Chattanooga Red Wolves midfielder Andrew Kendall-Moullin practices at Chattanooga Christian School's David Stanton Field on Feb. 8. The Red Wolves will host an exhibition match there Saturday.While goal scorers and skilled playmaking midfielders often draw quite a bit of hype, a high-octane soccer offense is only as good as the defense allows it to be.
As the Chattanooga Red Wolves look to play a high-tempo style and press the other team with the mindset of pushing forward whenever possible, fiery defender Andrew Kendall-Moullin will try to help spur those attacks.
"We definitely aim to be the aggressor and dictate tempo," said Moullin, as his last name is listed on the team's roster. "We want to score a lot of goals and get a lot of crosses in. At the same time on the back four we are working on our chemistry. We want to get clean sheets (shutouts) and lock opposing attacks down."
After three weeks of training and building camaraderie, the Red Wolves will play their first home exhibition at Chattanooga Christian School's David Stanton Field at 1 p.m. Saturday against Atlanta United 2, a developmental and feeder club for this past year's Major League Soccer champion.
Chattanooga Red Wolves midfielder Josue Soto dribbles as midfielder Andrew Kendall-Moullin trails him during practice Feb. 8 at Chattanooga Christian School.Moullin appeared in 24 matches last season for Atlanta United 2, a USL Championship club, flashing strengths as a clean passer and an aggressive defender. He completed 86 percent of his passes, not including back passes, while also connecting on 61 percent of long passes.
His new USL League One club can expect to see him go all out to deny dangerous attacks as he embraces his ability for clean slide tackles (77 percent in 2018). Winning the ball back at all costs, whether it be intercepting or tackling, will be a major boost to a high-pressing attack.
"Successful tackles and strong clearances are key for us on the back line," Moullin said. "I also can be a guy who can step forward and keep possession for the team. I plan on building to my game and helping this team win a lot of games."
As the Red Wolves prepare for their March 30 season opener, Moullin is excited about the array of leadership.
The team's average age is 27 years old. Moullin comes in on the younger side at 24, but he has experience as a team captain in his senior career, as do a handful of his teammates, who range from 22 to 34.
"We have a lot of guys who can step up and know what to do," Moullin said. "We all look to lead but also listen at the same time to one another. We can all learn and benefit from each other. It's important to push each other and trust one another. We all take accountability."
Being able to play professional soccer is a dream come true for the American-born defender who was hooked from watching his father coach at Jacksonville (Florida) University and traveling to see Manchester United and Arsenal play at a young age.
Moullin believes he is at a prime age to find his "breakthrough" and has momentum to build off with his new teammates.
"The city has been great so far," Moullin said. "We are excited to get to play in front of our fans. We have been focused on our fitness and tactics right now. It's preseason and there is some rust, but there are great moments to come."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6311.