Red Wolves Add Defender Aaron Lombardi to Squad
The left back returns to the team after a year with South Georgia Tormenta
Chattanooga Red Wolves announced the signing of defender Aaron Lombardi today. The 29 year old Argentine left back had been a free agent after spending the 2024 season with South Georgia Tormenta, and with Chattanooga in 2022 and 2023.
With Tormenta, Lombardi made 16 regular season appearances, contributing a goal and two assists. When in the roster, he was a regular starter at left back or left midfield.
Lombardi was a key part of the 2022 Chattanooga squad that made a run to the USL League One final. That season, he appeared in all but one match, making 27 starts and contributing a goal and two assists.
There were no details provided regarding the terms of the contract.
Where Lombardi Fits in Chattanooga’s Roster
The left side of the pitch has been fluid this season for Head Coach Scott MacKenzie. In a 3-5-2 setup, center backs man the back line, with Declan Watters on the left side. In the last match, a 3-1 loss at Greenville, left midfield duties fell to Jordan Ayimbila, who also slots in at left back in a defensive 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 setup. MacKenzie used those setups during the team’s four-match win streak, changing only after the 2-2 draw at FC Naples on June 14th.
Lombardi should at the very least add another depth option on the left side. At this time, no injuries have been announced.
Chattanooga will travel to FC Tulsa in Jägermeister Cup action on Saturday, June 28th. With Indy Eleven and Birmingham Legion sitting on two wins each in the group, both Chattanooga and FC Tulsa face elimination from winning the group with a loss.
Chattanooga previously lost to Birmingham, then earned two points with a penalty win over Forward Madison. Tulsa previously lost to One Knoxville in penalties, then lost in regular time to Birmingham.