Chattanooga FC fell 3-1 to Crown Legacy FC on Sunday evening in Matthews, North Carolina, snapping an MLS NEXT Pro era club record 11-match unbeaten run.
The hosts scored the opener in the 25th minute when Andrej Subotić headed in a cross sent in by substitute Mikah Thomas.
Chattanooga FC created more dangerous chances throughout the match (1.40 xG to CLFC's 1.00) and outshot its opponents 23 (8) - 11 (5) on the night. CFC had a club high for shots attempted so far this 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular season.
However, Crown Legacy forward Hugo Mbongue capitalized off a misplaced back pass five minutes after the halftime break and slotted in to extend the lead 2-0.
Heads did not drop and the Boys in Blue continued to fight. Alex McGrath struck the post in the 61st minute after a dynamic team move. CFC found a route back into the match when Daniel Mangarov scored off a second-chance play after Damien Barker John's shot was initially saved in the 63rd minute, rifling in his second league goal of the season.
Head Coach Richard Dixon made several substitutions and tactical adjustments in an effort to find an equalizer, but it would be Mbongue with the final word as the striker scored against the run of play in the 83rd minute, slotting in a shot into the bottom corner.
Despite the defeat, the Boys in Blue hold on to second place in the Eastern Conference with four matches remaining in the regular season.
Next up
CFC returns home to Fort Finley as the Push to the Playoffs presented by Ruby Falls continues on Saturday, August 29 in the final Battle of the Independents of the year against Carolina Core FC. Tickets are available now at CFCTIX.com.