Chattanooga FC gives up late goal to Michigan Stars, drops NISA fall season opener

Chattanooga Football Club players acknowledge their fans after a home win this season. They will be trying for their sixth in a row  overall Saturday night against Asheville City SC at Finley Stadium.
Chattanooga Football Club players acknowledge their fans after a home win this season. They will be trying for their sixth in a row overall Saturday night against Asheville City SC at Finley Stadium.

Ian McGrath extended his scoring streak to five matches, but the Chattanooga Football Club could not push its string of wins to four, losing 2-1 to the host Michigan Stars FC on Saturday night.

The Stars netted the winning goal in the four-game NISA Eastern Conference fall season opener for both teams in the 87th minute as Steven Juncaj juked a defender at the top left of the box and sent his shot to the back right corner of the net. Juncaj took off his jersey in celebration as his team went on to secure three points in the standings.

Chattanooga FC, coming off a 3-0 record in the NISA Independent Cup competition, fell behind quickly at Ultimate Soccer Arenas Outdoor Stadium in Pontiac, with the Stars' Kyle Nuell scoring in the sixth minute.

CFC's Richard Dixon created offensive chances in the second half, though, and helped draw a penalty inside the box in the 60th minute. McGrath nailed the ensuing penalty kick for his fifth goal in as many games.

Jose "Zeca" Ferraz was busy in the first half on offense, and Juan Hernandez and Topher Marshall had solid chances in stoppage time before the final whistle.

CFC's next match is in the same area, at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday at Detroit City FC.

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.

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