CFC

Photo by Michael Sethman

Chattanooga FC Media Relations

Chattanooga FC Raises the Bar for 2010, Competes for First Place

Chattanooga, Tenn. (06/01/2010)- In the nights leading up to, and on this past Saturday night, the phrase “this is football” had become commonplace amongst the Chattanooga sports community. Posted on advertisements throughout town, recited across the local radio stations, and blared from Finley Stadium's PA system on the night of the FC Atlas match, Chattanooga FC's motto beckoned for the locals to experience football in a unique way. And, even as the crowd found amusement by exclaiming “it's good!” when an errant shot would fly through the uprights hovering above the goals, and in spite of the team playing on a field painted with the gridiron lines belonging to the American football, it became apparent that another brand of football had officially arrived in Chattanooga. With at least 6,317 avid soccer fans packing an entire south side of Finley Stadium to watch the game, Saturday night's home-opening match between Chattanooga FC and FC Atlas Under 23 side was one for Chattanoogans to remember.

Two local high school athletes, Russell Courtney of Chattanooga Christian School, and Irvin Espinal, of Dalton High School, each scored a goal in the 2-1 victory over FC Atlas. Chattanooga FC led for the majority of the game and was well-poised for a shut-out until Atlas scored an incredible goal with less than five minutes remaining.

The score-line did not turn out to be the true headline in a game that provided Chattanoogans with a glimpse of just how glorious the “beautiful game” can be. From the onset, the stadium was alive with the cheers and chants of the Chattahooligans, the Chattanooga FC faithful, who sported Chattanooga FC jerseys, t-shirts, and scarves. “We were just blown away with the support from the community for that game,” said Krue Brock, Chattanooga FC board member. “We were thrilled to see such a diverse crowd. There were at least 15 nationalities represented, and it’s not often to find that kind of community in one place. We are glad to be a part of bringing this community closer together. Our hope is to continue to do this kind of game in the future.”

Chattanooga FC plays their first NPSL Southeastern Conference game this Saturday at Finley Stadium at 7PM. Pumas FC, from Birmingham, visits Chattanooga for the first time since they lost 4-0 on July 4th in 2009. The winner of this game will sit at the top of the conference standings and will control their own destiny for the season. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.

For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com

About Chattanooga Football Club

Chattanooga FC is a member team of the National Premier Soccer League, Southeast Region. Chattanooga FC brings top quality soccer, premier player development and community involvement to the Chattanooga region. In only its first season in 2009, Chattanooga FC had the highest average attendance in the nation for the NPSL. The NPSL is sanctioned by the USASA as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and FIFA, the world’s governing body for soccer.