at 7 p.m. CT on Friday, March 22 at the Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.