Chattanooga FC Becomes First Independent MLS NEXT Finalist

Chattanooga FC rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat Columbus Crew 2, 3-2, and win the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference title, with Farid Sar-Sar heading in Tate Robertson’s cross in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Alex McGrath and Damien Barker John scored earlier in the comeback, while Sar-Sar’s late winner sent the club to its first MLS NEXT Pro Cup final and made it the league’s first independent team to reach the championship. Chattanooga will host LAFC 2 at Finley Stadium on November 8; LAFC 2 reached its first final by winning the Western Conference, and both clubs are making their first Cup appearances.