CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 4, 2024) – Orlando City B (2-2-3, 10 points) played to a 1-1 draw against Chattanooga FC (4-1-3, 17 points) on Saturday night at Finley Stadium, the first match between the two teams with Chattanooga playing in its first season as an MLS NEXT Pro squad. The home team won the end-of-regulation shootout 5-4 to pick up the extra point.
After conceding a goal in the first five minutes of the match, Orlando picked up the equalizer near the end of the first half from forward Shak Mohammed. The goal was Mohammed’s second of the MLS NEXT Pro season, which is tied with Wilfredo Rivera for the most on the team.
Alex Freeman, Favian Loyola, Manuel Cocca, and Justin Ellis all scored from the spot for the Lions in the end-of-regulation shootout.
Scoring Summary:
3’ Mehdi Ouamri (Jesús Ibarra) - CFC 1, ORL 0
The home side wasted no time taking the early lead in the match. Chattanooga forward Jesus Ibarra led an attack deep into the Orlando defensive zone. As he moved to the center of the field, he led Mehdi Ouamri into the box to the left side of the goal. Oumari was able to hit a one-timer past goalkeeper Javier Otero to take a 1-0 lead.
39’ Shak Mohammed (Yutaro Tsukada) – ORL 1, CFC 1
Orlando was able to tie up the match as the first half was coming to a close. Forward Yutaro Tsukada found space down the left side of the Chattanooga defense. After making a move to get himself open just inside the box, Tsukada sent in a low cross in front of the goal to fellow forward Shak Mohammed, who was able to control the ball just enough to push it across the goal line to give the Lions their first goal of the match.
Match Notes:
- Sunday’s matchup marked the first time Orlando City B and Chattanooga FC have played. Chattanooga began play this season, joining MLS NEXT Pro as one of eight expansion teams for the 2024-25 season.
- Shak Mohammed scored his second goal of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, tying him with Wilfredo Rivera for most on the team.
- Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made one change to his starting lineup from his side’s last match against Toronto FC II, with Zakaria Taifi getting the start on the afternoon.
