Barea Late Goal Sends Athletic Club Boise to League One Final

Jesús Barea strikes in the 114th minute to secure Boise’s spot in the League One Final

Jesús Barea scored a decisive goal in the 114th minute of extra time to propel Athletic Club Boise into the League One Final, ending a grueling semifinal match against the Chattanooga Red Wolves. According to USLLeagueOne.com, the late strike prevented the game from being decided by a penalty-kick shootout, sealing a victory for the expansion club in its inaugural season.

The match was defined by a massive disparity in ball control. Boise dominated the tempo, maintaining 80.3% possession throughout the 120 minutes of play. Despite this overwhelming control, the club struggled to penetrate a disciplined Chattanooga defense for nearly two hours. The Red Wolves, coached by Scott Mackenzie, focused on a defensive strategy that successfully neutralized Boise’s attacks for the vast majority of the contest.

Chattanooga’s defensive resilience was anchored by 40-year-old goalkeeper Ricardo Jérez. Although Barea eventually broke through deep into extra time, Jérez recorded eight saves to keep the Red Wolves within striking distance and deny several high-probability scoring opportunities for Boise.

For Athletic Club Boise, this victory represents a significant milestone in a season that has seen the club move toward a transition to the USL Championship. The win ensures they will compete for the title in the League One Final following a run that has been characterized by high possession numbers and defensive frustration.

The Red Wolves’ campaign, however, met a sudden end just as the match seemed destined for a stalemate. While the defensive structure held firm for most of the regulation and extra time periods, the 114th-minute goal ended what had been an improbable run for the Chattanooga side.