June 9, 2026
As this year’s Georgia Impact squad came together, it became clear that the youthfulness of the side could be an issue when the club faced teams like Decatur and Chattanooga that draw big crowds and are packed with Division I and professional-level talent.
“This group is the youngest we’ve fielded in four years, but they are incredibly talented and mature,” Robert Roddie, Georgia Impact head coach, said.
Last Sunday Robbie’s squad proved just how talented and mature it is when it went into Finley Stadium to take on the top-ranked Chattanooga FC.
Playing at Finley Stadium can be daunting. The club’s loyal fans are vocal and intimidating, particularly for younger players unaccustomed to playing in front of sizable, hostile crowds. Throw in a steady rain and you have the making for an incredibly difficult afternoon.
Most teams would have been happy to go in there and make a good showing. Not this Georgia Impact side. They went believing three points could be had despite the unfavorable conditions. And that is exactly what they got, knocking off the top ranked team in the South Region with a nervy performance to earn Week Five Team of the Week presented by SOMETHINGINKED honors.
“Earning Team of the Week is a fantastic reward for the players and the club,” Roddie said.
The collective determination and grit has been on display all season. The youthful club opened 2026 on the road versus the always competitive Nashville Rhythm FC. Scoring three goals in the first half to go up 3-0, eventually grinding out a 4-3 win after Ines Obradovac scored her second on the night 76th to put the game out of reach.
The next week in the club’s home opener, the Impact displayed another gritty performance after going down 2-1 to Atlanta Fire United in the first half. This time it was Mireya Stephenson’s second half brace that saved the day giving the club its second one-goal win.
On the rainy day in Chattanooga—for the first time all season—it was the defense that was on display. The Georgia Impact back line weathered wave after wave of the Chattanooga attack, entering the halftime dressing room with the score knotted at zero. This time it was Grace Eatz’s turn to play offensive hero, heading in a cross from Callie O’Connor in the 58th minute.
Georgia Impact did not let up the offensive pressure after the goal, bending but not breaking Chattanooga’s back line multiple times while stifling Chattanooga’s attacking threats helping goalkeeper Kyleigh Hall earn the first clean sheet of the season.
“We set a high standard, and they’ve embraced it entirely. While we are proud of the recognition, no one is getting complacent. We still have a long season ahead, and our focus is locked strictly on our next opponent.”
The tests for the Southeast Conference-leading Georgia Impact continues in Week Six when the club hosts 865 Alliance on Tuesday and DECATUR FC on Sunday.
