In an intriguing MLS Next Pro encounter on 9 May 2026, International Miami B fell to a 2‑1 defeat at home to Chattanooga. The match, played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, saw the visitors overcome an early deficit to secure all three points. The result underscored Chattanooga’s resilience and highlighted the development challenges facing Miami’s reserve side.

Match Recap

International Miami B started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute. A clever through ball from midfielder Carlos Álvarez split the Chattanooga defence, allowing winger Felipe López to slot home with a composed finish. The early goal energized the home crowd and seemed to put Miami in control.

However, Chattanooga gradually grew into the game. Their midfield, anchored by captain Drew Moor, began to assert itself, and the visitors started to create meaningful chances. In the 35th minute, a swift counter‑attack caught Miami’s defence out of position. Forward Ethan Johnson rounded the goalkeeper and equalized with a simple tap‑in.

Second‑Half Turnaround

The second half saw Chattanooga take the initiative. They pressed higher and forced Miami into errors in possession. The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when a long ball over the top found substitute striker Jordan Thomas. He held off a defender and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2‑1.

Miami pushed for an equalizer, with Álvarez and López both coming close. But Chattanooga’s defence, organized and physical, held firm. Goalkeeper Sam Howard made a vital save in the 78th minute, tipping a venomous volley over the bar. Miami’s frustration grew, and they finished the game with ten men after a red card to defender Yohan Torres for a second bookable offence in stoppage time.

Key Tactical Observations

• Miami’s early pressing: The hosts started aggressively, forcing Chattanooga into mistakes, but they could not sustain the intensity for the full 90 minutes.
• Chattanooga’s midfield control: Once Drew Moor and his partners settled, they dictated the tempo and cut off Miami’s supply lines to the attackers.
• Set‑piece vulnerability: Miami struggled to deal with Chattanooga’s direct approach, particularly on long balls and second balls.

Standout Players

• Jordan Thomas (Chattanooga): The impact substitute scored the winner and provided a physical presence that troubled Miami’s defence.
• Felipe López (Miami): The winger scored the opening goal and remained Miami’s most dangerous attacking outlet throughout.
• Drew Moor (Chattanooga): The veteran midfielder controlled the game’s pace and led by example in the second half.

Season Implications

For International Miami B, the loss exposed a tendency to fade after strong starts – an issue that will need addressing if the reserve side hopes to climb the MLS Next Pro standings. Chattanooga, meanwhile, will take confidence from a hard‑fought away victory that showcased their ability to adapt and finish matches strongly. As the season unfolds, both teams will look to build on the lessons from this engaging contest.