Stumptown Falls in Season Finale to Chattanooga FC 1-0

MATTHEWS, NC - On a cold and clear night at the Matthews SportsPlex, Stumptown AC battled to a hard fought 1-0 loss against Chattanooga FC to close out the 2021 NISA Fall season.

With a lineup depleted by late season injuries, Stumptown showed its depth and versatility early in the game holding possession for the first 10 minutes of the game consistently.

Play opened up after the initial rush and was back and forth thru to a scoreless half. The closest chance of the opener frame came for the visiting Chattanooga attack, having a goal called back for offside on a rebound put back after Stumptown AC goalie Kevin Gonzalez made a highlight reel save.

After the break, Chattanooga FC took a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute on a Brett Jones goal inside the box. The assist came from Damian Rodriguez on a swinging cross from the right wing.

Stumptown nearly leveled two minutes later, with winger Travis Ward driving a cross to the top of the 18-yard box for a surging Colin Stripling to run onto. Stripling’s right footed bid curved just outside the post to keep the Stumps down a goal.

Travis Ward had a score of his own pulled back for an offside call that was questionable on replay. Stumptown striker Elliot Cutts may have been offside on the near post run, but didn’t make a play on the ball that affected the action.

As time ticked off the clock, the Stumps pushed for an equalizer that was never to be found. Typical to form, there was never any quit in the home team, but with goals at a premium Chattanooga stole the three points.

With the result, Stumptown AC finishes the fall slate with a record of 4-8-6 with a disappointing final run of the year, dropping three of its last four matches.

Breaking for the holiday season and new year, Stumptown will take the next two months off before regrouping for preseason in February 2022 in preparation of a full spring to fall NISA schedule.

Stumptown would like to thank all their supporters, partners and community sponsors for their support this season.

For news on community involvement, player signings, open tryouts and combines with Stumptown AC, turn to www.StumptownAC.com and follow our social media channels.