Alex McGrath’s spot-on corner kicks lift undefeated Chattanooga FC to road win

Staff file photo by Patrick MacCoon / The Chattanooga Football Club remained undefeated in NISA play through 14 matches this season with Saturday's 2-1 road victory over Gold Star FC Detroit.

Chattanooga Football Club midfielder Alex McGrath was locked in from the left corner mark in Saturday's 2-1 road victory over Gold Star FC Detroit.

The home team converted a penalty kick in the 25th minute for a 1-0 lead, but McGrath helped keep Chattanooga FC's undefeated streak in National Independent Soccer Association play this season alive through 14 matches.

First, McGrath equalized in the third and final minute of stoppage time in the first half as his corner kick from the left sideline curled in to the top right side of the net for an "Olimpico" goal. In the 66th minute, he made his mark again from the left corner, this time finding Jesus Ibarra at the near post, where Ibarra drilled in a header to the left corner of the net for the go-ahead goal.

Detroit (3-8-0) went from bidding for the upset to not gaining any points at all in the standings, where it sits seventh in the nine-team league.

CFC (10-0-4), which has outscored league opponents 25-5 this season, is solidly first with 34 points, 10 ahead of Albion San Diego (7-3-3).

The next match for CFC is at home. The Savannah Clovers (1-9-2) visit Finley Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Eastern next Saturday.

Compiled by Patrick MacCoon. Contact him at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.