Moe Espinoza on Target Once Again as Red Wolves Battle in Tucson
September 26, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC News Release
The Red Wolves were back in action on Saturday as the squad traveled to the Grand Canyon State to take on FC Tucson. Coach Weekley made two changes from the side that drew against Richmond, bringing Juan Galindrez in for Alex Tejera and DJ Benton in for Aaron Lombardi.
The Red Wolves were on the front foot early through Moe Espinoza, as he received a pass from Juan Galindrez in the 11th minute and fired at goal just missing the frame. After a chance for Tucson at the other end, Galindrez would get a chance in the 23rd minute as he lashed at goal from outside the box from a well-placed ball from Jose Carrera-Garcia, with his powerful effort missing just off the target.
Galindrez would almost score in the 26th minute as the Red Wolves played a brilliant counter-attack spearheaded by Josue España, who played a ball to Rafa Mentzingen who would eventually find Galindrez who had his effort saved by the Tucson goalie. After the sustained period of pressure, Tucson would win a penalty for a foul in the box with Daniel Bedoya stepping up and scoring to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.
Four minutes later however, the Red Wolves would win a penalty of their own for a hand ball in the box. The in-form Moe Espinoza would step up and finish coolly to level the score line at 1-1 in the 35th minute. A bit of back-and-forth action from both sides would see no reward as the sides went into the locker room level at one apiece with a penalty for each side.
Tucson would start the second half off with a goal in the 48th minute, as Kaelon Fox got on the end of a pass from Giovanni Calixtro and found the back of the net to put the hosts back ahead 2-1. The Red Wolves would get a chance in the 56th minute, as Carrera-Garcia played a great ball in the box to Mentzingen whose powerful header just barely missed nestling in the top right corner. Minutes later, Carlos Avilez would make a big stop for the Red Wolves, denying Donny Toia to keep the score 2-1.
The Red Wolves would make their first change in the 61st minute, as Iván Gutierrez replaced Jimmie Villalobos. In the 67th minute, DJ Benton saw his second yellow card as he was sent off for a foul. Juan Galindrez nearly scored in the 73rd minute with a great effort from inside the box that needed a good save from the goalkeeper to keep the hosts ahead.
Coach Weekley would make a double substitution to introduce fresh legs in the midfield in the 78th minute, bringing on Rey Ortiz and Ualefi in place of Mentzingen and España. The visitors would put up a spirited fight down a man in Tucson but would be unable to find the equalizing goal in the last 15 minutes as the hosts would hold on to their 2-1 lead.
The Red Wolves are back at the Den for the last home game of the regular season next Saturday, October 1st. A crucial playoff six-pointer as they welcome the Charlotte Independence for match week 28 of the USL League One season.
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