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Match Recap: Cal United Strikers FC vs Chattanooga FC

Published May 4, 2021

BACK HOME WITH FANS, BACK HOME WITH A "W"

Alejandro "Chile" Araneda's first half goal secures the three points for Cal United Strikers
 

IRVINE, CA – For the first time in 14 months, Cal United Strikers FC welcomed fans back into Championship Soccer Stadium.

 

Our last home game was a 1-0 win in February 2020, and we couldn't predict what happened next with COVID-19 closing down the whole world.

 

This last Sunday, fans were allowed back inside the stadium. While keeping safe and socially distanced measures, fans and families were able to enjoy live professional soccer for the first time on a beautiful Orange County afternoon.

 

Cal United Strikers started in their normal 4-3-3 formation, with Darwin Lom, Mitch North, Garrett Hogbin, and Chile Araneda making their home debuts.

 

The opening minutes showed a confident Cal United Strikers team holding the ball, but a strong Chattanooga defense keeping them at bay.

 

Despite their possession, Chattanooga had the ball in the net in the 17th minute, but Bowers was fouled in the build up.

 

Almost immediately after, Chattanooga found space inside the Cal United Strikers box, but weren't able to capitalize.

 

Thierjung got his first bit of space in the 21st minute with a ball over the top, but the Chattanooga keeper was equal to it.

 

A minute later, Lom combined with Thierjung and found himself 12 yards, but wasn't able to convert.

 

It wouldn't matter, because Cal United Strikers were able to create a third chance in as many minutes, this time making it count.

 

Bryant's ball from the right side was dummied to Lom by Lopez, who laid it off to Chile. Chile's quick feet was able to create some quick space find a corner in the net, his first goal at Championship Soccer Stadium.

 

The goal opened the game up with both sides looking to apply some pressure.

 

In the 33rd minute, Darwin Lom had the ball in the net from a Thierjung cross, but it was judged to be offside. 

 

 

 

 

Hogbin on the ball (left); Nuno taking a shot (right).

 

 

The second half showed a change in shape for Chattanooga FC as they looked to get a goal back.

 

Thierjung found himself in some open space in the 48th minute, but his shot wouldn't be counted as he was judged to be offside as well.

 

The 63rd minute saw keeper North called into action with two saves within seconds of each other from a Chattanooga corner and free kick.

 

Cal United Strikers had chances to close out the game late in the second half, but substitutes Kaemerle and Nuno weren't able to convert.

 

Cal United Strikers FC will be playing Detroit City FC on Wednesday, May 12th at 7 PM PST. You can buy tickets at calunitedstrikers.com/tickets.

 

 

Fans can stay up-to-date on all club news through calunitedstrikers.com or by following the club on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.