CHATTANOOGA, Tn. — Potros FC made it six wins from six in this fall’s UPSL Premier Division Georgia Zone 2. It wasn’t plain sailing for them, however, as they were made to work hard by an inspired performance from Scenic City SC at CSLA on Wednesday evening. The two goals Potros conceded marked their leakiest defensive performance this season, while the goal difference (+1) was their narrowest win yet.
Scenic City SC will take great heart from imposing these records on Potros, even if they were left empty-handed at full-time. Coming into the game with a spate of injuries, they faced an uphill task against the Spring champions, who arrived in Chattanooga with five wins from five, having scored 23 goals and conceded only six. Scenic City likely deserved at least a draw for their efforts but were undone by small mistakes and a rather baffling refereeing decision.
The visitors started blisteringly, applying immediate pressure on Scenic City with quick passing and impressive technical acuity right from the off. This early dominance paid off after just 11 minutes. A throw-in from right wing-back Caden Macias bounced in the middle of Scenic City’s box and wasn’t dealt with by several of their onlooking defenders. Potros’ long-serving forward and record goalscorer Dadynho was there, reacting quickly to perform a sweet overhead kick that sent the ball into the net past a helpless Andres Rodas. 1–0 to Potros. With their own goalkeeper having little to do, it looked like they would win easily. Scenic City had other plans.
After a number of further close calls for Potros, it was the hosts who began stamping their authority on the game.
After 22 minutes, Scenic City were applying pressure of their own on Potros’ box. The visitors failed to take control of the ball or execute an effective clearance. Scenic City winger Jack Conrad was on hand to collect the ball on the edge of the box for another attempt. His arching ball found the head of forward Adrick Hall. The young man from Chattanooga Prep showed fine composure and strength, glancing a header into the net despite the physical challenge from both Potros’ goalkeeper Cameron Verona and defender Erek Graham. The goal tied the game and meant that Potros, for all their ruthless goalscoring, had still failed to keep a clean sheet this season.
Now it was Scenic City who looked the more dominant side and began playing with a level of composure and confidence that had Potros on the back foot for large chunks of the game. Verona was called upon to make two important saves in the first half, keeping the scoreline from getting away from his team.
He could do nothing to stop the hosts from taking the lead on 26 minutes, however. A well-worked set piece that looked straight from the training ground saw an Adin Castle corner find Conrad at the near post. With one touch, he whipped a shot past Verona to put his side ahead. The crowd at CSLA, braving the frigid evening air, erupted in joy at seeing this largely unexpected lead.
As the first half came to a close, the hosts went in search of a third. Some good passing between Castle, Conrad, Hall, and Clay Gallant almost delivered the prize, only for Verona to deny them. Rodas, in Scenic City’s goal, would make the save of the game on 58 minutes when he showed great reflexes to tip an awkward deflection from his own defender over the bar, following a dangerous run and cross from Potros’ Sebi Morrello.
Elsewhere, there were a number of entertaining battles taking place. Scenic City’s Marcus Odeny demonstrated great strength and intelligent positioning, breaking down several Potros attacks in the middle of the park. Over on one wing, Potros’ Macias—whose throw-in led to the opening goal—was engaged in a well-fought game of chess with both Conrad and Castle.
The second half saw Potros come out with intent, looking to equalize and then win. It is to their credit—and their coach’s—that they showed the resilience to come back and beat this talented Scenic City team. They executed a patient, gradual game plan that saw them climb back into the match. On 69 minutes, Dadynho floated a corner into the box that again was allowed to bounce in front of goal. Untouched by a Potros player, it was unfortunately put into the net by a Scenic City player, likely Clay Gallant. A bitterly disappointing way to concede an equalizer, especially after such a long period of ascendancy.
If the equalizer was disappointing, the winner was pure frustration—and some confusion. An 82nd-minute free kick from Potros substitute Amadou Danfa was parried by Rodas after bouncing awkwardly in front of him. Dadynho collected the loose ball first, firing a low cross into the box that was tapped in by Macias. The linesman raised his flag for offside, and a lengthy consultation between him and the referee followed. In the end, and much to the disappointment of the home fans, the referee appeared to overrule his assistant, awarding the goal. From a look at the goal—albeit with only one camera angle—it appears Macias was played onside by a Scenic City defender, but the linesman surely had the best view.
So, a win for Potros: 3–2. Both sides were impressive—the home team for taking the game to their much-fancied opponents and putting on a battling and committed display that, were it not for superb goalkeeping by Verona, might have yielded a third or fourth goal to settle matters. The visitors deserve credit not just for their win, which was lucky in some ways, but for showing grit and resilience to come back. Championships aren’t just built on dominant, easy wins, but are borne of overcoming challenges and winning even when you aren’t the best team. An entertaining game that should be an advertisement for what UPSL has to offer.
The two teams will meet again this Saturday in Marietta.
SCSC Coach Josh Luff expressed happiness with his team’s battling performance, despite the loss:
“I was very proud of the boys in general for this game against a very talented Potros team. The group as a whole played very well as a unit, executed the plan very well and made the game interesting. A few unfortunate moments caused our own undoing, but considering how many injuries we have with starters, guys playing new positions, and yet to hold on that well for that much of the game, I was happy to see. I loved that they were not complacent or just on the field but were mentally focused, and if we can practice and continue to build with that level of engagement, I am very excited about the future.”
Box Score
Scenic City SC v Potros FC
UPSL Premier Division - Georgia Zone 2
Wednesday 5th November, 2025
Venue: CSLA | Chattanooga, TN
Final Score: Scenic City 2-3 Potros
Scoring Summary:
11’: Dadynho (POT)
22’: A. Hall (SCE)
26’: K. Conrad (SCE)
69’: C. Gallant (SCE) own goal
82’: C. Mesias (POT)
Discipline:
33’: P. Lima (POT) - foul, yellow
44’: S. Galicia (SCE) - foul, yellow
51’: C. Macias (POT) - foul, yellow
58’: D. Moreira (POT) - poor sportsmanship, yellow
71’: G. Castle (SCE) - dissent, yellow
Man of the Match: Dadynho (POT) - quiet for large parts of the game, but had a hand in all three Potros goals, scoring one bicycle kick and engineering the other two. Notable mention to young Jack Conrad (SCE), who also had a goal and an assist to his name.
Starting line-ups:
Scenic City: Andres Rodas, Ben Horchak, Michael Clow (C), Stiven Galicia, Adin Castle, Joselli Castilla, Marcus Odeny, Taeylor Fisch, Jack Conrad, Clay Gallant, Adrick Hall. Head Coach: Joshua Luff
Potros: Cameron Verona, Erek Graham, Danny Moreira, Caden Macias, Pedro Lima, Sebi Morrello, Kevin Ruiz, Pedro Valenzuela, Josiah Blanton, Marc ‘Dadynho’ Bineau (C), Sean McKeever. Head Coach: Frankie Ruiz
Next Game
November 9th: Potros FC v Scenic City SC, Marietta High School, Marietta, GA (UPSL)