CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Sunday, March 1, 2026) - Crown Legacy FC took down Chattanooga FC 4-1 in its 2026 season opener at Finley Stadium. CLFC saw Rodolfo Aloko, Nimfasha Berchimas and Emmanuel Uchegbu find the back of the net.
The home side struck early, forcing a turnover in the midfield in the first minute. Forward Alexander Krehl got a shot off and was blocked away by CLTFC Academy keeper Graham Quinn Syrett, but Damian Barker John was nearby to follow it up and give Chattanooga an early lead.
Crown Legacy pulled one back in the 16th minute. Midfielder Andrej Subotić got things started at the top of the 18-yard box, slipping a pass through to Uchegbu running in on the right flank, who had his initial shot blocked, but controlled the rebound and stabbed it past Chattanooga's keeper.
CLFC took the lead into the halftime break thanks to a header from Aloko, who rose up and flicked in a header from the middle of the penalty area. Midfielder Aron John set the play off with a free kick on the left side of the box.
In the 52nd minute, Subotić played a ball out to Berchimas out on the left wing, who danced his way into the box and cut around two Chattanooga defenders before curling a shot into the top right corner of the net.
Aloko capped off the scoring in the 89th minute when he forced a turnover deep in Chattanooga's defensive half, bltizing towards goal and sending a shot right up the middle of goal.
Crown Legacy FC returns to play on Friday, March 6, when the Club hosts Huntsville City FC for its home opener. Kickoff at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Match Notes:
- Rodoflo Aloko scored his first and second goals with the Club.
- Emmanuel Uchegbu scored his first goal of the year. The Nigerian scored six goals in 2025.
- Andrej Subotić tallied two assists while Aron John claimed his first of the season.
- Academy goalkeeper Graham Quinn Syrett made his professional debut at 18 years, one month and nine days old.
- MLS SuperDraft signees Will Cleary, Andrew Johnson and Nathan Richmond each also made their professional debuts.
Scoring Summary:
- 1' - CFC - Damien Barker John (Unassisted)
- 17' - CLFC - Emmanuel Uchegbu (Andrej Subotić)
- 45'+1' - CLFC - Rodolfo Aloko (Aron John)
- 52' - CLFC - Nimfasha Berchimas (Andrej Subotić)
- 89' - CLFC - Rodolfo Aloko (Unassisted)
Disciplinary Summary:
- 37' - CLFC - Willian Sangoquiza (Caution 🟨)
- 40' - CFC - Farid Sar-Sar (Caution 🟨)
- 63' - CFC - Tate Robertson (Caution 🟨)
- 90'+2' - CLFC - Ashton Kamdem (Caution 🟨)
