Corpus Christi falls six points behind the final playoff position despite a late goal from EJ Johnson at Cabaniss Athletic Complex.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (October 7, 2026) — Corpus Christi FC’s push for a playoff berth suffered a setback Wednesday night, as Fort Wayne FC claimed a 3-1 victory at Cabaniss Athletic Complex to move six points clear of the Sharks with three regular-season matches remaining.
The Sharks controlled the pitch early, generating several opportunities in the attacking third during the opening 25 minutes. The opening goal nearly arrived in the sixth minute when Parker Vasic unleashed a shot from outside the box, with the deflection falling to Jake Keegan inside, who narrowly missed high of the crossbar.
Corpus Christi threatened again in the 20th minute when Blake Bowen played a short throw-in from 20 yards out before sending a cross into the box toward Bubu Medina, whose header narrowly missed the target.
Despite the early chances created by the Sharks, Fort Wayne found the breakthrough in the 33rd minute. Javier Armas received the ball back following a short corner and fired a shot from 18 yards out to put the visitors ahead.
Fort Wayne doubled its advantage just four minutes later through Kabiru Gafar, taking a 2-0 lead into halftime. Corpus Christi entered the break with a 7-4 advantage in shots but trailed 3-1 in shots on target.
The Sharks came out with increased pressure after halftime, holding 76 percent possession during the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Corpus Christi continued to push forward, but Fort Wayne nearly added a third in the 70th minute when an attempt by Taig Healy narrowly missed the right post from close range.
The visitors eventually found their insurance goal in the 79th minute, as Jack Thomas’ curling free kick found former Corpus Christi League Two center-back Tiago Dias inside the box, who headed home to extend Fort Wayne’s advantage to 3-0.
Corpus Christi were no strangers to a late comeback, however, having scored 14 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches throughout the season. The Sharks responded just four minutes later.
Blake Bowen drove into the right side of the box before a Fort Wayne defender’s challenge deflected the ball toward the center, where forward EJ Johnson collected the loose ball and finished from close range for his first USL League One goal of the season.
The Sharks continued searching for another breakthrough through multiple set pieces in the closing minutes, but Fort Wayne held firm to claim all three points.
After the match, EJ Johnson reflected on the emotions within the club surrounding the defeat.
“Just a little disappointed not to get the result,” said Johnson. “But football’s a game of emotions and difficulties, so we’re just going to keep trying to fight and push for the playoffs and do our best to finish the season on a good note.”
With three matches remaining, Corpus Christi remains mathematically alive in the playoff race despite sitting six points behind eighth-place Fort Wayne.
“We have three games left. We are still mathematically in with a chance,” said head coach Eamon Zayed. “But really, it’s about us trying to finish the season strong, playoffs or not. Finishing the season with pride. The guys have given all they can. I can’t fault their effort.”
The Sharks will now look to close the regular season on a strong note, beginning with their home finale against FC Naples this Saturday, October 10.
Notable:
- EJ Johnson notched his first USL League One goal of the season in the 83rd minute.
- Corpus Christi FC now drops to tenth place with 36 points and a record of nine wins, nine draws, and 11 losses.
Goals: Johnson (83’)
Yellow Cards: Gomez (1), Vasic (1), Bowen (1)
| CORPUS CHRISTI FC | FORT WAYNE FC | |
| 13 | SHOTS | 9 |
| 2 | SHOTS ON TARGET | 4 |
| 1 | SAVES | 1 |
| 14 | FOULS | 9 |
| 8 | CORNERS WON | 3 |
| 3 | YELLOW CARDS | 4 |
| 0 | RED CARDS | 0 |
Written by Corpus Christi FC Communications Contributor Nate Martinez
About Corpus Christi FC
CCFC was established in 2017 by Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo. The club previously played in USL League Two, the nation’s leading pre-professional league, and won their first Lone Star Division title in 2024. That same year, Corpus Christi was awarded a USL League One franchise and will kick off its first professional season in 2026. CCFC is building a new home at the Corpus Christi Multi-Sport Complex currently being constructed at 5102 Old Brownsville Road. Phase One of the $28.3 million complex was completed in summer 2025 and a 5,000-seat stadium, which will serve as home for all of the Sharks’ USL League One home games, is currently under construction.
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