SHERMAN, TX — In a high-stakes USL League One clash Saturday evening, Chattanooga Red Wolves earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Texoma FC thanks to an early header from defender Declan Watters. The win propelled Chattanooga to the top of the league standings—if only temporarily—and reaffirmed their position as one of the most dangerous defensive sides in the competition.
It took just nine minutes for Chattanooga to find their breakthrough. Following a well-earned set piece near the corner flag, Wynand Wessels delivered a pinpoint cross into the box where Declan Watters, completely unmarked, rose high to head the ball into the net. The early goal gave the Red Wolves the edge they needed to dictate the pace of the match and ultimately hold on for all three points.
Prior to the goal, the match had already sparked into life. Chattanooga goalkeeper Jason Smith was forced into a massive one-on-one save less than a minute after kickoff when a turnover in the back nearly gave Texoma an immediate lead. The Red Wolves responded in kind, with Pedro Hernandez nearly scoring off an Omar Hernandez cross that kissed the outside of the post.
Smith was a standout throughout the match, showcasing elite shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. He made five total saves on the night, two of which came in one-on-one situations that could have easily shifted the outcome of the match.
In the second half, Smith’s backline offered him little reprieve. Texoma surged in possession, creating several half-chances and testing the Chattanooga defense. Midfielder Ajmeer Spangler had a promising look late in the first half, only to see his shot tipped over by Smith.
Even when the Red Wolves had a chance to cushion their lead from the penalty spot, they failed to capitalize. Matthew Bentley’s spot kick in the 53rd minute was smartly saved by Texoma goalkeeper Javier Garcia, who made his third consecutive penalty save since earning the starting role in May.
After conceding early, Texoma controlled much of the possession but struggled to carve out quality chances in the final third. Their best opportunity came in the dying moments when substitute Diego Pepi sliced through defenders inside the box, only to fire just over the crossbar.
Despite their spirited effort and home-field advantage at Bearcat Stadium, Los Pájaros couldn’t find the equalizer. It marked their first loss after returning from a road trip and highlighted the razor-thin margins in the race for playoff positioning.
The matchup was a tactical chess game between two sides that pride themselves on structured, disciplined defense. Chattanooga’s early lead allowed them to retreat into a compact shape, absorbing Texoma’s pressure and frustrating the hosts with every passing minute. It was a defensive masterclass that spoke volumes about the Red Wolves' maturity and ability to manage games on the road.
With the victory, Chattanooga (10-7-2, 39 points) vaulted into the top spot in USL League One, albeit having played one more match than second-place Spokane Velocity (37 points). The win adds fuel to a strong summer surge as Chattanooga prepares for a critical three-game homestand at CHI Memorial Stadium beginning August 23, when they’ll host South Georgia Tormenta FC.
Texoma FC (5-6-8, 21 points) now finds itself in 8th place, just outside the playoff line but still very much in contention. With only 11 matches remaining in their inaugural campaign—and a grueling August slate featuring six games—every point becomes crucial.
The Red Wolves showed exactly why they are climbing the League One table: tactical discipline, clinical execution, and the kind of gritty performances that define championship contenders. Texoma, meanwhile, displayed promise and resilience but will need to convert possession into goals if they hope to remain in playoff contention.
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season. And for Chattanooga, every match at CHI Memorial feels like more than a game—it’s an experience.
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