Zeca Ferraz helped lead the way as the Chattanooga Football Club rolled to its first National Premier Soccer League victory of the season.
The opportunistic striker slotted home a score past the keeper and finished a powerful cross from Caleb Cole for the first two goals in Saturday night's 4-0 win over Inter Nashville FC at Finley Stadium.
"The biggest thing about this win was the change in attitude we had from the second the whistle blew," Zeca said. "We were more alert and driven. We weren't going to waste opportunities. We have so many quality offensive players, and it was just a matter of time before we broke through."
Cole and company pressed extremely hard early to create chances, many of which involved Joao Costa energizing the home crowd with his dangerous playmaking.
While CFC keeper Phil D'Amico was not allowing a goal, a pair of second-half subs helped make the game a rout late.
Felipe Oliveira sent a cross that slipped under the keeper to Max Wilschrey for the third goal. A minute and a half later, Oliveira flashed his accuracy sliding in his shot to the bottom left corner in the 89th minute.
"Team is the most important aspect about it all," said Cole, who was a ball boy for CFC as a child. "We put everything together and played as a family. The (Chatta)Hooligans were phenomenal again. It means everything for me to be a part of this organization and step onto this field."
Earning a much-needed three standings points, CFC (1-1-1) executed offensive switch-ups well in its formations against Inter Nashville (2-3-1).
Zeca nearly netted a hat trick. He made a run down the middle that required a brilliant stop from two defenders to send his shot harmlessly away from the net.
"We have to create space for our front-runners," Cole said. "Zeca put away a couple of great goals tonight. As an outside midfielder it's my job to press and work hard on the ball. We wawnt to make it tough for the defense."
With a quick turnaround to host Atlanta SC this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Costa and several key starters were taken out midway through the second half.
The win gives CFC four points for the season and confidence to get things rolling in the Southeast Conference Division of the NPSL, which Ashevile City SC leads with 10 points through five games.
"We have a lot of great players and tremendous depth again," Zeca said. "I really like the group we have. I think we are more experienced than we have ever been in my career here. I was really impressed by Caleb tonight. I hope to continue to make strong runs like I did tonight and create space in many more wins."
» The USL League One matchup of the Chattanooga Red Wolves at South Georgia Tormenta FC was called off due to lightning Saturday night and will be rescheduled.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.