Chattanooga FC advanced in the United States Open Cup with a narrow 2-1 victory over Kalonji Pro Profile on March 19, 2026. In a classic cup tie filled with drama, the lower-division home side held off a spirited challenge from their opponents to book their place in the next round of the historic tournament. Kalonji Pro Profile took a surprise lead early in the second half, but Chattanooga responded with two quick goals to turn the match on its head and secure a memorable result. The match process was tense, with the opening goal coming against the run of play before Chattanooga's rally, capped by a stunning winner from outside the box. The key incident was a potential penalty appeal for Kalonji Pro Profile waved away by the referee in the dying minutes, a decision that sparked controversy. The standout performance came from Chattanooga's captain, who scored the equalizer and provided the assist for the winner, embodying the team's fighting spirit. This result ends Kalonji Pro Profile's cup run and allows Chattanooga to look forward to a potential draw against a Major League Soccer side. The managers' reactions differed sharply, with the winning coach praising his team's heart and the losing manager expressing frustration over the officiating. Both teams fielded strong starting XIs, with Chattanooga leveraging their home support at Finley Stadium.