Chattanooga FC is going back to the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs.

The Boys in Blue came from behind Wednesday night to defeat Huntsville City FC 2-1 at Wicks Family Field, officially securing a postseason berth for the second consecutive season.

Chattanooga fell behind on a first-half penalty but responded with goals from Alexis Arrúa and Isaiah Jones, turning a difficult road match into a massive three points.

The result moves Chattanooga FC to 13-6-7 with 50 points, continuing what has been one of the club’s strongest seasons since entering MLS NEXT Pro.

More importantly, the win confirms that Chattanooga will once again be playing postseason soccer.

Chattanooga FC Responds After Falling Behind

Chattanooga FC controlled much of the opening portion of the match and looked like the more dangerous team early.

The visitors created pressure and spent much of the opening stages pushing Huntsville back.

But soccer rarely follows the script.

In the 29th minute, Huntsville was awarded a penalty after Chattanooga midfielder Isaiah Jones was judged to have fouled Huntsville forward Jordan Knight inside the box.

Zidane Yañez stepped up and converted the penalty, giving Huntsville a 1-0 lead against the run of play.

For Chattanooga, the response was more important than the setback.

Richard Dixon’s team didn’t allow the goal to change its approach, continuing to attack and eventually finding its breakthrough shortly before halftime.

Alexis Arrúa Delivers First Chattanooga FC Goal

Chattanooga’s equalizer came in the 42nd minute, and it was a special one for Alexis Arrúa.

After a well-worked team move, Arrúa finished with a superb volley to bring Chattanooga level at 1-1.

It was Arrúa’s first goal for Chattanooga FC, arriving at a critical moment just before halftime.

Instead of heading into the break trailing after dominating portions of the first half, the Boys in Blue had completely reset the match.

That momentum carried into the second half.

Isaiah Jones Scores in Consecutive Matches

Chattanooga thought it had taken the lead in the 51st minute when Farid Sar-Sar headed in from a free kick.

The goal was ruled out, however, after referee Elvis Osmanovic determined that Sar-Sar had made light contact with his marker during the play.

Chattanooga didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity.

Just four minutes later, the visitors found the breakthrough.

Daniel Mangarov delivered a low cross toward the far post, where Jones finished the move to put Chattanooga FC ahead 2-1.

The goal marked Jones’ second consecutive match with a goal and gave Chattanooga the lead it would ultimately protect for the remainder of the night.

Chattanooga Manages the Final Stretch

The Boys in Blue had opportunities to add to their advantage.

In the 67th minute, Alex Krehl created space on a breakaway before sending his shot just wide.

Two minutes later, Krehl found substitute Alex McGrath, whose header forced a save from Huntsville goalkeeper Will Mackay.

Huntsville continued to search for an equalizer, but Chattanooga’s defense managed the final stages of the match.

Substitute Ashton Gordon nearly added a third goal in the 90th minute when his effort struck the post.

It wasn’t necessary.

Chattanooga saw out the remaining minutes and secured the three points that officially sent the club back to the MLS NEXT Pro postseason.

Richard Dixon Praises Chattanooga’s Response

For head coach Richard Dixon, the victory showed exactly what he has wanted from his team throughout a demanding season.

“We’re very excited for the guys. It’s been a demanding season and the guys have stepped up.”

Dixon also highlighted the team’s ability to adjust after Huntsville presented a different tactical shape than Chattanooga had prepared for.

“Tonight we had to make some adjustments because Huntsville came out with a different shape than we prepped for, but the guys made the adjustments and executed flawlessly to take the victory.”

That adaptability proved decisive.

Chattanooga didn’t panic after falling behind, adjusted to the match and eventually found the goals it needed.

Dixon summed up the night simply:

“I’m super proud of the guys and excited for everyone involved.”

What This Means for Chattanooga FC

The playoff berth represents another step forward for Chattanooga FC.

The club now has consecutive MLS NEXT Pro playoff appearances, giving the organization another opportunity to compete for postseason success after establishing itself as a consistent contender in the Eastern Conference.

The numbers also show why Chattanooga has earned that position.

The Boys in Blue finished the night with:

• 18 shots
• 4 shots on goal
• 1.89 expected goals
• 4 corner kicks
• 8 crosses
• 44% possession

Huntsville actually controlled 56% of possession and completed more passes, but Chattanooga created significantly more shooting volume and finished with the better xG total.

The comeback was ultimately about turning that attacking pressure into decisive moments.

Arrúa provided the equalizer.

Jones delivered the winning goal.

And Chattanooga managed the final minutes to secure the playoff ticket.

Community Spotlight: Protecting What Matters as the Season Moves Forward

Chattanooga FC’s playoff qualification is another example of what can happen when a team stays prepared, responds to adversity and handles the moments that matter. As the Boys in Blue turn their attention toward the postseason, Metro Atlanta families are also preparing for what’s ahead—and protecting the places where they live is an important part of that preparation.

Atlanta Soccer News is proud to recognize Superior Stormwater Management, a Metro Atlanta community partner focused on helping property owners address drainage, runoff, erosion and other stormwater challenges. Proper water management can play an important role in protecting a property, particularly when heavy rain creates problems that can quickly become more expensive if left unaddressed.

Whether you’re dealing with standing water, drainage concerns or erosion around your property, having the right plan can make a difference. Learn more about Superior Stormwater Management and the stormwater solutions they provide to Metro Atlanta property owners.

Next Up: Atlanta United 2 Comes to Finley Stadium

There isn’t much time for Chattanooga FC to celebrate.

The Boys in Blue return home Sunday, September 13 at 3 p.m. ET for the club’s final home regular-season match against Atlanta United 2.

The match will be part of Chattanooga FC’s Homecoming celebration presented by Erlanger.

It also sets up an intriguing matchup between two teams that have spent much of the season battling near the top of the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference.

Atlanta United 2 enters the matchup after defeating CT United FC 4-1, moving to 45 points and closer to its own first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff appearance.

That makes Sunday’s Chattanooga-Atlanta matchup particularly important for both sides as the regular season approaches its conclusion.

For Chattanooga, it is an opportunity to celebrate another playoff qualification in front of the home crowd.

For Atlanta United 2, it is another chance to take a major step toward making club history.

ASN TAKE

Chattanooga FC’s playoff qualification feels significant because of how the club earned it.

The Boys in Blue went on the road, fell behind against a Huntsville team that had more possession, and still found a way to turn the match around.

That is the kind of response teams need in the postseason.

Alexis Arrúa’s first goal for the club couldn’t have come at a better time, while Isaiah Jones continues to make an impact in the attacking third with goals in consecutive matches.

But perhaps the biggest takeaway is the response to adversity.

Chattanooga didn’t unravel after Yañez’s penalty. The team kept attacking, adjusted to Huntsville’s shape and ultimately produced the goals needed to win.

Now comes the fun part.

The playoffs are secured, but Chattanooga still has business to handle at home.

And with Atlanta United 2 coming to Finley Stadium on Sunday, the final home match of the regular season could provide another major test before the postseason begins.

• Related AtlantaSoccer.News StoriesAtlanta United 2 Beats CT United FC 4-1, Moves Closer to First MLS NEXT Pro Playoff Berth
• Chattanooga FC Head Coach Richard Dixon Opens Up on His Journey, Leadership, and Championship Vision
• FC Heads to Carolina Core Looking to Extend Unbeaten Run in Battle of the Independents
• United Loans Homegrown Forward Ashton Gordon to Chattanooga FC
• Atlanta United 2 Stuns Huntsville City FC as Arif Kovac Scores Record Five Goals in Wild Comeback

Author: Quique Lopez

Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.