Chattanooga FC advanced to the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup after an extended battle against amateur side Corpus Christi FC. Super sub Markus Naglestad made the difference with a header in extra time to help the professional side reach Round 2.
The occasion marked milestones for both clubs; Corpus Christi FC made its debut in the Open Cup after an impressive, high scoring performance in the USL League Two Lone Star Division. Chattanooga brought more experience to the battle, featuring in the Open Cup for the 10th time, looking to avenge a first-round loss in 2024.
Chattanooga FC entered the match with an undefeated start to the season under new head coach Chris Nugent. Nugent was sure to field a strong eleven for the match, noting the quality of the amateur side they were facing.
“I know they’re an amateur team, but they’re not a pub team. They’re high-level players.”
Corpus Christi head coach Manuel Iwabuchi travelled with a squad that was heavily changed from the side that reached the USL2 quarter-finals last year, but talented nonetheless.
The match proved to be a physical affair with few chances actually testing the goalkeeper on either end. Corpus Christi did well to absorb the pressure of their opponents and even carved out a few chances on the counterattack. Ultimately, both sides were quicker to pick up a foul than to allow a sniff at goal, and despite spells of pressure from Chattanooga, ninety minutes passed with more yellow cards than efforts on target, and nothing more than routine saves at either end.
Perhaps the most important moment of the first ninety came in the 76th minute, when Markus Naglestad subbed in for Chattanooga. The club’s all-time top goal scorer was ready to add to his tally.
As the ninety minutes ended, with extra time and the threat of penalties looming, there was a hint of cupset in the air, as the Open Cup so faithfully produces every round. Chattanooga brought extra urgency to extra time, and it paid dividends in the 112th minute.
After a spell of pressure and possession, Chattanooga got the ball to the feet of Milo Garvanian on the left wing. His whipped in cross split two defenders to find the head of Markus Naglestad. The Norwegian made no mistake as he nodded the ball down into the far corner, finally beating the keeper and giving Chattanooga FC the 1-0 lead.
With the lead finally in hand, Chattanooga was able to comfortably see out the game, earning a victory and second round berth after 120 minutes. After the game, Naglestad described the emotions of breaking the deadlock in extra time.
“They did a great job. And obviously, when it goes into extra time, you’re playing a team that on paper you should beat, so you’re kind of dreading, are we going to pens? We were just lucky that we were able to get that one goal we needed to survive and advance.”
In advancing, Chattanooga FC now face cross-town rivals Chattanooga Red Wolves for the first time ever. The historic second round matchup will take place at Finley Stadium on Wednesday, April 2.