Chattanooga Red Wolves forward Juan Mare (9) scored his first-year team’s goal in a 1-1 exhibition draw against Atlanta United 2 on Saturday at Chattanooga Christian School’s David Stanton Field. It was the competitive debut for the Chattanooga professional soccer team.While a matter of inches separated the Chattanooga Red Wolves from an exhibition victory over Atlanta United 2, as Cam Vickers’ powerful shot was sent back by the crossbar in the 87th minute, a 1-1 draw Saturday at Chattanooga Christian School’s David Stanton Field left many impressed.
Going up against the Major League Soccer feeder USL Championship program, which started six teenagers, Chattanooga’s new USL League One club – loaded with experienced players – controlled the first 45 minutes with relative ease.
The Red Wolves thrived off quick counterattacks and high pressure, which led to a 7-1 shot advantage in the first half and 23-year-old Juan Mare’s goal in the 11th minute. Mare found an empty net after a caught-off-guard keeper’s tap-out pass was intercepted.
“We wanted to come out and make a strong first impression to the soccer community,” Red Wolves coach Tim Hankinson said. “I think today was a great game for the fans. I applaud them for singing the national anthem when there was a glitch with the speakers and cheering this team on.”
Vangjel Zguro nearly added to the lead in the first half with a strong free kick that was deflected out of bounds. Richard Dixon and Connor Doyle put forth strong connections, and midfielder Steven Beattie and Sito Seoane were dangerous on the attack.
Atlanta netted an equalizer as 20-year-old Patrick Okonkwo crashed the box and powered in an unstoppable shot to the lower left in the 55th minute.
“Chattanooga played well. It was a good experience for our young guys to play against a team with a veteran build,” Atlanta United 2 coach Stephen Glass said. “It’s neat to see their soccer club starting up and the support that was out here today.”
Both sides were able to get every player minutes as substitutions were aplenty in the second half.
Seemingly on the verge of a breakthrough, the Red Wolves maintained a strong press in the final 12 minutes but could not convert any of the corner kicks or runs at the net.
“We are going to keep working on higher defending, higher pressure and the timing of when we apply pressure together,” Hankinson said. “We want to force our opponents into mistakes and turnovers to spur our attack.”
Hankinson felt strongly about his starting 11 in the first half, in which Mare flashed his ability to be a striker and scorer. Trial players Dave Greczek (keeper) and forwards Jamie Dell and Vickers made solid contributions in the second half.
Dell nearly knocked in a go-ahead goal on an impressive run in the 86th minute and sent in several dangerous corner kicks.
The Red Wolves also subbed in veterans Josue Soto, Colin Falvey and Eamon Zayed in the second half. They are expected to provide strong leadership in the inaugural season.
“I felt like the shots we got off really dictated that we maybe should have come away with the win today, but I am very satisfied with how we played,” Hankinson said. “I think we will see big crowds in the future and more performances like this.”
The Red Wolves will host Georgia State next Saturday at CCS in an exhibition match free to the public.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.