CFC

On a hot, muggy Georgia night, as lightning flashed across the sky, Chattahooligans huddled inside a building at RYSA Soccer Complex anxiously awaiting the start of the 2012 Southeast Conference championship game. After taking time off of work and driving for hours, the Chattanooga super fans were not going to let a little lightning drive them away. Chattahooligan Bill Bolen said, "We'll stay all night if we have to, but we are not leaving until the game is over." And they just about did stay all night, as the game did not begin until 9:30 p.m.

The game started with both teams vying for solid possession of the ball. Michael Brooks made a decent attempt that was stopped by Rev goalie Zack Schultze. Greggaa Hartley made a few impressive saves. Michael shot wide of the goal. Chattanooga began to better control the ball. Carl Reynolds shot a little too wide. Michael had a few more attempts. Nate Hodges received a yellow card for arguing with the referee. And just as the half was about to end the Revs were awarded a penalty kick, but Greggaa came up with a gigantic save to keep the game scoreless.

The score at halftime was 0-0 as El Conductor received an award from the Revs staff for best costume. The teams returned to the pitch for some more of the same: struggling to keep possession of the ball. Greggaa continued to be called upon to make many more impressive saves. Schultze got a bit of a breather on his end, but was tested often enough. Then it happened.

In minute 72, Luis Trude dribbled artfully past several Revs, weaving in and out of defenders with seeming ease — to coolly place the ball into the net, putting the first goal on the scoreboard. In the final 18 minutes of the game and the additional four minutes of stoppage time, both teams scrambled for possession. The heat rose as Coaches Bill Elliott and Brian Rook were instigated into pointing out that officiating errors were giving an unfair advantage to the Revs. Carl and Michael made a few more attempts on goal as the Rev goalie pushed further and further up the field to help his team find an equalizer. Greggaa continued to shut down several "sure" shots.

As the final moments ticked away, Sean McDaniel was among the over 100 Chattanooga fans that awaited a chance to celebrate a 1-0 win and a second Conference title for the four year-old Chattanooga club. Sean was smiling as he said, "We played phenomenally." Defender Jarrod Muggleton agreed, "We played as a unit, and to achieve this goal with the boys is brilliant." But Jarrod was also quick to point out that "Greggaa had the game of his life." 

Rev goalie Schultze was sorry that his team's season ended on a sour note: "I have been with the club for two years and both years we were prevented from moving on by one goal." Schultze was not completely disappointed though. He said, "We have a great bunch of guys who have worked hard all season, and I feel honored to have been their captain."

Chattanooga captain Andy Stewart also felt honored as he was prompted to retrieve the 2012 Southeast Conference trophy. After taking it to his team, Andy and the boys took the trophy to the Chattahooligans and had a group victory dance. Then, Andy tossed his cleats to John Fajardo and George Merriman. John took a sniff of a cleat and pronounced "That is the stench of victory!"

Chattanooga FC will be traveling to San Diego for the NPSL Finals, which will occur July 27 through July 29. They have also been assured a spot in the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Of the these earned opportunities Sean McDaniel reported, "It is the culmination of everything we started last November. Being able to see success on and off the field with our dedicated fans and new personnel is the fulfillment of a vision."

It was about midnight when the team bus rolled out of Conyers, GA with trophy and title and a new vision on board.