Read on for a full recap, including post-match reaction, photos and more.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 23, 2025) – Chattanooga FC Women started its 2025 WPSL campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over UFA Gunners at Finley Stadium.
Reese McDermott and Chattanooga native Kennedy Ball both scored braces to ultimately propel the Sky Blues to an important opening win in the Peachtree Division in the Southeast Conference within the South Region.
Returner Annalisa Vincent scored the fifth and final goal from an assist by Elisa Dean.
Ball's first goal of the evening was the pick of the bunch as she flicked in a low cross sent in by Hannah Tillett, showcasing the Chattanooga native's superb skill and talent.
McDermott's second of the night showcased the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers standout deadly pace and skill as the striker picked the ball up from halfway and dribbed past multiple defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.
Chattanooga set the tone early and were dominant throughout the contest and will look to carry momentum from the performance into next week's tie with Georgia Impact.
"The girls played really hard," said Head Coach Juan Hernandez. "We've been with each other for two weeks, so there's still room for improvement. With the little amount of time we've had and the quality of work we've put in, this is a really good start. We're starting the see the relationships between players. That's going to be key. The more we strengthen those relationships, the better we'll be in the long run."
Ball also gave her reaction to a dominant opening performance.
"This just goes to show how this team has come together and grown. The coaches have done such a good job recruiting and bringing in a lot of players from all over the place. We mesh really well already. There are a lot of different personalities and it's been fun meeting everyone and creating those relationships."
The Sky Blues will be back in action at Finley Stadium on Friday May 30th at 7:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale now.
Athlete of the Match: Reese McDermott
Box Score:
Chattanooga FC Women (1W-0L-0D, 3 pts.) - UFA Gunners (0W-2L-0D, 0 pts.)
Finley Stadium | Chattanooga, Tenn.
Final Score:
CFC: 5
UFA: 0
Scoring Summary:
3’: Reese McDermott - CFC
18’: Kennedy Ball - CFC
34’: Kennedy Ball - CFC
59’: Reese McDermott - CFC
85’: Annalisa Vincent - CFC
Discipline:
38': Madison Nicolas (UFA)
Line-ups:
CFC starters: Maddie Smith, Kaylie Smith, Kei Yoneda, Jordan Crockett, Bella Valentine, Mae Hunt, Hannah Tillett, Kennedy Ball, Annalisa Vincent, EG Dillard, Reese McDermott
Substitutes: Kyleigh Hall, Kasie Vigil, Billie Jean Davies, Rine Yonaha, Brady Livingston, Annick Lolita Manga Zouma, Tori Soutuyo, Ella Attaway, Elisa Dean
Head Coach: Juan Hernandez
UFA starters: Elke Travis, Naomi Moleka, Bailey Mullen, Lauren McCloskey, Ashlyn Koutsos, Brielle LaBerge, Kate Markey, Layla Sirdah, Sarah Sirdah, Sydni Whitehead, Madison Nicolas
Substitutes: Hadley Collier, Grace Stair, Lissette Sanchez
Head Coach: Ignace Moleka
Post-match reaction
Head Coach Juan Hernandez and midfielder Kennedy Ball spoke after the opening victory at Fort Finley.
Best photos
