News and Updates from Chattanooga FCen-usSun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400<div><p></p><p><i>Photo by Frank Mattia</i></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club advances to the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a gritty double overtime win over Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves on Sunday night. Chattanooga won 1-0 with the lone goal coming from Chris Ochieng in the 118th minute of play.</p><p>The famed Chattahooligan crowd, which is growing every game, was a constant presence with their singing, chanting, and even an occasional taunting of the visiting side. “I’ve just been blown away with their enthusiasm and support of the club,” said injured Chattanooga goalie Juan Roblez. “I have played in many places, and have never seen anything like it. It’s such an advantage to have a crowd like we do and it’s fun to play in front of them.”</p><p>The game was not just spirited in the stands, but also on the field. It was a very physical match with eight yellow cards and one red card handed out. In the 85th minute, Atlanta defender, Ramiro Canovas, had to be taken to the locker room to clean up his head after a violent head-to-head collision with Chattanooga defender Andy Stewart. He would return several minutes later with bandages covering most of his head and face. </p><p>Both teams had several chances to put the game away, but both goalies continued to play well and keep their teams in the game. In the 118th minute, a Chattanooga free kick was played to the far post. Defender Russell Courtney headed the ball back across the goal to a wide open Chris Ochieng who calmly chipped the ball over a diving goalie for the winning goal.</p><p>With the win, Chattanooga FC will now enter the Round of 32 for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The 97-year-old tournament began with 155 teams and will finish in October to crown the best team in the US. </p><p>“We should know within the next week or so who and where we are playing,” said GM Sean McDaniel. “It will probably be a regional game against a USL team, but we don’t know for sure yet.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC is now 5-0-1 on the season and 2-0-1 in NPSL play. The next game is this Saturday in Florida against Jacksonville United FC. The next home game is June 18th against Rocket City United.</p><br></div>Chattanooga Football ClubMon, 30 May 2011 00:17:26 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/chattanooga-fc-advances-to-us-open-cup/<div><p><i>Chattanooga Football Club Media Relations</i><br></p><p>In only its second season in existence, Chattanooga Football Club (5-0-2) clinched the NPSL Southeast Division Title with a gutsy 3-2 victory over Pumas FC (2-1-3) in Birmingham Saturday night. Close to one hundred Chattanooga supporters, including the energetic Chattahooligan fan club, were on hand to celebrate with the team after the game.<br></p><p>The game got off to a very poor start just two minutes into the game when Pumas FC found an opening in the Chattanooga defense and put in an early goal to go ahead 1-0. Chattanooga FC Twitter reporter Chris Cooper may have described the early moment best when he called it a “lazy start.”<br></p><p>The early deficit was a good test for the Chattanooga FC players, as they had not found themselves behind all season. And, indeed, only nine minutes later, defensive back Joshua Scott played the ball into the box and Chris Ochieng headed the ball into the back of the net. <br></p><p>“That early goal actually woke us up, and then we started playing very well,” said Brian Crossman, head coach for Chattanooga FC. “Pumas FC controlled possession for most of the game, but we had the better scoring chances throughout the game. It’s a little easier to be patient when you are getting out-possessed if you are getting good scoring chances.”<br></p><p>Just ten minutes later, in the 22nd minute, Chattanooga midfielder Sasha Viatrov beat a Pumas defender down the line and drove a hard cross to Luis Salazar who headed the ball past the outstretched hand of the keeper.<br></p><p>Throughout the rest of the first half, both teams traded scoring opportunities, with Chattanooga FC having the majority of good chances. <br></p><p>Starting out the second half, it looked as if Chattanooga FC had come out a little more defensive-minded, remarked Cooper on Twitter. Only a few minutes into the half, Pumas snuck another goal in to tie the game at two. <br></p><p>“That was a strange play,” mentioned Crossman after the match. “All of our defenders stopped playing because the ball was four feet over the end line, and just got caught watching when the ball was played back to the middle. I’m interested in seeing that one on film tomorrow.”<br></p><p>The game was back and forth a bit, with a lot of fouls being called, until Chattanooga midfielder Phil Beene came off the bench and volleyed a bouncing ball in the box for the winning goal. <br></p><p>“It was a great goal and a great celebration following the goal,” said Cooper. “Phil came running over to the sidelines where the team was and, of course, our fans were really excited too!”<br></p><p>The victory over Pumas secures Chattanooga FC’s spot in the NPSL semi-finals on July 29th in Madison, Alabama. Chattanooga FC returns home next Saturday to try to wrap up an undefeated season when they take on Rocket City United. Chattanooga FC also just confirmed this week they will be traveling to Washington DC on July 24th to play against DC United U20/Reserves and they welcome fans to join them in DC.<br></p><p>For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com<br></p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club<br></p><p>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.<br></p><p>###<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 10 Jul 2010 23:10:11 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-clinches-southeast-division-title/<div><p>Long before halftime Saturday, the Chattanooga Football Club had to deem its biggest game ever an unqualified success.</p><p>Thousands were in the stands at Finley Stadium, the food and beverage vendors were doing brisk business and, by the way, the second-year amateur club was leading the under-23 team from Fútbol Club Atlas of Guadalajara, Mexico.</p><p>“Everything’s going great, and I guess I don’t have to knock on wood anymore,” a relaxed-looking CFC co-founder Tim Kelly said near halftime.</p><p>By the time the game was over, the entire production had gone off without a hitch. Chattanooga FC pulled off a 2-1 win in front of an announced crowd of 6,317.</p><p>“It was terrific, just a great night,” CFC coach Brian Crossman said. “I’m so glad the (CFC) committee decided to bring these guys up ... because it was fun to watch those guys play.”</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may/30/cfc-tops-atlas/?sports"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a></p><p><i>See more photos by Ben Keys on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2066017&id=1167613187&l=f80b2a2ee3#%21/album.php?id=653351878&aid=180151&s=0&hash=999fc255d276758b06a327f57b6ce698">Facebook page</a></i><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressSun, 30 May 2010 10:03:06 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/05/chattanooga-fc-wins-over-fc-atlas/<div><p></p><p>CONYERS, Ga. — The Chattanooga Football Club wasn’t able to earn a road win against the Georgia Revolution on Saturday, but the visitors did pick up a key point in a 1-1 tie.</p><p>Chattanooga FC continues to lead the National Premier Soccer League Southeast Conference with 17 points, five more than the Revolution and Jacksonville United FC, which was off Saturday.</p><p>CFC (5-1-2), the defending Southeast champion, has two league matches remaining, at home against the Revolution (3-2-3) next Saturday and at the Knoxville Force on July 16.</p><p><a href="http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jul/03/chattanooga-fc-ties-georgia-revolution/">Continue reading on TimesFreePress.com.</a></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 03 Jul 2011 08:03:57 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/07/chattanooga-fc-ties-ga-revolution-1-1/<div><p></p><p><i>Written by David Uchiyama. Photo by Tim Barber</i></p><p>Opening night went just right.</p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club topped Jacksonville United FC 2-0 before an announced crowd of 1,175 on Saturday at Finley Stadium.</p><p>Jacksonville United is a new entry in the National Premier Soccer League, while CFC won the NPSL Southeast Division as a second-year member in 2010.</p><p>“What a great night,” CFC manager Brian Crossman said. “When it started, they played like defending champions and treated us like new kids on the block.”</p><p>Yet Chattanooga shook off its jitters of playing before friends and family on the eve of Mother’s Day.</p><p>“It couldn’t have worked out better,” said Mark Beattie, who had an assist in the win. “I didn’t play last season, but this was excellent.”</p><p><a href="http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/may/08/chattanooga-fc-takes-opener/">Read the rest on TimesFreePress.com.</a></p></div>David UchiyamaSun, 08 May 2011 22:33:33 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/chattanooga-fc-wins-opening-day-match/<div><p><i>Photo by Frank Mattia</i></p><p></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club defeated CF Monterrey Rayados U20 from Monterrey, Mexico in a back and forth match. Monterrey has been traveling and playing matches in the United States over the last few days in preparation for their upcoming season.  This was the first loss for the club during the tour.</p><p>Chattanooga FC used this exhibition as a way to give a couple starters some rest and was able to test the depth of the bench. In the second minute of play, Chattanooga FC’s forward Robbie Hill received a ball from Mark Beattie, turned at the corner of the box and curved the ball into the left upper corner of Monterrey’s net.</p><p>“It’s about being in the right place at the right time,” commented Hill after the match. “I hit it well and it just found the net.” </p><p>Possession was fairly equal between the two sides for much of the first half. In the 34th minute, Monterrey pressured Chattanooga FC’s box and Ricardo Martínez hit a close shot blocked by Chattanooga FC keeper, Ryan Peck. The blocked ball fell right at Guillermo Madrigal’s feet and equalized the score. The score remained 1-1 going into halftime. </p><p>In the 59th minute, Monterrey capitalized on a foul called on Chattanooga FC’s defender Andy Stewart after he fouled a player dribbling in the box. Roger Llergo scored the penalty kick for Monterrey, making the score 2-1. </p><p>Just a few minutes later, Chattanooga FC made six substitutions, allowing much of their bench a chance to play against the visiting Monterrey team. In the 76th minute, following a defensive mistake made by Monterrey, Chattanooga FC’s midfielder, Phil Beene, finished a ball after watching his teammates fight to win the ball bouncing around in the box. </p><p>Not even ten minutes later, Chattanooga FC’s outside midfielder, Tom Webster, won a ball passed across the box and slotted it into the far post to give Chattanooga FC the deciding goal for a 3-2 win.</p><p>Chattanooga FC will return to Finley Stadium this Saturday to play Georgia Revolution for the second time this season. Their first match ended in a 1-1 draw last Saturday in Atlanta. A win by Chattanooga will clinch the Southeast Conference title and will guarantee the team a spot in the NPSL semifinals.</p><br></div>Chattanooga Football ClubMon, 04 Jul 2011 23:39:15 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/07/chattanooga-fc-defeats-cf-monterrey-u20-3-2/<div><p><i>Photo courtesy of Jim Myers</i><br></p><p>Madison, AL.- Chattanooga Football Club had a season to remember, but it ended with a 3-1 loss the club will surely want to forget. Over 600 Chattanoogans made the two hour trip to Madison in hopes of watching their team take home the title of national champions.</p><p>Sacramento Gold, the NPSL Western Region champions, came out of the gates full-steam and created a number of scoring chances early, only to be denied by Chattanooga FC keeper, RIchard Masters.</p><p>Chattanooga FC returned fire with fire in the first ten minutes, and finally broke through when Thomas Clark found Fynn Glover in front of net in the 12th minute. Glover blasted a shot past the keeper from 18 yards out for his first goal of the season.</p><p>"Fynn's goal was huge," said Chris Cushenbery, one of Chattanooga FC’s assistant coaches. "At that point, I thought we were going to win the game because we were playing so well."</p><p>The game would continue to go back and forth as the two clubs vied for possession and momentum. In the 41st minute, a failed clearance by a Chattanooga defender fell at the feet of a Gold midfielder and he buried the ball in the side net. Only one minute later, Sacramento would score again off of a poorly defended corner kick.</p><p>"It just felt like someone let the air out of the stadium," said Krue Brock, a Chattanooga FC board member. "It was a frustrating time for the team and for the fans, but we also knew there was plenty of time left to get that goal back."</p><p>Just before the whistle for half-time, a Sacramento midfielder got tangled up with Chattanooga FC midfielder Drew Courtney. By the end of the play, Courtney found himself with a yellow card, and the Gold player was ejected with a red card.</p><p>Sacramento did not seem to be phased at all playing a man down the entire second half. The Gold still put a lot of pressure on the goal, and if it weren't for Masters, Chattanooga FC may have been a number of goals down. <br>In the 75th minute, Chattanooga FC forward, Irvin Espinal, found some space in the Sacramento box and was brought down by a Gold defender. Espinal was denied by the keeper on the ensuing penalty kick as was his follow-up attempt.</p><p>Chattanooga FC's hopes for a national championship slipped away as Sacramento put their 3rd goal away in the 84th minute.</p><p>"You know, it was a heartbreaking loss for our guys and for our supporters," said Chattanooga FC board member Sheldon Grizzle. "The players worked so hard to get where we are tonight in just our second season. I can say with certainty that Chattanoogans are proud of the way these guys played, not just tonight but all season."<br><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 31 Jul 2010 23:24:55 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-loses-npsl-final/<div><p><i>Chattanooga Football Club Media Relations</i><br></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonfouts/sets/72157621481165260/"><i>Photo by Jason Fouts</i></a><br></p><p>For the second year in a row, Chattanooga Football Club has its highest NPSL attendance on the Fourth of July. Over 3400 fans poured into Finley Stadium Sunday night to watch Chattanooga FC take home their fourth victory of the season by a score of 5-0. <br></p><p>The atmosphere was electric from the beginning with the ever-growing group of “Chattahooligans” singing and waving blue flags as they entered the stadium. Ernie Dempsey, an enthusiastic supporter of the club, leads many of the chants and songs with his passionate drum beating throughout the match. “This was a wonderful game to be a part of tonight,” said Dempsey after the game. “The team played so well and we can’t wait for next weekend when we’re all caravanning down to Birmingham for the game against Pumas.”</p><p>Coming into the match, FC Tulsa (1-2-1) was in third place in the Southeastern Conference. From the start of the game, Chattanooga FC (4-0-2), currently in control of the conference, tested the Tulsa backs and goalie often. “Our game plan was to come out of the gates and have our forwards and midfielders put heavy defensive pressure on their midfield,” said Head Coach Brian Crossman. “Tulsa was coming off of a tough match the previous night with Rocket City and we wanted to wear them down early.”</p><p>Consistent pressure on the Tulsa goal led to a corner kick in the ninth minute. A weak clearance from a Tulsa defender floated the ball about eight yards from the net and Andy Stewart, one of Chattanooga’s central defenders, turned his back to the goal and acrobatically bicycle kicked the ball into the upper corner of the net.</p><p>Stewart said that it was just a natural reaction. “I’ve never done anything like that before, but the ball went over my head, and the only way to reach it was a bicycle kick. Thankfully I hit it well.”</p><p>In the 18th minute, Dalton native Luis Salazar found some space and crossed the ball to Chattanooga FC newcomer Chris Ochieng who tucked it nicely inside the left post.</p><p>Chattanooga continued to have good scoring chances the rest of the first half, only to be denied by their finishing touch. The first half ended with a score of 2-0. <br></p><p>The score remained 2-0 until the 60th minute when Chattanooga native Drew Courtney made an ambitious run down the left side of the field and found his way into the box. Courtney got off a good shot only to be denied by the Tulsa keeper, but the rebound came right back to his feet and he did not miss again.</p><p>Chattanooga FC wrapped up the scoring for the night with two goals in rapid succession. In the 79th minute, Moises Drumond’s first touch of the game found Irvin Espinal in space who blasted a rocket past the outstretched hand of the Tulsa keeper. In the 85th minute, defender Joshua Scott hit a low cross into the middle of the field and was picked up by Robbie Hill who put the ball away easily for the fifth goal.</p><p>“Overall, we were really pleased with our play,” said Fynn Glover, a Chattanooga FC midfielder. “We really needed a win like this to help boost our confidence. We’ve been playing well lately, but just haven’t been able to score. This gives us some good momentum heading into a huge game next weekend against Pumas.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC’s next match is on Saturday July 10th in Birmingham against Pumas FC. The next home game is on July 17th at Finley Stadium against Rocket City United.</p><p>For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club</p><p>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.<br></p><p>###<br><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubMon, 05 Jul 2010 00:38:08 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-gets-big-win-in-front-of-record-crowd/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club advances to the Open Cup Qualifying Championship Game after a tough 2-0 win over Rocket City United on Saturday night. The championship game will be played Sunday night at 7 PM at Finley Stadium against Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, who defeated Jacksonville United FC, 3-1.</p><p>English midfielder for Chattanooga FC, James Moore, scored the game winning goal in the 66th minute after Chris Ochieng poked the ball just beyond the reach of the goalie for Rocket City. Eight minutes later, Chris Ochieng scored the clinching goal with an incredible volley into the upper corner of the net off a cross from Mark Sherrod. </p><p>“This is such an honor to be able to host a qualifying game of this magnitude in Chattanooga, much less get to play in it,” said Club Director Tim Kelly. “We are really hoping for a good turnout tomorrow night. It’s not every year you get to play for a berth in the Open Cup.”</p><p>Tickets for the match will be for sale all day at the Chattanooga Market, as well as at the gate before the game. Tickets are $5 for ages six and older.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 28 May 2011 23:48:05 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/chattanooga-fc-advances-to-open-cup-qualifying-final/<div><h5>Details:</h5><p>Chattanooga FC vs Sacramento Gold</p><p>Kick-off- 7:30 CDT/8:30EDT</p><p>Madison City Schools Stadium- <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=105465678842232147242.000486909f474660f340d&f=d&daddr=Rocket+City+United+%4034.690083,-86.744753&ll=35.155846,-87.165527&spn=2.389204,4.674683&z=8&iwloc=00048690cf055a36ecd6b">Directions</a><br></p><p>201
Celtic Drive, Madison, AL 35758</p><h5>Follow the games:</h5><p><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/national-premier-soccer-league-2010-final-4">Watch
Live<br></a></p><p><a href="http://www.teamline.cc/sportpage?teamcode=6775&eventcode=34">Live
audio broadcast</a></p><p><a href="http://twitter.com/ChattanoogaFC">Twitter<br></a></p><a href="http://twitter.com/ChattanoogaFC"></a><p>MADISON, Ala. — The scene was set for something special, and the Chattanooga Football Club delivered.<br>The second-year team was playing in the postseason for the first time Thursday night at Madison City Schools Stadium.</p><p>It was playing in the National Premier League semifinals in a Huntsville suburb about two hours from home, with a group of about 100 supporters on hand despite the 9 p.m. EDT start.</p><p>Second-seeded Chattanooga took the lead five minutes into the second half on Thomas Clark’s far-post header and got a spectacular late goal from Robbie Hill for a 2-0 win over the third-seeded Madison (Wis.) 56ers.</p><p>Chattanooga’s trip to the Final Four was part of a storybook-like season, CFC board member Sheldon Grizzle said before the game.</p><p>“The only thing that would have made this more sweet was if it was in Chattanooga,” Grizzle said. “It’s an ideal situation to be here. We wanted to bring a competitive team to the table that could compete for the national championship, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC (7-0-2), which received its Southeast Conference championship trophy before the game, will face the No. 4 seed, the Sacramento Gold, in the championship game Saturday night at 8:30 EDT.</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jul/30/chattanooga-fc-wins-2-0-and-advances-finals/"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressFri, 30 Jul 2010 00:02:51 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-wins-semi-final-over-madison-56ers/<div><p>Almost 3,000 fans filed into Finley Stadium to watch Chattanooga Football Club take on visiting Atlanta Football Club. Chattanooga FC came into the game without a loss, and that’s how it remained with the two teams tying, 1-1.</p><p>Chattanooga FC started the game by peppering the Atlanta goal, and until Luis Salazar scored in the 22nd minute. The play started near midfield with Chris Ochieng laying off a great ball to Fynn Glover who one-timed a ball through the Atlanta defense to Salazar. Salazar took a perfect touch around the goalie and put the ball into the empty Atlanta net.</p><p>The remainder of the first half was back and forth with both teams creating good chances to score. Atlanta’s best chance came in the 32nd minute when Chattanooga goalie, Richard Masters, was beaten by a shot, only to be cleared off the line by defender Mac Gambill.</p><p>Coming out of the locker room at the beginning of the second half, Chattanooga FC relentlessly attacked the Atlanta FC goal, but nothing positive came of it. “We really should have put a couple goals away early in the second half,” said Jimmy Weekley, Assistant Coach for Chattanooga FC. “That would have changed the dynamic of the game, but we just couldn’t find the final touch on goal.”</p><p>Going against the flow of play, an Atlanta FC forward sliced through the Chattanooga midfield and defense for a very nice goal in the 63rd minute.</p><p>Chattanooga FC brought in a host of subs around the 70th minute, which really changed the tempo and energy on the field. Sasha Viatrov and Phil Beene went in as outside midfielders and immediately began to create more chances. Dalton native, Irvin Espinal, also had numerous scoring chances, but was unable to connect for the go-ahead goal.</p><p>“Overall, we feel like we did not play as well as we know we can,” say Chattanooga defender Russell Courtney. “We could have put a few more away and we could also have played stronger defense. We’ve got some work to do, but it’s still nice to come away with the tie.”</p><p>Next Saturday, Chattanooga FC travels to Huntsville to play Rocket City United, the reigning champions of the Southeastern Conference. The next home match will be on July 4th at 7PM.</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club</p><p>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.<br><br><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 20 Jun 2010 10:46:05 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-unbeaten-streak-still-alive/<div><p><i>Chattanooga Football Club Media Relations</i><br></p><p>For most of the world, soccer is on hold. The FIFA World Cup ended last weekend, and now a majority of fans are made to wait for the world's major domestic leagues to kick off in August. Such is not the case for Chattanooga soccer fans, though, as over 5,100 of them poured into Finley Stadium on Saturday evening to watch their hometown Chattanooga Football Club take on Rocket City United. Having already clinched the NPSL Southeast Region title, a banged up Chattanooga FC side came into the regular season finale playing for pride and an undefeated season. <br></p><p>Another NPSL record setting crowd was on hand tonight sporting replica jerseys, waving team flags, and blowing vuvuzelas and at the end of the evening, Chattanooga FC (6-0-2) stood victorious with a 4-0 win over second place RC United (3-2-3).</p><p>Chattanooga FC got rolling in just the 4th minute of play when Fynn Glover dispossessed a RC United defender from about 30 yards out and played a sleek pass through the defense to forward Robbie Hill. The English forward then laid it off to an awaiting Irvin Espinal, who slipped his shot beneath RC United goalkeeper, Tyler Early, to put Chattanooga up 1-0. <br></p><p>As the ball rolled into the net, Irvin wheeled away in celebration, making a full field sprint to point out and celebrate with Chattanooga’s leading scorer, Chris Ochieng, who watched the game from the stands with a broken leg.</p><p>“That was such a great way to celebrate,” said Jimmy Weekley, Chattanooga FC Assistant Coach. “Chris has been such an important part of our team, and it was sad to see him get injured like that in the last practice of the season. These guys really wanted to win this one for Chris.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC continued to mount the pressure and set the tone of the game. After a few chances went begging, a perfectly timed Robbie Hill through ball found Luis Salazar free behind the defense. The forward slowed his run, cut around an incoming defender's last ditch tackle, and slid the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead.</p><p>Chattanooga FC’s defense sustained a shutout for the fourth time in eight games. In fact, the only blemish on the defense took place when starting goalkeeper Richard Masters suffered an injury late in the first half while trying to defend an incoming RC United cross. A very able back-up keeper, Thomas Hunter, took Masters' place for the final minutes of the first half and for the rest of the game.</p><p>“Hopefully, we’ll hear some good news about Masters early this week,” mentioned Weekley. “Early report says it’s a sprained MCL, but you never really know until the swelling goes down.”</p><p>The second half kicked off with the teams taking the field to the same choruses of cheers and vuvuzelas that had graced them in the first. Going by the old adage that a good offense is the best defense, Chattanooga FC continued to mount the pressure on RC United by connecting crisp passes in midfield and creating several chances on goal. The first of these chances fell to Chattanooga native Drew Courtney, who scored a gift of a goal after goalkeeper Early punched Sasha Viatrov's crossed ball off the back of his own defender. The loose ball fell right at the feet of Courtney, who only had to pass into an empty net for a 3-0 lead in the 56th minute. <br></p><p>Chattanooga FC wrapped up the scoring for the night when Thomas Clark, found the net in the 72nd minute of play. After receiving a ball on the left side, the strong midfielder powered his way down the flank and dribbled past Early to make it 4-0.</p><p>“I was so excited for Thomas to get that goal,” mentioned Sheldon Grizzle, Chattanooga FC’s Director of Communications. “He was the guy who actually came up with the idea of starting Chattanooga FC, and has been one of the hardest working players on the team since day one. He earned it.”</p><p>Indeed, the commanding 4-0 victory was an emphatic and fitting way to cap off a Chattanooga FC performance that should see the team carry some much needed momentum into the NPSL National Tournament. Chattanooga FC will next play the D.C. United Super 20/Reserves in Washington this upcoming weekend as they prepare for the tournament ahead. The game will start at 5:00PM.</p><p>For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club</p><p>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.</p><p>###<br><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 18 Jul 2010 00:03:10 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-closes-out-dream-regular-season/<div><p><i>Chattanooga Football Club Media Relations</i></p><p><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34799232@N03/">Photo by Abby Gengozian</a><br></i></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club took their 3-0 record on the road to Tulsa, Oklahoma Saturday night. Chattanooga came away with a tough win against NPSL newcomer FC Tulsa, 2-1.<br>Chattanooga FC left Tennessee early Friday morning in their chartered bus to drive 12 hours to Tulsa. Thomas Clark, a defender for Chattanooga, was actually looking forward to the trip. “The bus has satellite TV, so we can watch the World Cup games, and also internet so we can get some work done. It was pretty great to travel in style for this long trip.”</p><p>Upon arrival to the stadium in Tulsa, Chattanooga FC was greeted by over 50 fans from the Chattanooga area. “It was awesome!” said El Conductor, the self-proclaimed and travelling mascot of the team. “There were three Chattanooga youth soccer teams in Tulsa for the regional soccer tournament. I think they had a great time, and I’m sure the team really appreciated seeing hometown fans so far away from home.”</p><p>The game got off to a sloppy start. Neither team was able to gain significant possession, nor create dangerous scoring opportunities. The game remained scoreless until the 45th minute when Dalton native, Luis Salazar, carried the ball towards the goal from the right side and took a shot that deflected into the Tulsa net. “That goal was critical and came only 30 seconds before half time,” said Jimmy Weekley, Chattanooga FC Assistant Coach. “It was a big lift to our confidence going into half time and put us in a great position to win.”</p><p>At the beginning of the second half, FC Tulsa came out firing on all cylinders. Richard Masters, Chattanooga FC’s English goalie and fan favorite, made numerous saves to maintain the one-goal lead. Even in Tulsa, fans were chanting “Rich-ard Mas-ters” as they do at home games in Finley Stadium after some of his saves.</p><p>After ten minutes of pressure from Tulsa, they were finally able to penetrate Chattanooga’s defense and get by Masters to tie up the game. <br></p><p>In resilient fashion, just two minutes later, Chattanooga FC forward Irvin Espinal scored the go-ahead goal off of an assist from Josh Scott.</p><p>“Overall, we were very pleased with the result,” said Weekley. “We didn’t play as well as we should have, but considering the very long trip, and distractions with the World Cup today, we will take the win against a very competitive team like Tulsa.”</p><p>For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club</p><p>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.</p><p>###<br><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 13 Jun 2010 14:22:08 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-wins-at-fc-tulsa/<div><p><i>Photo by Abby Gengozian</i></p><p>Saturday night was the highly anticipated NPSL regular season match-up of Rocket City United versus Chattanooga Football Club at Madison City School Stadium in Madison, Alabama. It was a hard fought match in front of an excited crowd with neither team able to establish its dominance over the other in the early going. Both teams were especially impressive on the defensive end, denying all opponent shots on goal. The first half ended in a scoreless tie with much credit due to Chattanooga's goalie Thomas Hunter.</p><p></p><p>During the Second half, Chattanooga was able to overcome earlier mistakes, despite the aggressive play of Rocket City, and take a late 1-0 lead in the 83rd minute. Michael Brooks, a first-year player for Chattanooga from Clemson University, was able to score on a beautiful counter assisted by Chris Ochieng. </p><p>“The goal was all Chris,” said Brooks after the game.  “He made the great moves to break away from the defense and made a wonderful pass. I was just lucky enough to be on the receiving end on that great ball with the opportunity to blast it in the goal.” </p><p>Just minutes later, Brooks was able to score a second goal in extra time to extend Chattanooga’s lead to 2-0, which would end up being the final score.</p><p>Chattanooga FC continues play in the US Open Cup tournament this Tuesday in Pittsburgh against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL Pro league. Chattanooga returns to Finley Stadium to play Rocket City United Saturday at 7:00pm. The club is also beginning to make preparations for the visit of CF Monterrey Rayados U20 from Mexico on July 4th.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 12 Jun 2011 07:55:11 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/06/chattanooga-fc-wins-2-0-over-rocket-city-united/<div><p><i>Photo by Abby Gengozian</i><br></p><p>Chattanooga, TN. – Chattanooga Football Club overcame a three goal deficit in the second half, only to give up the winning goal to the Georgia Revolution in a 4-3 thriller at Finley Stadium. The loss for Chattanooga FC (5-2-1) was only the second at Finley in the club’s three-year history and the first since June 5th, 2009.</p><p>Chattanooga FC got off to a sluggish start, giving up an early goal to Georgia in the 11th minute. The slow start did not improve after the first goal. In the 32nd minute, and errant clearance from defender Russell Courtney caught keeper Thomas Hunter off guard for a second Georgia goal.</p><p>The home side did not fair much better at the beginning of the second half. Just seven minutes into the half, Georgia sent a long through ball to their forward who outran all Chattanooga’s defender and put the ball in the net for a 3-0 lead.</p><p>“I’m not sure what was going on out there,” mentioned Chattanooga midfielder Phil Beene. “Maybe we had heavy legs from training the day before or just weren’t focused. Either way, we didn’t seem ready to play.”</p><p>In an effort to change the momentum of the game, Head Coach Brian Crossman brought in some fresh legs including forward Michael Brooks and midfielder Luke Winter. Just six minutes after Georgia’s third goal, Winter got the first goal for the home team off a beautiful volley on a corner kick from Alex Rodriguez. <br></p><p>In the 61st minute, another key substitution was made when speedy midfielder Tom Webster replaced Russell Courtney to give Chattanooga one more attacking player. Almost immediately the pace and tone of the game changed in favor of Chattanooga.</p><p>Webster’s aggressive attacking style of play created several scoring chances, which got the 2200 fans back into the game. Within minutes, Webster had hit the crossbar and had several slicing runs coming inches from his second goal of the season.</p><p>Chattanooga FC veteran Moises Drummond came into the match for Robbie Hill and made his presence known right away. Forward Chris Ochieng carried the ball down the left flank and hit a long cross to Drummond at the top of the box. Drummond calmly settled the ball and blasted the ball past a diving keeper into the top right corner of the net in the 72nd minute.</p><p>All the momentum was in Chattanooga’s favor, but the team was turned away time and again by the keeper, the crossbars and posts and errant shots. Finally, in the 79th minute, Ochieng found the back of the net for the tying goal off of another corner kick.</p><p>Chattanooga understood that a tie did not help their quest to clinch the NPSL Southeast Conference Championship, so the team kept pressing forward to get the final, game-winning goal. In the 84th minute, Georgia found the net on a perfectly executed counter attack that was completely against the flow of play.</p><p>“You hate to see the guys lose like that,” mentioned GM Sean McDaniel. “They played so hard to get back to even, but it’s tough to win when you spot the opponent three goals.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC’s hopes for a second-straight NPSL Final Four appearance are still alive. With a win next Saturday in Knoxville, Chattanooga will be crowned as Conference champions and will earn a spot in the NPSL Semifinals in Madison, Alabama at the end of July.</p><p>Chattanooga FC will return to Finley Stadium one more time this season on July 23rd to play DC United’s U23 team. Tickets for the match are $5 for ages 6-12 and $10 for 13 and over.<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 09 Jul 2011 22:44:10 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/07/chattanooga-fc-loses-first-game-at-home-in-two-years/<div><p>Pittsburgh, PA- The first ever US Open Cup playoff game for Chattanooga FC in Pittsburgh started with great promise but ended in disappointment as the team lost 3-2 in overtime.</p><p><br>Chattanooga FC started strong, looking very much like it belonged on the field with the professional USL team, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. After a good back and forth in the first 13 minutes, CFC pressed forward in an attack and third year midfielder Ivan Heredia showed his seasoned experience — he spotted the goalie off his line and lobbed in a 40 yard shot that found the back of the net,  putting CFC ahead 1-0. The rest of the first half continued with good open play from both sides, but no further goal scoring.</p><p><br>The second half started much the same way — with Chattanooga more than holding their own, and often continuing to press for goals. The pressure paid off in the 55th minute when forward Chris Ochieng got to the end line and crossed a beauty in to midfielder Mark Beattie who slotted it in to the net to put CFC ahead 2-0.</p><p><br>The Pittsburgh Riverhounds — who have a had a rather difficult season with only 2 wins out of 11 games in the USL — decided not to throw in the towel, but instead threw in some strategic substitutions. They pushed forward aggressively, and a questionable foul by defender Nickson Odeny only six yards from the end line on the right hand side of the field led to a free kick. On the ensuing serve, Pittsburgh's Yeisley headed a floater from the far post over Thomas Hunter and into the net: 2-1.</p><p><br>The goal awoke the listless fans (at an official count of a mere 305), and Pittsburgh gained confidence to continue to push forward for the equalizer. John Calderwood came on for James Moore, Luke Winter for Heredia and Michael Brooks for Ochieng (teams are allowed only 3 substitutes total in US Open Cup games). Pittsburgh substitute Lundberg manhandled the Chattanooga defensive back Andy Stewart (almost ripping his jersey off his back) on a corner kick and somehow bumped the ball in after a messy melee in the box to even it all up at 2-2 in the 89th minute.</p><p><br>Chattanooga — looking clearly shaken — held on through the end of the 4 minutes of added time and the game (which had to have a winner) went to overtime.</p><p><br>Play continued in much the same way through the start of the first half, until midfielder Nick Chase hit an errant hand ball about 40 yards out from the goal. Pittsburgh's free kick into the box found another sub, Dayton, and he found the goal with what proved to be the winner.</p><p><br>Obviously disheartened, CFC lasted the half and regrouped. The team came out on the attack for the second 15 minute half of overtime and created several good opportunities, but never found the net. </p><p>Finally the whistle blew and the game was history. 3-2 Riverhounds over Chattanooga FC in US Open Cup play. A great effort in the team's first ever US Open Cup tournament game.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubWed, 15 Jun 2011 06:16:07 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/06/chattanooga-fc-drops-us-open-cup-game-in-overtime/<div><p>Washington D.C.- With a heat index registering over one hundred degrees, Chattanooga FC knew it would be a difficult task to overcome D.C. United's reserve squad at RFK Stadium. Chattanooga was facing a D.C. United team stacked with the top collegiate, and post-collegiate, talent from around the east coast including schools like Virginia, James Madison, and Wake Forest.</p><p>From the onset, D.C. United looked the better side, setting the pace of the game and putting the pressure on the Chattanooga defense. Most of the early chances fell to the home team, as they tested goalkeeper Thomas Hunter with several close range shots. Hunter was equal to the task, though, making several stops, including a spectacular dive to deny a United striker from eight yards out, to keep Chattanooga FC on level terms.</p><p>After surviving the initial onslaught, Chattanooga FC gained back some momentum and created a few chances of its own. The best of these chances would fall to winger Sasha Viatrov, who missed a sitter at the far post following Russell Courtney's header across an empty D.C. United net. After the missed opportunity, Chattanooga FC would then endure a dry spell that saw them register no more shots on target for the remainder of the half. <br></p><p>D.C. United, though, endured no such spell, ratcheting up its efforts to put the Chattanooga FC defense on its back foot. And, in the 20th minute, United were finally able to break through, scoring off a well-struck shot from the top of the 18-yard box. “Our opponents tonight were a very good soccer team,” said Coach Brian Crossman after the game. “They were technical, quick, and moved well off the ball. Overall a very solid squad.”</p><p>Indeed, the D.C. United squad continued to show its pedigree as the match progressed. After going into halftime a goal ahead, the team returned to the field and scored on Chattanooga just two minutes into the second half. United's Levi Houpeau, weaved his way to the Chattanooga end-line, committed goalkeeper Richard Masters, and squared to ball for an awaiting teammate to poke home from seven yards out.</p><p>Chattanooga FC found it difficult to mount any sort of comeback as the second half ticked away. The team's best chance of the period once again fell to Viatrov, but his sliding effort was unable to redirect Fynn Glover's misfired shot back on target. After the miss, the game became stagnant, with neither team looking likely to score until D.C. United put the final nail in the coffin with just seven minutes left to play.</p><p>The loss, Chattanooga's first of the season, was not looked upon with too much dismay, though. “Overall I think this was a great experience,” board member Tim Kelly said after the match. “We played against some top-notch competition and I think this will help us step up our game at the Final Four next weekend.” <br></p><p>The NPSL Final Four is Chattanooga FC's next stop, as they face the Madison 56ers this Thursday at 9:00 EST/8:00 CST in Madison, Alabama. Having worked all season to reach this goal, the league's pinnacle playoff, Chattanooga FC will no doubt look to use the lessons it learned from the past weekend in its quest for the championship.<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 25 Jul 2010 09:39:09 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-falls-to-dc-united-reserves-in-rfk-1/<div><p></p><p><i>Photo by the Crumley Family</i></p><p>JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Chattanooga Football Club lost 1-0 in its National Premier Soccer League Southeast Division game Saturday night against Jacksonville United FC. Hollis Donaldson scored in the 73rd minute for Jacksonville (2-4). </p><p>This was a disappointing road trip all around for the team — traveling 8 hours by bus only to perform poorly. It was also the team's first loss in league play since June 23, 2009.</p><p>Chattanooga FC started the game off on shaky footing, looking weaker and obviously experiencing "travel legs" in the first half as passes failed to find teammates, uncontested balls were turned over easily and the team spent most of the time on the defensive.</p><p>The second half showed signs of improvement, with more consistent passing and attacking opportunities, but a defensive mistake in the 73rd minute gave Jacksonville the easy go ahead goal. And despite some well organized attacks in the last 10 minutes, CFC could not find the back of the net.</p><p>The loss moved Chattanooga FC into third place (with 7 points) in the NPSL Southeast behind the Georgia Revolution and the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, who are tied with 8 points — though the Revolution have the nod for first by beating and tying Atlanta in head-to-head competition. Rocket City United and Jacksonville United FC are both right behind CFC with 6 points, while newcomers Knoxville FC are bringing up the rear with 4 points.</p><p>Jacksonville's only previous league win came on May 28 against the Knoxville Force, which was also part of the US Open Cup Qualifying in Finley Stadium.</p><p>Chattanooga FC (4-1-1) visits Rocket City United Saturday June 11, and then heads to Pittsburgh to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL (2 wins, 6 losses and 3 ties) in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tournament on Tuesday June 14.</p><p>Chattanooga FC's next home game is on June 18th against Rocket City United.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubFri, 10 Jun 2011 21:15:50 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/06/chattanooga-fc-loses-to-jacksonville/<p>Jacksonville United FC held on to win a hard-fought match over the Knoxville Force 1-0.</p>Chattanooga FCSat, 28 May 2011 17:55:16 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/us-open-cup-qualifier-jacksonville-vs-knoxville/<div><p><i>Chattanooga FC Media Relations</i><br></p><p><i>Photo by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chattanooga-Football-Club/60035025812?ref=ts#%21/album.php?aid=2058258&id=1052677055&page=2">Abby Gengozian</a></i><br></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club Defeats Pumas FC, 2-0, Takes First Place <br></p><p>Chattanooga, Tenn. (06/05/10)- With high expectations, just over three thousand fans poured in to Finley Stadium to watch Chattanooga Football Club win their second home game of the season. Chattanooga FC claimed the top position in the Southeast Conference of the NPSL last night by defeating conference rival, Pumas FC from Birmingham, Alabama, 2-0.</p><p>Chattanooga FC player, Chris Ochieng, scored early in the first half off of a pass received from teammate, Luis Salazar. In the next twenty minutes of the game, the speed of play picked up with each team having two major scoring opportunities. Pumas FC was not able to find the back of the net with Chattanooga keeper, Richard Masters, in goal. Both of Pumas' opportunities were stuffed Masters' diving saves, leaving the crowd chanting his name and confident he would protect the goal for the remainder of the match.</p><p>"Pumas was a very solid and physical team," said Chattanooga FC defender Mac Gambil. "They moved the ball very well and were well organized. I felt like our defense played strong and our forwards put us in a great early position to win."</p><p>Chattanooga FC's second goal came soon after the whistle blew for the start of the second half. Once again, Salazar found Ochieng, giving him the assist on Ochieng's far post shot past Pumas goalkeeper, Luis Oreliana in the 48th minute. About twenty minutes later, Oreliana barely got his fingers on the ball as Ochieng attempted to dribble past to complete the hat trick in the match.</p><p>Masters earned his second shutout of the season in the 86th minute when he dove to his left to prevent a hard shot from hitting the near corner. In stoppage time, Pumas FC tried one more attempt with a cross into the box, but could not get past the Chattanooga FC defense, ending the game with another win for Chattanooga, giving them an undefeated season to date (3-0-0). <br></p><p>"This was another great night for the soccer community in Chattanooga," mentioned Director of Communications for Chattanooga FC, Sheldon Grizzle. "We were thrilled with the fan turn-out tonight, especially after storms earlier in the day. We continue to be blown away by this community's support of what we're trying to do, and really excited to see how diverse of a fan base we have. Not to mention getting the win and taking the early lead in the conference."</p><p>For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club</p><p>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.</p><p>###<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 06 Jun 2010 08:24:28 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-defeats-pumas-fc/<div><p>In front of an announced crowd of 565, Chattanooga FC showed off a variety of offensive weapons. Forward Irvin Espinal had a goal and three assists, and midfielder Ivan Heredia scored two goals.</p><p>“We played better than expected,” CFC manager Brian Crossman said. “I’m really pleased.”</p><p>Espinal, a former Dalton High School standout, put CFC in front with a volley goal in the 23rd minute. Heredia made it 2-0 a few minutes later.</p><p>A CFC player since the club’s first season, Espinal may have made his best play Saturday with a pass to Moises Drumond that led to a 3-0 lead early in the second half. From the left wing, Espinal threaded a pass between the legs of a defender, and Drumond — Soddy-Daisy High School’s coach — flipped the ball into the back of the net.</p><p>“We had a lot of fun out there,” Espinal said. “I think we looked good and have a chance to have a really good season.”</p><p>Orginally from Honduras, Espinal played at Dalton High with former CFC player Luis Salazar, who suited up for the Allstars on Saturday. Espinal performed well enough for CFC last season that he earned a scholarship to Shorter University in Rome, Ga.</p><p>Espinal started taking classes at Shorter this spring and will begin playing for the Hawks next season.</p><p>“I’m really thankful for Chattanooga FC, which helped make that possible,” he said.</p><p>Chattanooga FC general manager Sean McDaniel said one of the goals of the club is to help players get chances to keep playing, whether college players getting shots at professional soccer or recent high school graduates earning scholarships.</p><p>“We want stories like Irvin’s. That’s really what our vision is,” McDaniel said.</p><p>The Allstars earned the chance to face Chattanooga FC on Saturday by winning the inaugural CFC Cup on April 23.</p><p>The defending champion in the National Premier Soccer League’s Southeast Division, CFC opens its third season this Saturday at home against Jacksonville United.</p></div>Jim Frierson with Times Free PressWed, 04 May 2011 13:26:14 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/chattanooga-fc-wins-last-preseason-match-with-dalton-all-stars/<div><p></p><p>The Atlanta Silverback Reserves hosted Chattanooga Football Club this Friday evening at Silverback Park in front of a sparse crowd, highlighted by a rowdy contingent Chattanooga fans. The evenly contested match ended in a 1-1 draw.  </p><p>Chattanooga struck first in the 38th minute on a beautiful goal by Kenyan forward Chris Ochieng. On one of the first counter-attacks of the half, Ivan Heredia played a long ball to left midfielder James Moore just outside of the Silverbacks’ box.  James, using impeccable anticipation and vision, laid a perfect pass across the front of the goal to a streaking Ochieng who sent the ball to the back of the net.</p><p>The Silverbacks found the equalizer in the 83rd minute on a free kick. Pablo Pereira of the Silverbacks sent the free kick toward goal where Chattanooga keeper Thomas Hunter appeared to get fouled as he tried to deflect the kick out of harm’s way. The ball fell to Atlanta’s Fabian Irigoyen who was able to put the ball into the goal.</p><p>“It’s always tough on the road in this league,” mentioned Paul Rustand, a Director of Chattanooga FC. “This was a tough way to have a win snatched away, but we certainly had our chances to put the game away and just didn’t execute. In all, a draw on the road against a talented team like Atlanta is always a good thing.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC comes back home this Saturday night at 7PM when Knoxville Force makes their first appearance in Chattanooga. Tickets are $5 for ages six and older.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 14 May 2011 08:21:39 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/chattanooga-fc-battles-to-a-draw-against-atlanta/<div><p><i>Photo by Frank Mattia<br></i></p><p><i>Written by John Frierson, Chattanooga Times Free Press</i><br></p><p>The halftime entertainment at most Chattanooga Football Club games at Finley Stadium usually features a game or two on the field for some of the boys and girls in attendance to play.</p><p>On Saturday, during Chattanooga FC’s 2-1 win over the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, CFC’s Robbie Hill and Tom Webster got involved in the action. But instead of doing anything with a ball, the show involved the players’ hair and a pair of clippers.</p><p>Hill and Webster got buzz cuts, in front of the announced crowd of 1,653, to support the Jack’s Chattanoggins fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Erlanger, a project started by 12-year-old Jack Skowronnek of Signal Mountain.</p><p>Hill said he let his hair get a bit long to make Saturday’s show more dramatic.</p><p>“I was going to get it cut a few weeks ago, but I decided I’d wait,” the Englishman said with a smile. “I’m always happy to help out with charities and this was a great cause.”</p><p>Donations were accepted throughout the game and the main Jack’s Chattanoggins event is today at the Chattanooga Market in the First Tennessee Pavilion.</p><p><a href="http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jun/26/locks-surrendered-during-cfc-win/"><i>Continue reading on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>John FriersonSun, 26 Jun 2011 06:24:53 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/06/chattanooga-fc-scores-last-minute-pk-to-defeat-atlanta/<div><br><br><br><p><br></p>
In the 52nd minute, newcomer to Chattanooga, Chris Ochieng, stole the
ball from Atlanta’s keeper and dropped it back to Tim Sparks who walked
the ball into the net for the go-ahead goal. Cooper went on to say how
much fun it was watching all the new faces in Chattanooga’s line-up.
“Chris and Luis [Salazar] played very well together up front. They are
going to be a tough duo for opponents this season.”<br><br><p><br></p>
Playing a man down after getting a red card in the 77th minute, Atlanta
FC kept working hard to find the equalizing goal. With just seconds left
in extra time, defender Russell Courtney was forced to make a great
play in the penalty box to deny two Atlanta FC players the tying goal.
“After we were up 1-0, we started playing softer and letting them come
to us,” Courtney observed. ”No matter what, we must continue attacking
their goal.”<br><br><p><br></p>
“A win on the road is always a good thing,” remarked Jimmy Weekley,
Chattanooga FC Assistant Coach. “This game was good for us; it exposed
some weaknesses that will help shape how we prepare for our game against
FC Atlas.”<br><br><p><br></p>
Chattanooga FC’s next game is against FC Atlas, from Guadalajara,
Mexico, on May 29th at 7PM. The game will be at Finley Stadium. Tickets
are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Tickets are available at Clumpies
Ice Cream Co, Niedlovs Breadworks, El Meson Restaurants, Carniceria Loa,
and Esperanza Bakeries.<br><br><p><br></p><br><p><br></p><h5>About Chattanooga Football Club</h5><br><p>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<i>.</i></p><i><br></i><p><br></p><i>
Photo by Abby Gengozian</i></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/05/chattanooga-fc-wins-season-opener/<div><p></p><p><i>Photo by Frank Mattia</i></p><p>For the second time in one week, Chattanooga Football Club defeated Rocket City United, 2-0, in an important NPSL Southeast Conference match. With the win, Chattanooga takes over first place in the conference. </p><p>Getting off to a slow and tentative start, Rocket City United and Chattanooga FC tried to acclimate themselves to the wet turf at Finley Stadium. The first half was littered with missed opportunities by both clubs. Both goalies, Thomas Hunter (Chattanooga) and Tyler Early (Rocket City) kept their respective teams in the game after numerous scoring chances from the opposing side.</p><p>Much to the delight of the faithful Chattahooligans, Chattanooga FC scored the first goal of the match in the 47th minute on a sensational diving header by forward Mark Sherrod. Mark Beattie, Chattanooga’s right midfielder, played a beautiful ball from well outside the box to the Rocket City net and Mark dove, “like a dog jumping to catch a Frisbee,” as one fan mentioned, to knock the ball to the back of the net. </p><p>“Beattie saw that the defense was sagging and played a wonderful ball over their heads and somehow I was able to connect with it and score the goal,” said Sherrod after the match. “I didn’t think I would even get to the pass, but sometimes when you make a hard run to goal you get rewarded.” </p><p>Chris Ochieng, Chattanooga’s Kenyan forward, added another goal in the 62nd minute by out muscling his Rocket City defender on a long pass and blasting a shot past the keeper for a 2-0 lead. </p><p>Chattanooga FC has a critical regular season match against the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves next week Saturday at Finley Stadium at 7PM. The winner of the match will be in sole control of first place for the rest of the season. </p><p>“We always have an exciting match when Atlanta comes to town,” said Chattanooga GM Sean McDaniel. “It will certainly be a game people shouldn’t miss.”</p><p>Looking to Independence Day, Chattanooga FC will be playing host to CF Monterrey Rayados from Mexico. The match is at 7PM on July 4th at Finley Stadium. Tickets are $12 pregame and $16 at the gate.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 18 Jun 2011 22:33:23 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/06/chattanooga-fc-defeats-rocket-city-2-0/<div><p></p><p><i>Photo by Frank Mattia   </i></p><p>Chattanooga, TN. – Over 2000 people were on hand to witness Chattanooga FC defeat first year Knoxville Force, 1-0, in an important National Premier Soccer League match. It was a great family atmosphere where nearly every player on both team’s rosters played. </p><p>The sun beat down on Finley Stadium for the first half as both teams were battling for control of the match. Chattanooga FC had some very promising chances early, but Knoxville’s goalie, Nathan Thackeray, commanded his post and thwarted all Chattanooga attacks on goal. At the other end of the field, Chattanooga’s defense was solid and nearly kept the Force out of scoring range for the whole first half.</p><p>The second half began as the sun was setting and the intensity from both teams picked up. Chattanooga had the majority of control throughout the second half, but still struggled to find consistency in their play.</p><p>Finally, in the 60th minute, Chattanooga made a substitution and brought in University of Memphis forward Mark Sherrod to change the pace of the game. Within seconds, Sherrod found himself on the receiving end of a perfectly placed flick pass from Mark Beattie just beyond the final defender. Sherrod volleyed the ball 12 yards from goal for the game winner. It was his first touch of the game.</p><p>The Force had a couple dangerous chances in the last few minutes, including a header on goal in the 90th minute, which goalie Thomas Hunter smothered. </p><p>Mark Sherrod said after the game, “It was such a great way to start of my Chattanooga career…. my first ever touch on the ball in a CFC uniform was the decisive goal against a tough opponent. Mark Beattie just made an outstanding flick pass around the defender and over my shoulder where all I had to do was tap it in.” </p><p>With the victory, Chattanooga FC (2-0-1) takes over first place of the Southeast Conference. Knoxville Force is now 1-2, and remains in the middle of the pack.</p><p>Chattanooga FC will now host the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup First Round Tournament May 27th-29th at Finley Stadium. Teams will include Chattanooga FC, Knoxville Force, Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, Jacksonville United, FC Tulsa, and Rocket City United. Chattanooga FC will play the winner of Jacksonville and Knoxville on Saturday night at 8PM. 5-game passes are available for $15 and evening passes are available for $10.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 21 May 2011 23:19:26 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/chattanooga-fc-defeats-knoxville-force/<div><p><i>Photo by Donny Stiefel</i></p><p>Knoxville, TN. – Chattanooga Football Club lost its final NPSL Southeast Conference match tonight to Knoxville Force, 2-1. The combination of a Chattanooga loss and a Jacksonville United win eliminated the club from NPSL post season play.</p><p>"It's just a heart breaker," said GM Sean McDaniel. "We were right where we needed to be and controlled our own destiny, we just couldn't make it happen tonight."</p><p>The game got off to another slow start with Chattanooga FC allowing an early goal in just the 6th minute of play. Immediately following a Chattanooga attack, Knoxville countered quickly down the left flank and played a perfect ball to the middle for an easy goal from six yards out.</p><p>Chattanooga FC took control of the game after the first goal and set a high pace of play for the rest of the night. The match was hotly contested as several yellow cards were handed out to both teams.</p><p>Chattanooga was denied time and again by Knoxville's keeper, Wezly Barnard, who began the season with Chattanooga. Finally, in the 2nd minute of stoppage time in the first half, forward Chris Ochieng was fouled in the box and awarded a penalty kick. Barnard guessed the side correctly, buy Ochieng hit it hard into the upper corner for the tying goal heading into the half.</p><p>The physical play continued throughout the second half while the score line remained tied. <br>Chattanooga, understanding the necessity of a win to move on to the playoffs, began substituting attacking players into the game. The visiting side continued to put Knoxville under extreme pressure, but just couldn't find the back of the net.</p><p>In the 88th minute, Knoxville broke the stalemate. Chattanooga keeper Thomas Hunter came out of the goal to clear a long cross, only to be beaten by a Knoxville forward. The ball was flicked just over Hunter's head into the goal for the game winner.</p><p>The loss eliminates Chattanooga FC (5-3-2) from NPSL play. The club has one final game for the 2011 season against DC United U23 on Saturday at Finley Stadium. Tickets are $5 for kids 6-12 and $10 for 13 and older.<br><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubTue, 19 Jul 2011 07:20:09 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/07/chattanooga-fc-eliminated-from-npsl-post-season-with-loss/<div><p>Below is the Rocket City United account of the match:</p><p>
</p><p>Madison, AL- Chattanooga FC (CFC) travel well, bringing a full 20 man
roster and their own fan base to Madison City Schools Stadium for
Rocket City United’s (RCU) crucial game with the league leaders, as the
2010 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season passed the half-way
point  A goal by CFC's striker Chris Ochieng and a penalty kick
equalizer from RCU’s Lexi Munuro were the decisive moments in a
wide-open game. RCU nearly took all three points in stoppage time when
left back Joseph Letsholo’s headed flick on of Lexi Munro’s free kick
hit the CFC crossbar. Chattanooga still top the NPSL South Region table
by three points over second place RCU with three games to play.</p><p>
</p><p><a href="http://www.rocketcityunited.com/news_content.cfm?showNews=228&subHeader=News"><i>Read
more on RocketCityUnited.com.</i></a><br></p></div>Rocket City UnitedMon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-ties-rocket-city-united/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club kicks off its inaugural season Saturday night against Atlanta FC in its new home at Finley Stadium in Downtown Chattanooga. The game will begin at 7 p.m. and the gates will open at 6 p.m. </p><p>Chattanooga FC is maintaining a training pool of 30 players in order to ensure quality of play. Players have been brought from all over the South, and abroad, to Chattanooga this summer to play for the new soccer team. </p><p>“We are very excited about the group of players we are bringing to Chattanooga this year,” said Co-Founder Sheldon Grizzle. “Our roster includes players from the US, England, Kenya, Honduras, Mexico, Canada and Scotland.”</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article from <a href="http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_151245.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a></i>.</p></div>Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/chattanooga-fc-opens-season-on-saturday/<div><p></p><p>It only takes a moment’s glance at the game-day program of a Chattanooga Football Club match to notice at least a third of their players are from other nations around the world. These international players combined with the best local talent, have come together to create a new and exciting sports destination for Chattanoogans. </p><p>Local soccer fans have responded surprisingly well to the Chattanooga Football Club’s inaugural season. Thousands have attended the club’s matches at Finley Stadium, rain or shine, donning blue CFC T-shirts, rooting for the city’s new semi-pro sensation. Several supporters, including CFC players, believe that the club is filling a long-existing void in Chattanooga’s soccer community.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_154027.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a></i>.</p></div>Trey MeyerMon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/chattanooga-fc-players-unite-from-all-over-the-world/<div><p>The US Soccer Federation announced the First Round pairings of the 98th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Chattanooga FC and its faithful followers, the Chattahooligans, will be traveling north to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on June 14th at 7PM.</p><br><br><br><a href="http://thecup.us/ussf-unveils-2011-us-open-cup-first-round-matchups/">US Open Cup site</a> says, "Six of the eight groups have at least one USL Pro club in them. Chattanooga FC of the NPSL received arguably the toughest draw, falling into the only group with three clubs from USL Pro, traveling to Pittsburgh for the First Round before potentially playing the winner of the Dayton-Richmond contest."<br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/chattanoogafc"> Facebook page</a>, as well at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_80812540558">Chattahooligan page</a>.<br><a href="http://www.usopencup.com/">USOpenCup.com</a>.<br></div>Chattanooga Football ClubWed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/06/chattanooga-fc-draws-pittsburgh-riverhounds/<div><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323">Following up on the <a href="/news/2012/03/soccer-summit-feb-15/">February 15 Soccer Summit</a>, Chattanooga FC issued an update on what the board has discovered in exploratory research into options for soccer in our city — and what they have decided to pursue as a course of action.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323">Chattanooga FC announced today that it has decided to create an academy (or youth club system). CFC has submitted an application to the Tennessee State Soccer Association and is awaiting their approval.</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">Although the goal is to establish the academy for the upcoming 2012-2013 season, CFC will take time arranging and formalizing it to ensure that they have the best possible organization.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">"We see that there is a great demand for a new club system in Chattanooga," said board member Krue Brock. "But this is an extremely big undertaking for us, and we see no reason to do it if it is not done differently — or not done well. So while we will try to move as quickly as possible, we will not sacrifice best practices for the sake of speed."</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">The CFC board is in complete agreement in the need to establish diverse and equitable leadership for this academy — representing all segments of the Chattanooga soccer community. Over the next week they will work to solicit a Managing Board for the academy (including Academy President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer). This new Managing Board will then work closely with the CFC Board to create a selection committee that will run an open application process to fill the staff positions for the academy.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">"We want to have a strong Managing Board for this new Academy," said board member Tim Kelly. "It is crucial for us to have a wide array of individuals leading this new endeavor. Chattanooga is asking for something new and better in a club system, it is our responsibility to give that to them."</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">The club hopes to announce the Academy Managing Board members by the end of next week. Watch this web site for more details.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">About the positions available in the Chattanooga FC Academy —</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">CFC will be interviewing for the following staff positions: </p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">Field Coordinator/Scheduler</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323">Director of Coaching</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323">Academy Director (ages 9-13)</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323">Administrative Manager</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323"><br></p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">Some of these positions will be volunteer and some will be paid. Specific details and job descriptions will follow once the Managing Board has been put in place.</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #232323; min-height: 15.0px">If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact CFC. Or if you are interested any of the positions, please submit a resume and letter of why you're interested in the position at <a href="mailto:academy@chattanoogafc.com"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; color: #1055cc">academy@chattanoogafc.com</span></a>.</p></div>Chattanooga FCThu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/chattanooga-fc-announces-academy/<p><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#333333" face="Georgia, serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">As CFC was training on Friday night for Saturday's match against Pumas FC, a German film crew, documenting VW's arrival and impact on Chattanooga, came and talked to players, coaches and founders. The film will be shot over the next two years and will be released after VW opens their plant in Chattanooga. Pictured below is Omar Cooke talking with the crew. </span></font></p>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/volkswagen-film-crew-makes-visit-to-chattanooga-fc-training/<div><p></p><p>Shorter College used two Sebastian Stihler goals within moments of each other in the first half and a Mark Beattie strike in the waning seconds of the second half on an assist from Stihler to secure a 3-0 victory over Reinhardt College in Waleska, Ga. on Wednesday afternoon.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://goshorterhawks.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/recaps/093009aaa.html">Shorter College site</a>.</i></p></div>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/09/cfc-scottish-midfielder-mark-beattie-scores-for-shorter-college/<p>Check out the great CFC promo video made by fan and friend of the club, Chris Clark.</p>Chattanooga FCThu, 19 May 2011 11:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/say-ahhhh/<div><p>
</p><p class="p1">Chattanooga FC and Pedro Kozak of Premier Soccer Academy have agreed in principle to a formal partnership between PSA and the newly formed Chattanooga FC Academy. </p><p>
</p><p class="p2">"I am looking forward to working with the Chattanooga FC Academy," said Pedro Kozak. "After the Summit last month, I was very pleased to learn that their board of directors was committed to a different kind of soccer training — one that emphasizes player development over only winning tournaments. I think this partnership will be very good thing for Chattanooga."</p><p>
</p><p class="p2">The type of player development he refers to is one that focuses on training of individual players within the team context, with special attention given to the younger ages 8-12. Kozak wants to see each player's creativity cultivated — "on demand and under pressure," and then teaching them how to apply that in team situations. </p><p>
</p><p class="p2">Chattanooga FC and coaches across the city agree: "The Soccer Summit last month showed overwhelmingly that everyone feels we need to spend more time improving the training of our youngest players," said board member Krue Brock.</p><p>
</p><p class="p2">"We are so excited that a coach of Pedro's status would be willing to join with Chattanooga FC to form a new select program for Chattanooga," said CFC General Manager Sean McDaniel. "His experience growing up in the Argentinian youth club system — not to mention his international experience as a player and a coach — will be invaluable to creating a successful academy system for our city."</p><p>
</p><p class="p2">Details of the agreement are still being finalized, but CFC is clear that the renowned soccer coach will be contributing significantly to the Academy through coaching, training coaches and establishing the development program for 8-12 year olds. Kozak will keep his existing PSA teams, but he will also work with the CFC to integrate those players into the Academy system. </p><p>
</p><p class="p2">"As a parent of two children who went through the select soccer experience in Chattanooga, I have to say that we are extremely excited about what Chattanooga FC is doing with this new academy," said PSA President Rick Shipner. "By joining with Pedro's talent and experience in coaching, this becomes a once in a lifetime opportunity to change our region's soccer system for the better."</p><p>
</p><p class="p2">About Pedro Kozak:</p><p>
</p><p class="p2">Pedro Kozak played professional soccer for 14 years, including with Club Atletico Lanus in the Argentinian First Division. He served as head coach of the Canadian U17 Boys National Team and of the American Professional Soccer League's Toronto Blizzard. He also coached for the Ontario Provincial Development Program and the Canadian National Team Program. </p><p>
</p><p class="p2">Pedro came to Chattanooga to coach the professional team The Railroaders in 1992, which later became The Express in 1993. The team competed in the USISL until 1996. Pedro then established his Premier Soccer Academy which has been in operation to this day. He coached with Tennessee Soccer's Olympic Development Program from 1997-2007. Pedro holds both a Canadian and USSF "A" license as well as a National Youth Coaching License from USSF.</p></div>Chattanooga FCTue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/psa-partners-with-cfc-academy/<div><p></p><p>Freshman Houston Oldham scored with 2:07 remaining to give the Richmond men's soccer team a 2-1 victory Saturday over Manhattan to win the Duquesne Invitational.</p><p>Senior Kern Gardiner got out wide and sent laid a low hard ball across the face of the goal, where Oldham was there to knock it into the back of the net for his first collegiate goal.</p><p>The win was the Spiders' second in as many games in the Duquesne Invitational, giving them the tournament title. Richmond sophomore goalkeeper Brock Tomlinson was named the tournament's MVP, while Oldham, Gardiner and senior Fynn Glover were named to the All-Tournament Team.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://www.richmondspiders.com/sports/m-soccer/recaps/091209aab.html">RichmondSpiders.com</a></i>.</p></div>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/09/fynn-glover-awarded-all-tournament-team-at-the-duquesne-invitational/<div><p><font face="Arial">Chattanooga FC fans will be relieved to know that even though Thomas Hunter (</font><font face="Arial">a.k.a. Number 1) </font><font face="Arial">tore his labrum in the off season, he has successfully recovered from his surgery. Besides ensuring that he is able to return to the pitch in all his shot-stopping glory, Thomas has been training goalkeepers at D1 Sports. Thomas reports that he enjoys working with young players: “it is great to work in a field where you can have such a positive impact on young kids.” And he knows a lot about making an impact.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">Thomas Hunter joined Chattanooga FC in 2010, as a back-up goalkeeper, able to start against two opponents: Rocket City United, who was not able to score against him, and DC United U-23, who witnessed the Great Hunter who defends his territory in style. But 2011 was a banner season for Thomas; he became the starting goalie for Chattanooga FC and led his team to an Open Cup qualifying win against the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, which resulted in an exciting match with Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL). Certainly, fans will long remember his acrobatic save against DC United U23. He feels that his 2011 season was successful overall: “I felt I had a strong season and was lucky enough to be named to the NPSL All-Star Team.” <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">That Thomas was chosen as the starting NPSL All Star Team goalkeeper came as no shock to the Chattahooligans, who took the trip to Huntsville to chant his name, even when he wasn’t playing. And the loyalty of his fanatic followers did not go unnoticed: “Every team that has loyal fans says they have the best fans. Chattanooga FC truly has the best fans in the league. When I met the All Star team in Alabama, the guys were continually asking about our fan-base because they had heard about our hooligans, which just goes to show that the Chattahooligans are known nationwide as the best NPSL fans in the league.” <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">While Thomas has found the name Chattahooligan is known both far and wide, Elizabeth Strain and a hundred of her closest friends are ensuring the same for Thomas. Elizabeth’s favorite cheer for Thomas is “Thomas Hunter ... none shall pass!” But she says she will always remember the All-Star game and yelling out Thomas’s name, even when the other NPSL goalie took the field: “They won’t forget the name Thomas Hunter.” Elizabeth is happy to hail the Great Hunter: “After all, we are here to support the Chattanooga FC players and motivate them as best we can.” <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">According to the Great Hunter the way to play the big game is to use your greatest weapon, especially if that weapon is a pack of Chattahooligans. But it is obvious that, if you are going to be “Number 1,” talent and training and tenacity help, too. Matthew French, a newly christened Chattahooligan reports, “I love to watch Thomas Hunter play; he has mad skills.”</font></p><p><font face="Arial"><i>To check out the mad skills of our Chattanooga FC players, as well as the nationally known Chattahooligans, come on out to Finley on May 5 and watch them take on Knoxville Force. </i></font></p><p><font face="Arial"><i></i><i>Photography by Andrew Newlun: <a href="http://newtography.com/">http://newtography.com/</a>.</i><br></font><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempMon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/the-great-hunter-s-secret-weapon-revealed-1/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club will kick off its off-season schedule on December 5th when it hosts the first tryout for the 2010 season. The tryouts will be open to all post-high school soccer players who would like to show off their skills in front of the Chattanooga FC coaching staff. Chattanooga FC brings semi-professional soccer to Chattanooga at an unprecedented level of quality, and participates in the Southeast Conference of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.newschannel9.com/news/chattanooga-986710-coach-season.html">News Channel Nine site</a>.</i></p></div>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/11/chattanooga-fc-tryouts-covered-by-news-channel-9/<div><h5>Game Info:</h5><p>U20 Mexico National Team vs U20 Colombia National Team</p><p>November 30, 2010- 7 PM</p><p>Finley Stadium, Chattanooga, TN</p><p><br></p><h5>Ticket Info:<br></h5><p>Tickets are $15 if purchased before game-day.</p><p>Tickets will be $20 at the gate. <br></p><p>Kids 5 and under get in free.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">To purchase tickets online, click <a href="http://mexicovscolombia.eventsbot.com/">here</a>. Tickets are also available for purchase at El Meson in Hixson and Hamilton Place, as well at all Loa Carniceria locations in Chattanooga, Dalton and Cleveland.</p><p>Groups of 19 or more tickets: $12 each. <br></p><p>If you are
interested in buying groups of tickets, please email us by <a target="_blank" href="mailto:tickets@chattanoogafc.com" href_cetemp="mailto:tickets@chattanoogafc.com">clicking here</a>.<br></p><p><br></p><h5>Game Posters </h5><p>Many people have asked if they can have posters to help spread the word about the match. Feel free to download these to email to friends or print and hang around the workplace or neighborhood.</p><p><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/43122111/MexColPosterENG-1">English Poster- 1</a></p><p><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/43122979/MexColPosterWC">English Poster- 2</a></p><p><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/43122738/MexColPosterESP-1">Spanish Poster</a><br></p><p><br></p><h5>Article from the Times Free Press:<br></h5><p>The Mexican and Colombian men’s under-20 national soccer teams will face off in a “friendly” at Finley Stadium late next month, further cementing Chattanooga’s reputation as an emerging soccer city.</p><p>The game is scheduled for Nov. 30 as part of the teams’ two-game swing through the Southeast. The Atlanta Beat are sponsoring their trip to the United States — both teams will play the U.S. U-20 national team in Atlanta — and the Chattanooga Football Club will serve as local hosts.</p><p>CFC board member Sheldon Grizzle said soccer promoter Scott Spencer contacted CFC about hosting the game.</p><p>“It’s a no-brainer. Of course we’d love to help,” Grizzle said. “Part of our mission is to reach out to the Hispanic community, and we feel that soccer is a way to bring these different, multicultural groups together.<br>“It’s a natural dovetail with what we’re already doing.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC hosted an international opponent, the under-23 team from F.C. Atlas of Guadalajara, Mexico, in May. That game drew an announced crowd of 6,317, and Grizzle said the Mexico national squad may include one or two of the Atlas players.</p><p><a href="http://timesfreepress.com/news/2010/oct/20/mexico-colombia-finley/"><i>Read more at TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressWed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/10/u20-mexico-vs-colombia-on-november-30th/<div><p></p><p>The NPSL honored two Chattanooga Football Club players this week with All-Southeastern Conference awards. Midfielder Fynn Glover, a Chattanooga native, and British goalkeeping sensation Richard Masters were selected by NPSL coaches as tops in the conference. “These two young players deserved this award. They both worked extremely hard all season and we would not have been as successful without them,” said Brian Crossman, Head Coach for Chattanooga. “The club is excited to have two selections on the All-Conference team. I think it’s a great testament to the quality of soccer that was played in Chattanooga this year.”</p><p>Fynn Glover was a late commitment for the squad earlier this spring. “I thought I was going to be doing an internship in Toronto for the summer, but then I heard about the team being put together and I was offered a summer job with the STAND campaign, so I decided to come play for the FC,” recalled Fynn about his road to Chattanooga this summer. Fynn is entering his senior year at the University of Richmond where he is the captain of the team. “I feel that CFC has allowed me to regain my drive and ambition to continue competing in this sport for as long as I am able, so I’m also appreciative at many personal levels to have been involved.”</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://chattarati.com/editorial/zeitgeist/2009/8/22/two-chattanooga-fc-players-make-all-conference-tea/">Chattarati</a></i>.</p></div>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/08/two-chattanooga-fc-players-make-all-conference-team/<div><p>Chattanooga Football Club Media Relations- Chattanooga, Tenn. (06/10/10)</p><p>US-England World Cup Viewing Party at Big River Downtown</p><p>Details:</p><p>Where- Big River Downtown</p><p>When- Saturday, June 12</p><p>Time- 2:00-4:30PM</p><p>With the 2010 World Cup kicking off on Friday with the Mexico-South Africa game, excitement is building about the United States’ prospects for doing well in this year’s tournament. According to FIFA, the world’s governing body for soccer, Americans have purchased over 130,000 of the 2.8 million available tickets for the World Cup. That is more than any other country, including Britain who, coincidentally, plays the US in their opening game on Saturday at 2:30 on ABC.</p><p>“I haven’t seen this much buzz around soccer ever in the US,” said Sheldon Grizzle of Chattanooga FC, referring to the US-England match up. “I have people who have never been soccer fans inviting me to watch soccer at their homes. It’s really exciting, and I am thrilled to be an advocate and promoter of the game during this World Cup.”</p><p>Soccer has always been a universal language. It can help break down cultural and language barriers. It has been a way to unify people of different race, religion, and socioeconomic status. And, here in Chattanooga, Chattanooga FC and Volkswagen are teaming up to energize soccer enthusiasts about the World Cup. On Saturday, the United States will play their first match against England. The last time the US beat England was at the World Cup in 1950, 1-0.</p><p>“We’re honored to be able to be a part of the World Cup viewing at Big River on Saturday,” said Grizzle. “Most of our team will be in Tulsa for a league match, including all of our English boys, but many of the players who aren’t making the trip will be at Big River, as well as many of our board members, volunteers and fans. It’s open to anyone who would like to join us, even if they are cheering for England.”</p><p>For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club</p><p>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.</p><p>###<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubThu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-and-vw-team-up-to-promote-world-cup/<div><h5>Match Details</h5>
<p>Chattanooga F.C. vs. D.C. United Super 20/Reserves Presented by
Volkswagen</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dcunited.com/stadium">RFK Stadium</a>, Washington D.C.</p>
<p>Saturday, July 24, 2010, 5:00 PM</p>
<p>Tickets: D.C. United has set aside a block of tickets available for
Chattanooga FC supporters in the Mezzanine section at RFK Stadium. These
tickets are normally $52, but are available to our supporters for $42
each and they also cover the D.C. United vs. Portsmouth FC match later
that evening at 7:30 PM. <a href="http://chattanoogavsdcunited.eventsbot.com/">Click here to learn more or pay for tickets.</a></p><h5>Press Release from D.C. United</h5><p>Washington, D.C. (July 19, 2010) - D.C. United today announced plans for the club’s U-20 team to host NPSL side Chattanooga Football Club.  The game, presented by Volkswagen, features two clubs sponsored by the automotive giant and is a shining example of the company’s commitment to American soccer at all levels.  The friendly will be played July 24 at RFK Stadium.  Kick-off is set for 5:00 p.m., prior to United’s first-team match with famed English side Portsmouth F.C.  Tickets to the double-header are available at dcunited.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.</p><p>“D.C. United is thrilled to partner with Volkswagen on a host of quality soccer and community events throughout the year,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne.  “This game provides United local soccer fans the opportunity to see promising young players showcase their talents in a truly historic soccer venue.”  <br></p><p><i><a href="http://www.dcunited.com/press-release/2010/07/dc-united-u-20-team-to-host-chattanooga-fc">Read more on dcunited.com</a>.</i><br></p><p><i><br></i></p><h5>Article about the Match Published in the Times Free Press<br></h5><p>In the first gathering of what could be a long-lasting, meaningful
partnership under the Volkswagen umbrella, the Chattanooga Football Club
is heading to Washington later this month to face a squad from D.C.
United.</p><p>
</p><p>On July 24 at RFK Stadium, Chattanooga FC will play a team
predominantly comprised of United’s Super-20 (20-and-under) team, with
some reserves from the Major League Soccer squad participating as well.</p><p>
</p><p>“The great thing is both clubs have a major stake with Volkswagen, so
we’ve got that common bond,” CFC board member Sean McDaniel said. “Both
teams also have great, loyal fan bases, so we felt like there’s got to
be a way that the two of us can have some sort of relationship.</p><p>“They’ve been extremely accommodating, very agreeable, and ultimately
we’d love to get D.C. United down here in the near future.”</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jul/09/cfc-will-play-rfk/"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressFri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-will-play-dc-united-u20-in-rfk/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club now has an in-state rival with the addition of Knoxville Force to the Southeast Conference of the NPSL. This Saturday night at 7PM, Knoxville will make their first-ever appearance at Finley Stadium against Chattanooga FC.</p><p>Over 1200 fans came out to watch Knoxville’s opening match against Rocket City United two weeks ago. “It’s great to see the fans in Knoxville show up and support the Force’s opening match,” said Sheldon Grizzle, Director of Communications for Chattanooga FC. “The owners of the Force spent a lot of time in Chattanooga last year and were amazed by the support Chattanooga has shown for our club. We are hopeful that the things they learned from their time here will translate into better success this season and in the future for Knoxville.” </p><p>The state of Tennessee has never had a true rivalry, often called a “derby” in the soccer world. Grizzle continued, “Nashville has the Metros, but they are in a different league than us, so we are really excited about the appearance of Knoxville. This is going to be a great thing for both of our communities. We are hoping for a big turnout this weekend to welcome them properly to Chattanooga.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC comes into the match 1-0-1 and has not lost a Southeast Conference match since June of 2009. Knoxville Force is 1-1. The winner of the match will take over first place in the conference. Tickets are $5 for fans over six and $3 for kids under 12 wearing their soccer jersey.</p></div>Chattanooga FCTue, 17 May 2011 07:08:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/chattanooga-fc-hosts-knoxville-force-on-saturday/<div><p></p><p>A sense of excitement filled Finley Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the new semiprofessional soccer team in Chattanooga — the Chattanooga Football Club — held its final scrimmage before beginning the season.</p><p>Only a few hundred people dotted the stands, but they were more than enough to generate a buzz considering the relatively quick and quiet manner in which the team was founded.</p><p>“We didn’t really know what to expect as far as turnout, but this is great,” said Krue Brock, part of the founding committee of the Chattanooga FC.</p><p>Brock, who grew up playing soccer in the area, said he was approached about the possibility of forming a team in late 2008 and was immediately intrigued.</p><p>Read the rest of the article from the <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/10/chattanooga-fc-prepares-debut-season/">TFP website</a>.</p></div>Andrew Holt, Times Free PressSun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/chattanooga-fc-prepares-for-debut-season/<div><p>At a time when local soccer fanatics are thinking that the FIFA World Cup and Chattanooga Football Club will provide them with their full share of soccer action this summer, there comes yet another opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game here in Chattanooga. Indeed, Chattanooga Football Club and Volkswagen are teaming up this Saturday to host the 2010 Senior All-Star Games between Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia high schools. </p><p>The event will take place in Finley Stadium on Saturday, June 19 before the highly anticipated match between Chattanooga FC and Atlanta FC. The action kicks off when the Tennessee and Georgia girls square off at 1:30PM, with the boy’s game following immediately at 3:30PM. Chattanooga FC will then wrap up the day when they take on Atlanta FC at 7:00PM. One $5 ticket is good for entry for all three games.</p><p><i><a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_178064.asp">Read more on Chattanoogan.com.</a></i><br><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubThu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-hosts-high-school-allstars/<div><p></p><p>Almost 1,500 soccer fans poured into Finley Stadium Sunday night to watch Chattanooga FC take home their first victory in the club’s history. Coming into the match, Saturn FC (2-3), from Atlanta, was in second place in the Southeastern Conference of the NPSL. It was evident from the beginning that the visitors would have their hands full when Chattanooga sent wave after wave of pressure.</p><p>“I was proud of our guys tonight,” said Assistant Coach Jimmy Weekley. “We played great team defense all night and we attacked well, too. We missed some key opportunities to put the game away early, but didn’t convert our chances.” Two chances were all they needed as Chattanooga won by a score of 2-0.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article from <a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_152771.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a></i>.</p></div>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/chattanooga-football-club-gets-first-win-in-club-history/<div><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/album.php?aid=220770&id=60035025812"><i>Photo by Michael Sethman</i></a><br></p><p>Chattanooga FC Media Relations<br></p><p><b>Chattanooga FC Raises the Bar for 2010, Competes for First Place</b><br></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club<br></p><p>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.<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubTue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-raises-the-bar-for-2010/<div><p></p><p>At the end of a wild second half Saturday night, the Chattanooga Football Club had the biggest win of its inaugural season -- a 4-0 victory against Pumas FC -- in front of its largest crowd ever.</p><p>There was a push for the past week to get more than 5,000 fans to show up at Finley Stadium for Saturday's home finale. Chattanooga FC didn't get that many -- downtown was the hot place to be on the Fourth of July -- but the announced attendance was 3,014, the largest turnout for any of the team's four home games this season by nearly 1,000.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/05/chattanooga-fc-pummels-pumas/?sports">TFP site</a></i>.</p></div>John Frierson, Times Free Press Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/07/chattanooga-fc-pummels-pumas/<div><p>CHICAGO — It’s 10 o’clock Friday morning here in the Windy City and I’m in a place called McFadden’s, on State Street not too far from the John Hancock tower and Lake Michigan.</p><p>Normally it’s a charming little pub — in fact, it was about an hour ago — but now the mood is grim and the language is a bit salty.</p><p>Like the rest of the folks who have crowded into the place, I’m here to watch the World Cup. The turnout at McFadden’s, one of dozens of bars and restaurants in the city that opened early today, is at least 200. This is a soccer-supportive city, after all, having been a host during the 1994 World Cup and the home of Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire.</p><p>These fans know the game and know a stinker when they see one. The U.S. is laying an egg against Slovenia in a critical Group C game. It’s halftime and the Americans are down 2-0 to a country with a population of just 2 million, which is about a million less than Chicago.</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jun/19/frierson-us-soccer-fans-upset-team-first-then-ref/"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressSat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/us-soccer-upset-with-team-first-then-refs/<p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 4px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 4px; line-height: normal; "><p>Galt, CA (October 12, 2011)- Following its most competitive season to date, the Southeast Region of the National Premier Soccer League is expanding in 2012. The region is adding a Western Conference with its first teams in Texas and Arkansas, along with new franchises in Mississippi and South Carolina. “I think this expansion shows that the NPSL is an increasingly important part of the American soccer landscape,” said Andy Zorovich, commissioner of the Southeast Region.</p><p>New members from the Western Conference include Fort Smith United, Galveston Pirate SC, and the Rio Grande Valley Ocelots. The newcomers will join FC Tulsa, who competed in Lamar Hunt US Open Cup play last year and played a Southeast Region schedule in 2010.</p><p>Galveston Pirate SC coach Brendan Keyes said, “It’s a great chance and opportunity for us, as a team to grow and progress and this national platform gives us the chance to shine.” Galveston has competed in both the Houston Football Association and Southern Premier Soccer League and feature captain RJ McNair, nephew of late NFL legend Steve McNair, and former Bahamian national team star Peron Major.</p><p>The Rio Grande Valley Ocelots are based in Brownsville, TX and recently won the Southern Premier Soccer League Summer Cup. "Today marks a new chapter in the transformation and progress of RGV Ocelots FC. Although we are two days shy of the first anniversary of the club’s founding, we are overjoyed with the notice of the NPSL’s acceptance of the RGV Ocelots FC franchise that will be competing for a National Championship in 2012,” said club owner Kayan Sitsanthaparn.</p><p>Fort Smith United is the first NPSL franchise to play in Arkansas. Led by owner Luis Alvarez, the club has already brought sponsors on board and is committed to providing the highest level of play in the state.</p><p>Myrtle Beach FC joins the region’s Eastern Conference from the Palmetto State of South Carolina. Trym Hogner, President of the club, said, “We’re excited and ready to bring professional quality soccer to the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach’s residents and frequent visitors are the prefect combination to support an NPSL franchise for years to come, and we’re thrilled to compete in the same conference as the defending NPSL Champions in Jacksonville.”</p><p>The Mississippi Storm will be based in Biloxi and will draw from an emerging talent pool in the state of Mississippi. Owner Joel Gronau is excited to bring high level talent to the Gulf Coast.</p><p>The NPSL is still reviewing additional applications and talking with prospective new members in the Southeast region, as well as that other regions. More announcements on new members in all regions are expected throughout the month of October. The competition format of the NPSL Southeast Region for 2012 will be determined prior to the Annual General Meeting in January.</p></span></p>NPSLMon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/11/five-teams-join-npsl-southeast/<div><p><i>Photo by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chattanooga-Football-Club/60035025812?ref=ts#%21/album.php?aid=2058258&id=1052677055&page=2">Abby Gengozian</a></i><br></p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club continued its perfect start to its second season Saturday night, beating Pumas FC 2-0 at Finley Stadium.</p><p>Chris Ochieng scored both goals to lead CFC to its third win in as many games this season, including last Saturday’s 2-1 exhibition win over the under-23 team from Fútbol Club Atlas of Guadalajara, Mexico.</p><p>The victory moved CFC (2-0) into first place in the National Premier Soccer League Southeast Division standings, ahead of the Birmingham-based Pumas (1-1-1).</p><p>“That was a big win because if they win we’re down four points to them and still have to go to their place,” CFC coach Brian Crossman said. “There’s a lot of good players out here, and if you don’t play well you’re going to lose.”</p><p><i><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jun/06/ochieng-paces-cfc-victory/">Read more on TimesFreePress.com</a>.</i><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressSun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/ochieng-paces-cfc-victory/<div><p></p><p>The Milligan College men’s soccer earned AAC bragging rights Saturday night in front of a home crowd as they knocked off Tennessee Wesleyan and secured the AAC regular season title. The Buffs fended off the Bulldogs by a final of 3-1.</p><p>Milligan seniors Phil Wilson (Middlesbrough, England) and Josh Scott (London, England) came ready to play on their final regular season game on Anglin Field. Wilson and Scott tacked on back-to-back goals as the Buffs went up a quick 2-0.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.milliganbuffs.com/news/Fall09/msoccer_twesleyan_10-24.html">Milligan College site</a>.</i></p></div>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/10/scott-scores-one-more-as-milligan-clinches-1st-place/<div><p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><i>Photo by New England Revolution</i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><i></i>A crowd of 4379 soccer fans braved the unseasonably cold temperatures at Finley Stadium Sunday afternoon to watch the New England Revolution beat the Columbus Crew 2-1 in an MLS preseason match. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Both teams have taken up residence in Kennessaw, GA for training camp and traveled to Chattanooga for a preseason match.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">The Crew maintained a consistent attack in the first half but the Revolution would be the first team to score with a Sainey Nyassi (Gambia) goal that looked like it deflected off a Crew defender. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">The Revs took a 2-0 lead in the 81st minute when Zach Schilawski (Wake Forrest) scored on a hard shot from about 15 yards out after corner kick by Kenny Mansally (Gambia). Mansally's corner was partially cleared by Crew keeper Alex Riggs. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a href="http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_196116.asp">Read more on Chattanoogan.com.</a></p></div>Chattanoogan.comTue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/03/revolution-beats-crew-2-1/<div><p></p><p></p><p>Throughout the season we're going to be bringing you interviews from our players to help you get to know them and get their views on Chattanooga, the club, and the current season.  </p><p>Our first interview is with <b>James Moore</b>. Moore is a first year player with CFC who has already contributed a goal and an assist in his first two regular season appearances for the club.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><meta charset="utf-8">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><h3><b>James, how has your experience been so far playing for Chattanooga FC?</b></h3><p>My experience at Chattanooga so far has been incredible. I have only been here for two weeks and prior to moving here for the summer I had only played in two previous games with Chattanooga. This being said, my teammates and all the people associated with the club have been very welcoming and have made me feel right at home here. </p><p>Playing in the NPSL has been really high-quality; the teams we are playing against and the schedule are really demanding, and I have been hearing similar things from the other players and coaches. From what I have seen myself it is a really a high level of football. </p><p>The first home game I played in was against Jacksonville, and I was told that there may be a few thousand fans there but I didn't really expect there to be. When I walked out to play the game I was amazed with the atmosphere; it is a great tribute to the people involved with the club to have so many fans. The fans are one of the main things that make this a really special place to be.</p><h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px; "><b>Have you been in the Chattanooga area for a while, or has playing for CFC been a transition for you into the Chattanooga community as well?</b></span></h3><p>When I moved here for the summer it was the first time I’d been to Chattanooga. Since I have been here my roommates and I haven’t really been out to do many things as we're are all new to the area. We need to get out and explore the area a lot more. From the bits I have seen, it is a very beautiful area. </p><p>We were taken on a tour by Krue Brock, and he introduced us to a number of people. They were all very welcoming. To me, it seems that I’m not just here to play football (soccer), I’m also here to represent a greater image in the eyes of the community. I’m not here just for the summer and then leave, I feel like I’m going to become part of the community.</p><h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px; "><b>You've had strong performances in the first two regular season games so far... Is there anything in particular you are really concentrating on as you look ahead to playing at Finley this Saturday?</b></span></h3><p>Every day the team and I are playing as hard as we can in practice and out of practice. I know that if I don’t work hard and improve then I won’t be playing the games. </p><p>I don’t normally play left-midfield, so I’m still getting used to where I should be and what is expected of me. The coaching staff are really helping me with this and communicating to me and all the other players what is expected of us. My aim is to carry on playing well and hopefully be a big asset to Chattanooga FC. </p><p>I’m really looking forward to playing this weekend. Local rivals are coming to Finley, so I’m just concentrating on getting a good week of practice under my belt, and, hopefully come Saturday, I will be fit and ready to go. I’m hoping for a goal and a win!</p><h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px; "><b>How is the team feeling going into a home game this weekend after a tie on the</b> <b>road?</b></span></h3><p>The tie against Atlanta on Saturday was hard for us to accept due to the manner in which the game was drawn. From the way we played I didn’t feel we got what we deserved. On the other hand, myself included, we created some amazing chances to score the all important second goal and didn’t take it so, like all good teams, we got punished for not taking our chances. </p><p>We have sat down as a team with the coaching staff and looked over the game and seen where we went wrong and where we need to improve and have worked hard this week on those things. We have put the tie behind us now and are looking forward. We must learn from our mistakes, but not dwell on them. The result in Atlanta can’t be changed now so we must focus on the next game we have. The team and I feel confident that we can get a win this Saturday.</p><p style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Come out and watch James and the rest of the Chattanooga FC team play against the Knoxville Force this Saturday at 7 pm at Finley Stadium. Tickets are available <a href="/tickets/">online</a> or at the gate on game day.</p><p><br></p></div>Chattanooga FCThu, 19 May 2011 15:33:30 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/players-perspective-james-moore/<div><p></p><p>Mark Beattie, Kyle Timberlake and Garry Perks all scored in the second half to help Shorter College rally from a one goal halftime deficit and earn an impressive 3-1 victory over NCAA Division II University of Montevallo at Darlington School on Thursday afternoon.</p><p>The Hawks improved to 10-5-1 on the year with the win, while the Falcons fell to 9-6-1.</p><p>The spirited play of Shorter senior captain Beattie  proved to be the difference in the physical, high-paced contest.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://goshorterhawks.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/recaps/102909aaa.html">Shorter College site</a>.</i></p></div>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/10/beattie-leads-shorter-to-victory/<div><p></p><p><i>Post taken from Atlanta Silverback Press Release on February 1, 2011</i></p><p>The Atlanta Silverbacks announced today that the club will field a reserve team, which will begin play this spring. The Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, formerly known as Atlanta FC, will compete in the National Premier Soccer League in 2011.</p><p>Atlanta FC was founded in 2007 and went on to win the NPSL Southeast regional title in 2008 and qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in 2009. The team’s re-branding as the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves marks the beginning of the team’s official partnership with the Atlanta Silverbacks.</p><p>“We’re excited about the chance to become a part of the Silverbacks family,” said Chris Goeckel, owner of the reserve squad.  “The new relationship will give us a powerful way to develop players and the sport, while providing the Atlanta community yet another opportunity to watch great soccer.”</p><p>The Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves will retain Atlanta FC Head Coach Ricardo Montoya and Assistant Coach Alejandro Pombo, continuing their roles for the fourth straight year.  Assistant Coach and Video Analysis Expert Bert Leonard and Physical Trainer Juan Castellanos will round out the Reserves technical staff. </p><p>The Reserves will have a direct link to allow players the opportunity to advance to the professional level. The Silverbacks coaching staff, meanwhile, will enjoy the opportunity to scout developing talent and to call players up to the professional team as needed. </p><p>The Silverbacks Reserves will play four regular season home games in 2011. They will play at Atlanta Silverbacks Park and will compete against Chattanooga FC, the Knoxville Force, Rocket City United, and the Georgia Revolution.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubWed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/02/atlanta-fc-merges-with-silverbacks/<div><p><i>AP Photo/Stephan Savoia</i></p><p>More high-level soccer is coming to Chattanooga.</p><p>The Columbus Crew and New England Revolution, two of the original 10 Major League Soccer teams, will play a preseason game at Finley Stadium on March 6.</p><p>"I think it's really exciting to have these kinds of players that are coming to Chattanooga," said Sheldon Grizzle, one of the co-founders of the Chattanooga Football Club, which is helping finance and run the game. "They will be very, very good."</p><p>Atlanta-based soccer promoter Scott Spencer and Chattanooga FC are bringing in the MLS teams, which will be in Atlanta for training camp at the Atlanta Beat's facility.</p><p>"[Spencer is] always looking for places to have games, and we're always looking to have games," Grizzle said. "We heard about [the training camp] and said since they're already going to be in Atlanta is there a way we can host a game here in Chattanooga. [Spencer] worked with the teams and was able to work out a deal."</p><p><a href="http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jan/26/mls-at-finley/">Read more on Times Free Press.com.</a></p><h5><a href="/news/2011/01/new-england-revolution-to-play-columbus-crew/">More information on details and tickets</a></h5></div>John FriersonWed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/01/mls-at-finley-crew-revolution-preseason-game-march-6/<div><p><i>Photo by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=220770&id=60035025812&ref=mf#%21/album.php?aid=220770&id=60035025812">Michael Sethman</a></i><br></p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club proved Saturday that it can not only successfully host an exhibition game that draws a large crowd, but it can win the game, as well.</p><p>An announced crowd of 6,317 spent its Memorial Weekend Saturday night at Finley Stadium watching the second-year amateur soccer team prevail 2-1 against the Under-23 team from the pro squad Fútbol Club Atlas, of Guadalajara, Mexico.</p><p>“It was definitely the most fans that almost all of us have ever played in front of,” said defender Russell Courtney, who scored on a first-half header. “It was great.”</p><p>When Chattanooga FC was founded about 18 months ago, not many folks thought the club would draw fans the way it has, co-founder Tim Kelly said. CFC averaged more than 2,000 fans a game last season and Saturday’s turnout was the second-largest ever for a soccer game at Finley.</p><p><i><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may/31/cfc-looks-other-exhibitions/">Read more on TimesFreePress.com</a>.</i><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressMon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/05/chattanooga-fc-looks-at-other-exhibitions/<div><p></p><p>Whether Abner Doubleday invented baseball or not—and these days, most
prefer to give credit to Alexander Cartwright of Hoboken, NJ, who
formed the first team, the New York Knickerbockers—there can be no doubt
that the game came to have a hold on the American imagination like no
other. And for many people, the “boys of summer” still epitomize an
American sports outing…sitting in the stands with a hot dog, waving a
giant foam hand, urging your team on when the winning run is on third
base.</p><p>
</p><p>But slowly, over the past couple of decades, another sport has made
inroads on our summer sports consciousness, the one that dominates the
rest of the globe: soccer, or, as everyone else calls it, football.</p><p>
</p><p>Here in Chattanooga we are fortunate to have pro-level teams
representing both our American heritage, and, as some might say, our
future. So we decided to take a look at this year’s Chattanooga Lookouts
and Chattanooga Football Club and give you a preview of what to expect
when you do take yourself out to the ballgames. Our special thanks to
ESPN Chattanooga 105.1’s Nick Bonsanto, Chattanooga Football Club
co-founder and marketing director Sheldon Grizzle, and local sports fan
Luke LaGraff for their help.</p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-style: italic;" mce_style="font-style: italic;">Read
the rest of the article on the <a href="http://chattanoogapulse.com/pulsefeatures/cover-story/cover-story-take-me-out-to-the-ballgames/" mce_href="http://chattanoogapulse.com/pulsefeatures/cover-story/cover-story-take-me-out-to-the-ballgames/" target="_blank">ChattanoogaPulse.com</a>.</span></p></div>Janis Hashe, The PulseThu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/04/chattanooga-fc-on-the-cover-of-the-pulse/<div><p>Chattanooga Football Club is proud to announce open tryouts for the 2012 season. At this point, this is our only open tryout scheduled, so we encourage serious soccer players to attend. In order to give yourself the best chance of being asked to return, make sure you are game-fit and ready to play at a very high level.</p><p>
</p><h5><strong>What you need to know: </strong></h5><p>
</p><p>Online registration costs $20 / Day of tryouts costs $40</p><p>To register online, <a href="http://2012tryouts.eventsbot.com/">click here</a></p><p>Tryouts are at Finley Stadium on Saturday, December 17th (rainout date is December 18th). </p><p>Check-in and registration will be from 9-9:45 AM. Play will begin at 10:00 AM and will end by 3:30 PM, with a break for lunch (not provided) from 12-2. <strong>Not all players will be asked to return for the afternoon session.</strong></p><p>
</p><p>Bring shin guards and cleats/turfs </p><p>
</p><p>You will need to bring proof of insurance and you'll also need to sign a <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/44028818" target="_blank">medical liability waiver</a></p><p>
</p><p>Be fit, be ready! Thanks and we look forward to seeing you there!</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/11/2012-open-tryouts-announced/<div><p></p><p>Freshman Daniel Tackling (Norwich, Conn.) fired a shot past goalkeeper Justin Morrell off a deflection in the second minute of the second overtime on Tuesday to lift the Carson-Newman men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over King College at McCown Field.</p><p>With the win, the Eagles improve to 4-1-1 on the season, while King falls to 5-3.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://cstv.collegesports.com/404/?ref=http://chattanoogafc.com/">Carson Newman site</a>.</i></p></div>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/09/daniel-tackling-scores-winning-goal-in-ot-for-carson-newman/<div><p><font face="Arial"><i>This is a guest blog post by one of our famed Chattahooligans, John "<a href="http://www.theweatherprediction.com/weatherpapers/105/index.html">El Nino</a>" Fajardo.<br></i></font></p><p><font face="Arial"><i>Photography by Donny Stiefel</i></font><font face="Arial">.<br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">As a self-proclaimed Chattahooligan, the NPSL off-season brought "Chattanooga FC withdrawals." In August I found myself rocking back and forth in the dark singing “Go CFC,” clutching a picture of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ade_o7gzkI4">Andy Stewart</a>. Fortunately, by December, when I was considering becoming a table tennis fan, I was able to score a new <a href="/gear/">Chattanooga FC scarf</a>. Some people were concerned that I never took it off, not even when showering, but I found that it comforted me, much like a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_object">blanky</a> comforts a baby. Just as my friends were organizing an intervention, a Chattahooligan support group finally convened. It was then that I realized I was not alone.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">The meeting began when the brave Joe Evans rose and declared, “During the off season, I spent my time trying to learn the American Football crazy. Only to be kicked out of bar after bar for screaming ‘<a href="http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/81/42/36/lawsofthegame_2011_12_en.pdf">HAND BALL</a>’ at the top of my lungs every few seconds.” Joe also wrote to <i>Teen Beat</i>, suggesting that they feature <a href="/team/players/thomas-hunter/">Thomas Hunter</a>, which in itself is not odd behavior, but he apparently did this over a thousand times.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">The lovely Elizabeth Strain felt compelled to share that, on several occasions, she had been found standing in traffic on <a href="http://www.gomocs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17700&ATCLID=1097269">Carter Street</a> yelling “None shall pass!” After being forced to give up this habit, Elizabeth took her <a href="http://www.cowbell-central.com/files/carolina_blue.jpg">cowbell</a> everywhere she went: work, weddings, UTC’s December graduation ceremony. And Doc Howard confessed: “I have been driving around town looking for events, so that I can tailgate. This became extremely awkward a couple of weeks ago when I pulled up to a full parking lot, set up my stuff, and started chanting ‘Bring out your dead,’ only to be confronted by an angry funeral home director and a grieving family.” Doc was able to make amends by offering to brew a cup of <a href="http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=13723">Chattahooligan tea</a> for each of the mourners.<br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">As we went around the room testifying, we found that some of us were more greatly afflicted than others. El Conductor was so extremely disturbed by a society sans Chattanooga FC that he abandoned civilization like a modern-day Huckleberry Finn and “sailed down the <a href="http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/opn/tnriver/charts/67.jpg">Tennessee R</a></font><a href="http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/opn/tnriver/charts/67.jpg"><font face="Arial"></font></a><font face="Arial"><a href="http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/opn/tnriver/charts/67.jpg">iver</a> on a homemade raft of used $4 beer cups.” Apparently, his dog was forced to accompany him; the dog is now sporting bleach-blonde hair and answers to the name of “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQiLF8soEm0">Russell</a> Corgi.” Galen Riley filled the Chattanooga FC hole in his schedule by camping out at  Gerry Cleary's house with a cowbell and a bass drum. Of this experience with the <a href="http://www.rocketcityunited.com/">Rocket City</a> coach, Galen reported, “We did not exchange words, and I did not make noise. I just stared intently. I think I'm in his head now; he needed to know what's coming.” </font><font face="Arial">Unfortunately, Bill Bolen lost a job because he insisted on being served $4 beer every 45 minutes.</font><font face="Arial"> And, after trying to organize a "march-in" ceremony at his church, Bill became the subject of many prayers.  <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">It seemed like a sad state of affairs. Fortunately, Ernie Dempsey was on hand to counsel his fellow Chattahooligans and remind us that <a href="/schedule/">the 2012 season</a> begins on May 5, which is just a few short weeks away. Then, he forced us to make signs and flags, as well as stormtrooper balloons. While he did not confess how he had tried to deal with his Chattanooga FC addiction in the off-season, we are pretty sure it had something to do with the obsessive production of <a href="http://www.g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/blog/post/713147/stormtrooper-helmet-made-from-balloons/">balloon art</a>.<br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Join the Chattahooligans at Finley on May 5, and bring a stormtrooper because it’s time to take on <a href="http://www.knoxvilleforce.com/">the Force</a>.<br></font><br></p></div>John FajardoWed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/confessions-of-the-addicted-chattahooligans-recall-the-off-season/<div><p></p><p>Like most stateside soccer enthusiasts, I am gleefully watching our USA team dominate the “masters” (Spain, and—almost—Brazil) and carve a viable place in the upcoming World Cup festivities. But what helps fuel my excitement is that we now have the same action live, right here in the Noog.</p><p>No offense to the Mocs, Vols or Titans, but Chattanooga now has the likes of a real football team, because “football” is what it’s called in every other part of the world. The Chattanooga Football Club is making waves, not only here, but also across an ever-growing popular army of teams coast to coast.</p><p>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://chattanoogapulse.com/newsfeatures/news-feature/cover-story-futbol-fever-heats-up-chattanooga/?dsq=12061369">ChattanoogaPulse.com</a>.</p></div>Chuck Crowder, Pulse Contributor Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/07/chattanooga-fc-lands-on-the-pulses-cover/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club is hosting the inaugural Chattanooga FC Cup this Saturday at Camp Jordan. The tournament, which is sponsored by Powerade, is open to all men’s teams, but is specifically targeted at Hispanic teams from the surrounding region.</p><p>The teams will compete for the ultimate prize- $1000 cash and the chance to play against Chattanooga FC in Finley Stadium on April 30th.</p><p>The goal of the Cup is to unite various teams from leagues in Chattanooga, Dalton, Cleveland, and Knoxville into a single tournament. </p><p>Ivan Heredia, manager of the Chattanooga FC Cup and the Latin Champions League, said, “With this tournament we want to unite not only the Hispanic community in the area, but also the people who enjoy soccer in general.</p><p><i><a href="http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_199226.asp">Read the rest of the article on Chattanooga.com</a></i></p></div>Chattanoogan.comFri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/04/first-chattanooga-fc-cup-starts-tomorrow/<div><p></p><p>Early this morning, CFC's Facebook Fan Page had its 1000th person join to follow the team! Thanks for following us. </p><p>Not a "fan" yet? Become one by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chattanooga-Football-Club/60035025812">clicking here</a>.</p><p>Following us on Twitter? Follow now by <a href="https://twitter.com/ChattanoogaFC">clicking here</a>.</p></div>Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/chattanooga-fc-facebook-page-hit-1-000-fans/<div><p><i>Photo by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chattanooga-Football-Club/60035025812?ref=ts#%21/album.php?aid=2066017&id=1167613187&page=6">Donny Stiefel</a></i><br></p><p>Mario Medina doesn't yet speak English. He leaves that to his 10-year-old son Mario Jr.</p><p>But you didn't need to know Spanish to understand the joy in Papa Medina's face following the Chattanooga Football Club's 2-1 exhibition victory over the under-23 FC Atlas of Mexico on Saturday evening.</p><p>"It is very exciting, a team from Mexico coming here," said Mario the son, who served as his father's interpreter on the plastic grass floor of Finley Stadium. "It is very good."</p><p>This was a very good night for the Chattanooga area, regardless of the winner on the field. Mingling as they probably never have since the first waves of Hispanics began arriving in Dalton, Ga., more than 15 years ago to work in the carpet industry, longtime Southerners and their fairly new neighbors from south of the border joyously shared their love of that other football, the one played without helmets, pads and an oblong ball.</p><p>By Finley's official count, 6,317 showed up for this one and at least 25 percent of those were cheering the visitors, understandably more excited to cheer players from their native land than their adopted one.</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may/31/soccer-brings-us-all-closer/?sports"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>Mark Wiedmer, Times Free PressMon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/05/soccer-brings-us-all-closer/<div><p></p><p>As the crowd kept filing into Finley Stadium last Sunday, it became apparent that the Chattanooga Football Club was on to something.</p><p>About one in every five fans in attendance was wearing a Chattanooga FC T-shirt. The line at the beer stand was at least a dozen people long all evening. And there was an obvious connection between the players -- many of whom are from the area or area college programs -- and the supporters in the stands.</p><p>Read the rest of the article from the <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/12/filing-into-finley/?sports">TFP</a>.</p></div>John Frierson, Times Free Press Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/filing-into-finley/<div><p></p><p>Four different players combined for Chattanooga FC as they took the game from a very competitive DII Carson Newman team, 5-0. Carlos Gutierrez lead the scoring with two goals. CFC returner Aldo Heredia scored another, and two newcomers, Phil Beene (Wofford) and Jamie Davison (Lander), also added one each.</p><p>Head Coach Brian Crossman was very pleased with the result today. "We worked very hard off the ball today and it was very good soccer today." Crossman is "really looking forward to putting together a fit, well organized, attacking squad" this season and he's got his work cut out for him. He has so many talented attacking players, some "tough decisions will have to be made in the next couple of weeks."</p><p>Chattanooga's upcoming schedule includes University of the South on Monday, April 26th at 7:30 and the Nashville Metros of the PDL on Saturday May 1st.</p></div>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/04/chattanooga-fc-shuts-out-carson-newman-in-win/<div><p>Chattanooga FC Media Relations:<b><br></b></p><p><b>Chattanooga Football Club Announces Partnership Extension with Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations </b><br></p><p>Chattanooga, Tenn. (05/24/10) –Chattanooga Football Club and Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations today announced an extension of the partnership begun last year that includes Volkswagen's logo on the front of Chattanooga FC’s jerseys and community outreach through youth soccer clinics and camps.</p><p>In its second season of existence, Chattanooga FC is investing more time and resources to boost its involvement in the community by engaging residents through numerous events and offerings. According to the agreement, Volkswagen will be a partner with Chattanooga FC in every community outreach opportunity in which the club is involved.</p><p>“We are so excited to have Volkswagen as our title sponsor and partner for 2010,” said Krue Brock, Chattanooga FC managing board member. “Volkswagen’s vision for engaging the diverse community of Chattanooga aligns very closely with our own. This partnership makes a lot of sense, especially given Volkswagen’s history of supporting other soccer clubs near their headquarters in Wolfsburg and in Washington D.C. We’re glad to be in the Volkswagen family of sponsored professional and semi-professional soccer clubs around the world.”</p><p>“Soccer is an international game that transcends language and national borders to unite people and communities,” said Guenther Scherelis with Volkswagen in Chattanooga. “We are proud to be working with Chattanooga Football Club and look forward to supporting them in their efforts on the field and in the community. CFC has committed to reach out to youth and community football leagues across the city and region and we look forward to being a part of that experience,” Scherelis said. <br></p><p>Chattanooga FC will debut their new jerseys at the international friendly home match versus FC Atlas, from Guadalajara, Mexico. Volkswagen’s iconic circle VW logo will once again be featured on the front of Chattanooga FC’s jersey. <br></p><p>The front of the jersey is recognized as the most valuable marketing inventory a club has to offer and is reserved for a brand that shares in the organizational goals and ideals of the club.  Authentic and replica jerseys and other merchandise will be available at home games at Finley Stadium. The club is also currently offering a deal for supporters- with the purchase of a 2010 home or away jersey, the supporter will receive free admission to all home games in 2010.</p><p>Chattanooga Football Club is also announcing the complete redesign of its web site, completed in cooperation with Chattanooga branding and design firm Medium. The new Chattanooga FC site will launch Wednesday, May 26 and can be found at www.chattanoogafc.com.</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club</p><p>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.</p><p>About Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations LLC</p><p>Volkswagen Group of America Inc. will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create more than 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to the project. The Chattanooga plant will build a new midsize sedan specially designed for the North American market.</p><p>About the National Premier Soccer League</p><p>The NPSL is sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) as an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the ruling body for soccer in the United States and FIFA the world’s ruling body for soccer. The NPSL operates and is managed as a team run league. The structure of the league will allow each participating team to have one vote on the executive committee. Each team is owned and operated individually, and is responsible for maintaining league minimum standards. The existing team owners, that comprise the league management team, approve all new teams who desire to join the league.<br><br><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubMon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/05/volkswagen-expands-partnership-with-chattanooga-fc/<div><p><font face="Arial">On March 3, 2012, Neighborhood Cup brought a whole new energy to Highland Park Commons. Chattanooga Sports Ministries (CSM), Chattanooga FC, 11 Chattanooga neighborhoods, and 153 children converged on the Highland Park futsal courts to enjoy a unique tournament designed to help neighborhoods synergize, fostering a greater sense of community for area children.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">Chattanooga FC’s Moises Drummond, Ivan Heredia, Hudson Brock, and Drew Courtney were on hand to coach and cheer for the children, many of whom were able to experience their first sporting tournament. Moises was happy to see all the smiling faces. He contributed the high number of participants to the location of the new Highland Park futsal courts. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">The courts, which were installed only a few months ago with help from the Maclellan and Lyndhurst Foundations, were a blizzard of activity as children from all over Chattanooga conversed and played. Alissa of CSM was pleased with the atmosphere. “Most of these kids do not have access to organized sports, and, therefore, are not interacting with children from other communities. Neighborhood Cup was designed to bring neighborhoods together that don’t otherwise have a chance to interact.” <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">The kids were certainly interacting. Aracelis, who had never participated in a soccer tournament before, said her favorite part of the day was winning. However, after her team lost she still smiled brightly as she talked and laughed with new friends. Jarius, who had just started playing soccer, said he really enjoyed meeting new people, but his favorite part of the Cup was his coach’s attitude: “He is a good coach. He gives everyone equal playing time.” And Ezra, who was chatting with his teammates and opponents, reported that Neighborhood Cup was “a well organized tournament.” <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Neighborhood Cup was impressive. Ben Johnson, Director of CSM, credits the success of the tournament to his volunteers and the coaches from Chattanooga FC, as well as the event’s sponsors: Coca-Cola, North Chickamauga Conservancy, gregoryvickrey.com, Advisor Insurance Consultants, Academy Sports, and Second Site LLC. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Brainerd girls and St. Elmo boys took home the first Neighborhood Cup titles, but everyone took home a reward. Hudson reported, “It was so rewarding to see people having fun playing the sport I love, but the best part of the day was the cultural experience provided for the children.”</font></p><p><font face="Arial"><i>Many Chattanooga FC players work with Chattanooga Sports Ministries. For more information about Chattanooga Sports Ministries go to <a href="http://www.csm.is/">www.csm.is</a>.</i></font></p><p><font face="Arial"><i></i><br></font><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempTue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/neighborhood-cup-soccer-synergism/<div><p>
</p><p class="p1">Chattanooga FC is pleased to officially announce the 2012 season schedule, as well some exciting changes to the Southeast Conference of the NPSL. </p><p>
</p><p class="p4">"Chattanooga FC is proud to be part of the National Premier Soccer League for a fourth season," said General Manager Sean McDaniel. "Last season we added some excellent teams to our conference and it made for a thrilling finish. We expect the addition of two new teams, a new format and a conference championship match to make 2012 even more action-packed."</p><p>
</p><p class="p4">Last year four teams took turns holding first place in the conference during the season, with the champions emerging only after the very last game. A division championship match should only add to that excitement.</p><p>
</p><p class="p4">Chattanooga FC kicks off the 2012 regular season on May 5, with a home opener against in-state rivals Knoxville Force. The teams split the two games last season as each won at home, but Knoxville was responsible for keeping Chattanooga out of postseason play when they won last game of the regular season 2-1.</p><p>
</p><p class="p4">Quickly following that big home opener, CFC hits the road for the next three weeks, playing away to Rocket City United, Knoxville and a newcomer, Mississippi Storm.</p><p>
</p><p class="p4">Chattanooga's home games are as follows: May 5 vs Knoxville, May 26 vs Rocket City United, June 2 vs the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, June 9 vs Myrtle Beach FC, June 23 vs Mississippi Storm. For the full listing of games, visit our <a href="/%7Emaster/schedule/">schedule</a> section. <br></p><p>
</p><p class="p4"><b>Changes to the NPSL Southeast</b></p><p>
</p><p class="p4">There are now 8 teams in the conference, up from 6 in 2011, with newest clubs being Myrtle Beach FC and Mississippi Storm. The Southeast will also be divided into two divisions: East and West, each made up of 4 teams. Within each division, the four teams will play each other twice, once at home and once away. They will also play each team from the other division, but only once, making 10 regular season games for each team.</p><p>
</p><p class="p4">At the end of regular season play, the winner of each division will meet in the Southeast Conference Championship game on July 14. The winner will go on to represent the South Region in the NPSL National Championships on July 26th in San Diego, CA.</p><p>
</p><p class="p4">"We will do everything we can to get Chattanooga FC to win the East Division and to have a chance to be playing in the championship match on July 14," said first season head coach Bill Elliott. "The Southeast was very competitive last year, and we expect it to be even better this season, so our work is cut out for us."</p><p>
</p><p class="p4">The Southeast Conference is home to the reigning 2011 NPSL National Champions, Jacksonville United FC. The previous season, 2010, Chattanooga FC also made it to the national championship, finishing as runner up. </p><p>
</p><p class="p4">"The Southeast is proving to be a very strong conference in the NPSL," said board member Tim Kelly. "And in 2012 we want to continue to prove that Chattanooga FC is a very strong team within that conference."</p><p>
</p><p class="p4"><br></p><p>
</p><p class="p3"><b>NPSL SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE:</b></p><p>
</p><p class="p3"><b>EAST:</b></p><p>
</p><p class="p3">Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves</p><p>
</p><p class="p3">Georgia Revolution</p><p>
</p><p class="p3">Jacksonville United FC</p><p>
</p><p class="p3">Myrtle Beach FC</p><p>
</p><p class="p4"><br></p><p>
</p><p class="p3"><b>WEST:</b></p><p>
</p><p class="p3">Chattanooga FC</p><p>
</p><p class="p3">Knoxville Force</p><p>
</p><p class="p3">Mississippi Storm</p><p>
</p><p class="p3">Rocket City United</p></div>Chattanooga FCMon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/02/2012-season-schedule-announced/<div><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/album.php?aid=181671&id=653351878&ref=mf"><i>Photo by Ben Keys</i></a></p><p>With the 2010 World Cup only days away from significantly reducing worldwide productivity in the workplace, your neighborhood footballers are busy at work to find more ways to suck you in to the beautiful game.</p><p>We've got a couple World Cup related activities to keep June and July festive:</p><h2>Viewing Party at Big River Downtown</h2><p>Your Neighborhood Footballers are hosting the USA vs England match at Big River Downtown. We don't care if you're an American or British...come join and cheer on your favorite (American) team!</p><p>Details:</p><p>Where- <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=222+Broad+Street,+Chattanooga,+TN%E2%80%8E&sll=35.046745,-85.236483&sspn=0.141941,0.298691&gl=us&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=222+Broad+St,+Chattanooga,+Hamilton,+Tennessee+37402&ll=35.053608,-85.31019&spn=0.009345,0.018668&z=16">Big River Downtown</a></p><p>When- Saturday, June 12</p><p>Time- 2-4:30PM</p><p>Why- Why not?</p><p>Who- All your rowdy friends...and some family too</p><p><br></p><h2>World Cup Brackets<br></h2><p>As if the 2010 WC isn't exciting enough, we'd like to throw an official Chattahooligan Bracket into the mix.</p><p>"What does the winner get?" you ask. Well, we're glad you asked...the winner of this year's WC Bracket will get a pretty awesome 2010 Chattanooga FC Home Jersey (graciously modeled above by Russell Courtney)!</p><p>We have created a group on ESPN that will help us keep track of the table. It’s pretty easy. Go to <a href="http://games.espn.go.com/bpredictor/en-us/frontpage">espn.com</a> and create an account. Once you have done that go to <a href="http://games.espn.go.com/bpredictor/en-us/group?groupID=38816&entryID=920861">espn.com/brackets</a> and look for the group name ChattanoogaFC.  Once you have joined the group, fill out your bracket and then watch every match (or at least catch the highlights on ESPN). But please hurry...brackets lock on the 11th!</p><p>So, log on to ESPN.com and get your bracket rolling. <br></p><p>Please stay tuned for more World Cup news and events from your friends and neighbors at the Chattanooga Football Club!</p><p>Good luck and have fun!</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubMon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/the-world-cup-is-upon-us/<div><p></p><p>Coach Brian Crossman is beginning his third season as the Head Coach for the Chattanooga FC. Check out what he has to say about the start of the 2011 season and this year's Chattanooga FC team as they head into Saturday's match at Finley Stadium with a 7 pm kickoff against the Knoxville Force:</p><h3><b>Q: What are your thoughts regarding the beginning of the 2011 season?</b> </h3><p>I think we’ve had a good start so far. The players have come this summer in better shape than past years. I’m definitely looking forward to settling into a routine, or some sort of continuity as we work to get all of our players here on a consistent basis (The last player for the Chattanooga FC should be ready to go early next week… he was finishing up his MCATs). With all the players finishing up school and getting settled here, finding continuity has been difficult, but we’re being patient, working with who we have at practices, working to fill spots, and trying to find the best combinations of players that play well together. I think it’s a great group of guys though; about two-thirds are returning players and one-third is new which I think is a really good mix for this season. It should be a great season.</p><h3><b>Q: Has the early start of the 2011 season been an advantage for the Chattanooga FC?</b></h3><p>I don’t think we could really say that we have an advantage over other clubs… at least I don’t know the situation well enough to make that statement. I know other clubs are finalizing their rosters and getting clearances on international players just as we have been, so it seems to me we’re all in the same position. It is certainly advantageous to have established players from previous seasons, or players that have trained within the clubs. Knowing that all the clubs in our conference have one or the other—or both of these advantages—makes it evident that we have to work hard to maintain a high position in the conference standings.</p><h3><b>Q: What are your expectations concerning the upcoming home game this Saturday vs. Knoxville Force? Are you anticipating a strong rivalry to develop between these teams</b>?</h3><p>Everyone in our conference, except for Jacksonville United, is about two hours away, so that proximity makes every opponent into a close rival. All the teams this year will be very competitive so we will definitely have to show up to play well for every game. Concerning the Knoxville Force, well, one of the assistant coaches for them, Josh Scott, was previously a Chattanooga FC player so I imagine that will be a source of a healthy rivalry with some of the Chattanooga FC players who played with him. I also think Knoxville Force’s win on the road against Rocket City United says a lot about them. Winning on the road against Rocket City says a lot about their talent and desire to win. I know this Saturday’s game will be very competitive and will require that will play at a very high level to come away with a win.</p><h3><b>Q: How is the 2011 team measuring up in comparison to past Chattanooga FC teams? Were there any specifics you were looking for as you developed the 2011 roster? </b></h3><p>Well, we think one of the differences in the National Championship at the end of the season last year that could have changed the outcome of the game we lost was speed. We were definitely looking to increase our speed on the field this year, and I can say we are faster this year with the roster we’ve produced. We also have more depth this year than we have had before, which I know will benefit us as we go throughout the season. Due to such a high level of play, I know we will have to count on all of our players to be ready to play… that is why we are constantly working on keeping everyone in game shape as much as possible. I think the increases in speed and depth will definitely help us as we get late into the season.</p><h3><b>Q: Do you feel the team has settled in to a consistent formation, or is it too early in the season to make that decision?</b> </h3><p>We can’t settle in quite yet… it’s still too early. I am a firm believer that a system or formation needs to be built around personnel, and when you don’t have all your personnel you can’t form a consistent system. I am looking forward to having all the players here to be able to start building more consistency in that area. So far I have been pleased with the way we have played this season, but we are still working on creating that continuity that will bring us through the season. While we do want to have a main system, we know we’ll always have to be prepared to make adjustments in different situations… and we definitely have a good variety of strong players who can do that for us.</p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Don't miss the home match against the Knoxville Force this Saturday at 7 pm. The new addition to the NPSL Southeast Conference should be a great match!</p></div>Chattanooga FCThu, 19 May 2011 16:01:11 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/coachs-corner-head-coach-brian-crossman/<div><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">The board of Chattanooga FC invited 40 individuals in the Chattanooga area who are involved in all aspects of youth development (clubs, high schools, associations, etc) to attend a “Soccer Summit” on February 15, 2011. The purpose of this summit was to discuss the state of the sport in our area with the leaders of our soccer community. Chattanooga FC asked some questions and asked for input on the current state of the sport in our city, the challenges we face and goals for the community as a whole.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>STARTING THE SUMMIT</b></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">The ultimate purpose of the summit was to get the area’s soccer leaders to essentially answer three questions:</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">1. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH CHATTANOOGA SOCCER? IF YES, WHAT?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">2. WHAT ARE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">3. WHAT ARE POSSIBLE OBSTACLES TO THOSE SOLUTIONS?</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>Chattanooga FC’s Mission Statement:</b>  aims to build community and civic pride through a soccer organization with a balance of international and regional talent and by producing a positive economic impact by making Chattanooga a destination for soccer enthusiasts, both at the semi-professional and youth tournament levels. We are driven first and foremost by love for the game, for Chattanooga, and for our fans. Our vision is to create the best semi-pro soccer program in the United States.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>What is Chattanooga FC?  </b></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Chattanooga Football Club is a premier semi-pro soccer team which participates in the Southeast Conference of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The NPSL is currently in the 4th tier of American soccer, under the professional leagues of the MLS, NASL and USL Pro.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">The team has experienced overwhelming support and good success since it’s founding in 2009:  the team has had a winning record in all three seasons; over 53,000 fans have attended games at Finley Stadium during that time; the team was NPSL Southeast champion and a National Finalist in 2010; the team participated in the 2011 US Open Cup tournament, the amateur team only lost to the professional Pittsburgh team in the final moments of extra time; the team has a working relationship with MLS team DC United; the team gives to and promotes charities and worksin the communities with disadvantaged and at-risk youth; the organization has built 3 futsal courts in Highland Park for leagues, select soccer and public use; some of our players are gaining opportunities to play for pro teams.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>So what is the problem?</b></p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">With all the success, CFC has become a very desirable team to play for. More talented players are trying out for the team each year. And fewer Chattanoogans are able to make the team. Chattanooga and CFC want to have more  local players making the team, not fewer.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>That got CFC asking:  </b>What is Chattanooga’s track record? How many of our players go to good NAIA or NCAA Div I schools to play soccer? How many play pro or semi-pro? How many are reaching their potential?</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>Other Models: </b> What do other organizations do? It is common knowledge that many countries have a model completely different from CFC’s — they start developing talent very rigorously at very young ages. They have specific levels of teams and ways to determine who can play on which teams. Even Jacksonville United FC, who won the NPSL’s National Championship last year, grew out of a young club team that had gotten too old to play in any other leagues. And other teams in the NPSL, like Madison Wisconsin’s 56ers, run comprehensive systems ranging from U11 boys and girls teams all the way up to semi-pro men’s and women’s teams.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>What other factors are pushing us?</b> The city of East Ridge and ERSA situation. The fact that there seems to be enough demand in Chattanooga for Knoxville’s FC Alliance to begin offering practices in our city.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">And there is also the fact that Chattanooga is surging: not only is the city on the top 25 lists for outdoor activities, quality of life or intelligent communities, but national and international companies like Alstom, Volkswagen and Amazon are choosing to locate here. The Smart Grid and gigabyte Fiber Optic network has national attention. Our international communities are growing and so is our reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship. Shouldn’t our soccer community emulate those sort of smart, sustainable growth practices?</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">So where are we going?  Are we doing justice to our kids? To our city? Are we providing talent for Chattanooga FC?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">If not, why not? If not now, when? If not us, then who?</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Group breakout sessions followed.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>GROUP BREAKOUT SESSIONS (6 TABLES OF 5-6 PEOPLE)</b></p>
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<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">All breakout groups reported back virtually identical problems. Solutions and obstacles varied to some degree, but there was little disagreement over the general assessments. Consensus seemed to be as follows:</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b><br></b></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>1. IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH CHATTANOOGA SOCCER? IF YES, WHAT?</b></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">A · Not enough practices – to get better, the players need more days of practice</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">B · TSSAA rules prohibit more practices durng high school soccer seasons</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">C · Need to start training younger in order to develop talent, ages 9-13 (like in Europe and South America)</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">D · Need better coaches and refes... Especially for younger ages – both in rec and select</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">E · Need better / more facilities – weather conditions prohibit frequent training</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">F · Talent is diluted – fighting among clubs divides best players</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">G · Rec leagues are not connected to club teams or training</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">H · The select teams are not accessible to lower income families</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">I · Weak adult soccer leagues</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">J · The pressure to win and go to tournaments (from parents esp) does not promote the best soccer</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">K · Lack of press/media coverage</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b><br></b></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>2. WHAT ARE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS?</b></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">A · Make practices fun so that kids like to go and learn; make practices more accessible to all parts of the city</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">B · Work to change TSSAA policies</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">C · Identify and assign best coaches to younger kids, invest in training for younger/newer coaches</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">D · Stricter standards for both coaches and referees; offer more accessible training</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">E · Find a “patron saint” of soccer; identify potential sponsors that could support more new turf fields</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">F · Offer a unified system/academy of training – esp DOC or board and a top class team</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">G · Develop opportunities for young coaches and older players to interact/help with rec leagues</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">H · Provide scholarships; create a system that is more affordable and accessible to all income levels</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">I · Create a better adult league structure and referee network</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">J · Encourage a culture of development and local matches and reduce need to attend tournaments</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">K · More/bigger/better soccer events with positive community impact</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b><br></b></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>3. WHAT ARE POSSIBLE OBSTACLES TO THOSE SOLUTIONS?</b></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">A · Easier said than done – how do we identify best practices and share?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">B · How best to influence state school policies? Lobbying? Petitions? Press?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">C · What are standards for best coaches? Who can identify?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">D · How to establish and enforce these?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">E · Will require large amounts of money and great effort to locate and inspire the investment</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">F · Egos... And has been tried before – old resentments can limit. Must be the best option if it is offered.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">G · Logistics: Requires openness from both select and rec, volunteers and a coordinator</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">H · Again, how to locate resources and inspire investment?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">I · How to establish structure and standards and how to enforce?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">J · How do we change parents expectations?</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 13.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; min-height: 15.0px"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">K · Will the larger Chattanooga culture of football and other sports ever really care?</p></div>Chattanooga FCThu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/soccer-summit-feb-15/<div><p></p><p>With 75 enthusiastic fans in-tow, Chattanooga Football Club completed its inaugural season with a strong showing and a 2-1 victory over Saturn FC (2-5) in Atlanta on Saturday night. </p><p>Chattanooga finishes the season with a record of 4-3-1, and is still awaiting results of other teams in the conference to find out where they end up in the standings. </p><p>Chattanooga head coach Brian Crossman was very proud of the way his team finished the regular season. “After losing the first two games of the year, I thought we played some excellent soccer winning four, tying once, and only losing once,” said Crossman. “This was a great end to a wonderful first season.” </p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_154687.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a></i>.</p></div>Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/07/chattanooga-fc-finishes-inaugural-season/<div><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Chattanooga FC announced yesterday that Bill Elliott has agreed to take the Head Coach position for the team's 2012 season.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">“Bill’s great reputation along with his Chattanooga roots made him an easy choice for us.  We felt his successful longevity at the collegiate level will be carried over to CFC and the upcoming season. We’re glad to have him and assistant coach Weekley in 2012," said General Manager Sean McDaniel.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">"I was born and raised in Chattanooga, I attended the University of Tennessee and I never thought I would leave East Tennessee," said Elliott. "When the position was offered to me at the University of West Florida, it was a opportunity to make a career in my passion — coaching. Seventeen years later, I feel it was a good decision."</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Elliott is very excited to be back in Chattanooga for the summer season. He says he is glad to have his wife Chrissy, his three and a half year old daughter Peyton and his eighteen month old son Trey around his extended family that lives in and around the Chattanooga area.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Elliott has kept up with Chattanooga FC even while he's been in Pensacola. "I think the CFC organization has done a fantastic job in the past three seasons. They have set a standard in the league and in the southeast and I am honored to be a part of that." He also had great things to say about former head coach Brian Crossman. "I've known Brian Crossman for years, and I believe he did an outstanding job establishing a great foundation for the team. I hope to continue to build on that."</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br>
Assistant Coach Jimmy Weekley echoed that sentiment. “Bill and I are former teammates (with the Chattanooga Railroaders in the ’90’s) and have been friends since college. Bill brings a wealth of knowledge to us. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work along with him in furthering the success of CFC.”</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br>
Bill Elliott is one of the top coaches in the NCAA Division II. In his years of coaching he has compiled an overall career record of 307-144-29, including a 248-101-28 mark at the University of West Florida (Pensacola). He is among the top NCAA Division II coaches in the top 30 in career winning percentage(.630) and career wins(150).</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br>
From 1995 -2001, Elliott served as head coach for both the men's and women's team. He is the only coach in conference history to lead both men's and women's programs to the conference tournament, and the only coach to have won both men's and women's titles. In his time serving as the head coach for the women's team he led his team to the GSC tournament every year, winning three titles in seven years. Elliott has also won three men's and three women's GSC Coach of the Year awards.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br>
Elliott came to West Florida from Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee. He spent two successful seasons with the Bulldogs, leading both men's and women's teams to the playoffs in each season. Elliott's 1993 women's team captured the NAIA District 24 title, and he was named the district coach of the year. Overall, his women's teams compiled a 17-18 mark and his men's teams were 17-14-1.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br>
Elliott's coaching career began in 1992 at Division III Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn. as an assistant under Pepe Fernandez. In his year at Maryville, the women finished 15-3 and ranked 20th in the NCAA Division III. The men finished 10-8.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br>
Elliott played high school soccer at Hixson High School in Chattanooga, where he led his team to a second place finish in the state as a senior captain.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br>
Elliott also played Division III professional soccer in the United States Interregional Soccer League as a member of the Chattanooga Express. He helped lead the Express to a runner-up finish at the 1993-94 Indoor Soccer National Championships. In 1997, he was hired in mid-season as a player and head coach of the U.S.I.S.L. D-III Mobile Revellers with whom he had started the season as a player. In 1998, he was a player and assistant coach for the Pensacola Barracudas.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br>
Elliott earned a bachelor of science in business administration in 1991 and a master's of science in recreation and sports management in 1993 from the University of Tennessee. He also played played NCAA Division I varsity soccer for the Volunteers. Elliott holds the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and a USSF A License.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Founding board member and Sponsorship Director Tim Kelly said, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125); "><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3">“We’re very excited to be bringing Bill on board with Chattanooga FC and look forward to many great seasons with him. It’s one thing to find a great coach, and another thing entirely to find a native Chattanoogan who shares our love of the city and our grasp of what we are trying to accomplish here.”</font></span></p><div><div style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "></p></div></div><div><div style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "></p></div></div><div><div style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "></p></div></div><div><p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "></p><p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "></p><p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "></p><p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "></p><p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "></p><p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; "></p></div></div>Chattanooga Football ClubFri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/11/bill-elliott-named-head-coach/<div><p>The Chattanooga Football Club has three games left this season, starting with tonight's match against FC Tulsa. Win all three and the second-year squad will guarantee itself the National Premier Soccer League's Southeast Division title.</p><p>At 3-0-2, Chattanooga FC sits atop the Southeast standings with 11 points, three more than second-place Rocket City United had going into its game against Tulsa late Saturday night. And two of CFC's final three games are at home.</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jul/04/cfc-tries-to-remain-in-first-place/"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressSun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/cfc-tries-to-remain-in-first-place/<div><p></p><h5></h5><h5 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; ">Important Details:</h5><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; ">New England Revolution vs Columbus Crew</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; ">Sunday March 6th, 4:00 PM</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1826+carter+st+chattanooga&sll=35.075502,-85.061728&sspn=0.009729,0.013797&gl=us&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1826+Carter+St,+Chattanooga,+Hamilton,+Tennessee+37402&t=h&z=16">Finley Stadium</a>, Chattanooga's Southside</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><table border="1" width="216" height="102" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); text-align: center; height: 102px; font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><tbody><tr><td mce_style="text-align: center;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); text-align: center; "><span mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold; ">Ages</span></td><td mce_style="text-align: center;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); text-align: center; "><span mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold; ">Advance Purchase Price<br></span></td><td mce_style="text-align: center;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); text-align: center; "><b>Day of Game Price</b></td></tr><tr><td mce_style="text-align: center;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); text-align: center; ">6+</td><td mce_style="text-align: center;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); text-align: center; ">$10</td><td style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); ">$15</td></tr><tr><td mce_style="text-align: center;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); text-align: center; ">0-5</td><td mce_style="text-align: center;" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); text-align: center; ">Free</td><td style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: dotted; border-right-style: dotted; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-left-style: dotted; border-top-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-right-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-bottom-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); border-left-color: rgb(127, 124, 117); ">Free</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; "></span></span></p><h5 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></h5><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; "><a href="http://www.newenglandvscolumbus.eventsbot.com/">Click here to purchase tickets</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; ">Please note that all tickets are general admission.</p><h5>Group Tickets:</h5><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; ">If you have a soccer organization, team, league, club, etc, and would like to purchase more than 20 tickets, you can receive a donation of 10% of the total amount you spend on tickets. If you would like to know more, email us at <a href="mailto:info@chattanoogafc.com">info@chattanoogafc.com</a>.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 13px; ">If you are not a soccer organization, but would like to buy more than 20 tickets, please email us at <a href="mailto:info@chattanoogafc.com">info@chattanoogafc.com</a>.</p><h5>About the Game</h5><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 12px; ">Chattanooga Football Club is proud to announce New England Revolution and Columbus Crew will be playing a preseason exhibition match on March 6th in Chattanooga! The MLS regular season kicks off only two weeks after the match-up in Chattanooga, which means both clubs will be extremely focused on fine-tuning.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Both Columbus and New England were among the original ten clubs in the MLS' inaugural season in 1996. Just three years ago, Columbus took home the MLS Cup. The Crew is coming off of a strong 2010 season where they lost in the Open Cup Championship game. New England Revolution has successfully reached the MLS Finals four times, but has yet to claim their first title. They did, however, win the US Open Cup in 2007.</span></font></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">We hope you'll join us for an incredible night of soccer! And don't forget to pass along the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136564303075056&index=1">Facebook invitation</a> to your friends.</span></font></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Don't miss this chance to see the highest level of professional soccer in America!</span></font></p><h5>Game Coverage:</h5><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><a href="/news/2011/01/mls-at-finley-crew-revolution-preseason-game-march-6/">Times Free Press announcement on January 26th, 2011</a></span></font></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; font-size: 13px; "></span></font></p><h5 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; "></h5><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial" size="3"><a href="http://www.newenglandvscolumbus.eventsbot.com/">Click here to purchase tickets</a></font></p><p></p><p></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubWed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/01/new-england-revolution-to-play-columbus-crew/<div><p></p><p>Tomorrow night (5/16) the Chattanooga Football Club takes on the Atlanta Football Club at Finley Stadium at 7pm.</p><p>There is no more important soccer game being played in the Southeast tomorrow night.</p><p>It's an opportunity for our city to take vengeance on Atlanta for their treacherous construction of an Aquarium, stealing needed tourist dollars away from Chattanooga.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article from the <a href="http://chattablogs.com/quintus/archives/2009/05/chattanoogafc-vs-atlantafc.html">Irresponsible Journalism blog</a></i>.</p></div>Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/chattanooga-fc-in-the-blogoshpere/<div><p><font face="Arial">Just four months ago Nickson Odeny was thrice blessed. His wife gave birth to twins: Nelson and Estella. And his doctors were able to excise a brain cyst that had been causing severe migraines. Just last weekend, Chattanooga FC was blessed with Nickson’s return to Finley Stadium, in his usual impressive form.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">Nickson, a native of Kenya, joined Chattanooga FC in 2009, during the Club’s inaugural season. He has the distinguished honor of scoring the last goal of the 2011 season: a goal scored against the DC United reserve team.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">A defender, Nickson has shown the agility and speed that quickly halts offensives and turns the tide. But that is not surprising, as he appears to live on the pitch. Right after his minor surgery, Nickson was found playing indoor soccer in the D1 League, right here in Chattanooga. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Focused on the field and friendly off, Nickson’s presence at the Chattanooga FC Invitational Try-outs was what most fans would have expected, and he obviously enjoyed the experience. “It has been wonderful to see returning players, like Chris and Andy. But I also like the energy emanating from the new players.”</font></p><p><font face="Arial">There is sure to be positive energy wherever Nickson Odeny is found. Whether he is with his beautiful twins or playing the game he loves, Nickson draws fans because he is willing to overcome obstacles and give his all. <br></font></p><p><i><font face="Arial">Photography by Abby Gengozian.</font></i><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempSat, 25 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/02/nickson-odeny-the-power-of-the-positive/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club ended their season on a high note with a hard fought 2 – 1 win over Saturn FC in Marietta in front of a small but mostly Chattanooga friendly crowd. While the playoffs are out of reach, the boys in blue gave their all to finish what can only be described as a successful first season in the National Premier Soccer League.</p><p>Ivan Heredia opened the scoring in the 50th minute by converting a penalty kick earned by Omar Cooke. Saturn wasted no time leveling the score in the 54th minute after a clean sequence of passes in the box that ended with a Spencer Davidson finish. Cooke retaliated with the deciding goal in the 57th minute. Cooke received a pass from Irvin Espinal in front of the goal and quickly turned his man and drove the ball at the near post past the diving keeper.</p><p>The remainder of the match was played at a high pace with both teams pressing for any opening. Russell Courtney and Nick Odney anchored the middle of the ChattFC defense. Teamed with goal keeper Ryan Peck, they managed to repel all attacks by the Saturn side. The Chattanooga followers were ecstatic after the win, and cheered the team at every turn. Next on the agenda for the team is a brief period of rest. The organizers are already planning for an expanded home season next year. With additional opportunities to showcase their talents in front of the large crowds in a beautiful city it can be expected that next season’s try-outs will be very competitive. Many are already counting the days until they can see their footballers take the field again.</p></div>http://chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-fc-finishes-season-with-win-2-1/<div><p></p><p>Attracting their largest supporter turnout in the inaugural team’s history, over 2100 fans filed into Finley Stadium Saturday night to watch Chattanooga FC challenge Rocket City United. Coming into the match, Rocket City (3-2-1), from Huntsville, was in first place in the Southeastern Conference of the NPSL, while Chattanooga FC (2-2-1) was sitting in a three-way tie for second.</p><p>“What an exciting night for soccer in Chattanooga,” said Chattanooga FC’s Twitter reporter, Chris Cooper, after the match. “It was a very exciting game in 100 degree heat and we had well over 2000 fans at the match. There were also long lines for food, beer, and CFC gear. Seems like everyone really had a good time tonight.”</p><p>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_153530.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a>.</p></div>Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/2100-fans-watch-chattanooga-tie/<p>Eyewitness News Sports Guru, Keith Cawley, came by CFC's training session tonight and shot some video. Check out the video from the 11PM news by <a href="http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10488619&nav=menu1406_5">clicking here</a>.</p>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/news-channel-three-gives-some-love-to-the-fc/<div><p>After a one-year hiatus, the Tennessee-Georgia All-Star Soccer Classic is back and Saturday’s games at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga are enhanced dramatically by being part of a package deal with the Chattanooga Football Club’s home match that night.</p><p>The All-Star Classic girls game is scheduled at 1:30 p.m., the boys play at 3:30 and Chattanooga FC takes on Atlanta FC at 7. Admission for all three games is $5.</p><p>The former prep standouts from Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia will also participate in training sessions led by CFC coaches and players.  <br></p><p>“I’m going to stay and watch the Chattanooga FC game,” said Northwest Whitfield coach Ryan Scoggins, who along with Southeast Whitfield’s Kevin Kettenring, is coaching the Georgia girls. “I’m going to just make it a full day of soccer. This is a good time for soccer fans, with the all-star games, the Chattanooga FC game and the World Cup going on.</p><p><a href="http://daltondailycitizen.com/sports/x657336146/Prep-soccer-Classics-will-be-package-deal"><i>Read more on DaltonCitizen.com.</i></a><br></p></div>Larry Fleming, Dalton Daily CitizenFri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/classics-will-be-package-deal/<div><p></p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club wanted to figure out a way to open its
home schedule with a bang. The second-year amateur soccer team has done
that, and more. In a bold move that is sure to draw the attention of the
soccer community throughout the United States, CFC is bringing in a
team from Mexico. The reserves and under-23 players from Fútbol Club
Atlas, of Guadalajara, will face CFC on May 29 at Finley Stadium.</p><p>
</p><p>“It will definitely turn some heads, that a second-year club in
little Chattanooga can pull something like this off,” said CFC
co-founder Sheldon Grizzle, who also plays for the club. Chattanooga FC,
which plays in the Southeast division of the National Premier Soccer
League, had just four regular-season games on its home schedule.
Co-founder Krue Brock said the club was looking for fifth and sixth
games to add to its schedule, against opponents that “might raise the
bar a little bit.”</p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-style: italic;" mce_style="font-style: italic;">Read
the rest of the article on <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/apr/24/atlas-team-will-visit/" mce_href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/apr/24/atlas-team-will-visit/" target="_blank">TimesFreePress.com</a>.</span></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressSat, 24 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/04/chattanooga-fc-home-opener/<div><p>On February 12, 2012, the Chattahooligans celebrated their love for Chattanooga FC. The air was filled with excitement as several super fans joined together at The Company Lab to produce symbols of their devotion.</p><p>The Chattahooligans kicked off the 2012 season with the creation of flags, slogans, and posters. Galen Riley reports, “We've got some new signs, some new songs, and some other secret projects in the works. I'm really looking forward to a great summer!” And Ernie Dempsey makes it clear that other NPSL teams should not be jealous, as they were given attention during the slogan creation: "The other teams' players will be well 'cared for’ by our supporters."</p><p>The love shared was not unrequited. Chattanooga FC’s Sheldon Grizzle was on hand to thank the super fans and to ensure they had everything they needed to get the job done.</p><p>The Chattahooligans have issued an open invitation for all adoring fans to join in on the fun. El Conductor maintains “this is a love big enough for all to share. The only requirement for joining is that you stand for the whole game and chant along.”<i><br></i></p><p><i>Join the Chattahooligans at the official first home match of the season on May 5 at Finley Stadium.</i> Also, join the conversation at their official blog, <a href="http://chattahooligan.com/">Chattahooligan.com</a>.<br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempTue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/02/sharing-the-love-chattahooligan-style/<div><p></p><p>The Chattanooga FC coaching staff, led by Head Coach Brian Crossman and Assistant Jimmy Weekley, watched as hopefuls competed to make the final cut for the 2010 season. Players from all over the South traveled to Chattanooga on Saturday for the three-hour tryout. There were a few new faces the coaching staff had invited from colleges around the region, with many nationalities represented including Mexico, Kenya, Scotland, England, South Africa, Honduras, Canada, and more.</p><p><i>For more pictures, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=199390&id=60035025812&ref=mf">click here</a>.</i></p></div>http://chattanoogafc.com/news/tryouts-on-march-13/<div><p></p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club is hoping to close out the home schedule of its inaugural season tonight at Finley Stadium with a Fourth of July bang. There won't be any postgame fireworks at the stadium, but a ticket stub and $1 will get you on a shuttle to and from the riverfront for the show there.</p><p>All week long Chattanooga FC (2-3-1) and its area fans have been spreading the word -- in person and online -- about the 7 p.m. game against Birmingham-based Pumas FC (2-3). The message: Bring in a crowd of more than 5,000.</p><p>There's even a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120069134637&ref=ts">Facebook page</a> for it.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/04/soccer-club-aims-for-5000/">TFP site</a></i>.</p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressSat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/07/fourth-of-july-game-preview/<div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">We had over 60 guys who were
invited to participate in our tryouts at Finley on February 5th. Players that
are listed below are invited to return on March 12th, which will be our last
tryout. At that point, significant roster decisions will be made. Congrats to
the five guys listed below that have already been offered spots! We hope that
you'll enjoy Chattanooga FC and our awesome fans!</p><p>
</p><h5>Probable Returning Players</h5><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Thomas Clark</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Russell Courtney</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Moises Drumond</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Mac Gambill</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Fynn Glover</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Ivan Heredia</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Robbie Hill</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Thomas Hunter</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Chris Ochieng</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Ryan Peck</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Luis Salazar</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Josh Scott</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Andy Stewart</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Daniel Tackling</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Logan Threadgill</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Jake Warren</p><p>
</p><h5>Offered Roster Spots</h5><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Frank Cope</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Cody McCoy</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Jose Roblez</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Alex Rodriguez</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Mark Sherrod</p><p>
</p><h5>March 12th Tryout Invitees</h5><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><i>approximately 15 roster spots are
available         </i></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Julian Algeier<span style="mso-tab-count:7">                                                                                                     </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Wezly Barnard <span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Hudson Brock<span style="mso-tab-count:2">                    </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">John Carrier</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Andrew Chamberlain<span style="mso-tab-count:3">                                     </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Mike Davis</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Thomas Gasreau</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Sean Grisham <span style="mso-tab-count:1">   </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Carlos Gutierrez</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Khris Hammock<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Tom Hemmings<span style="mso-tab-count:1">                </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Stephen Hergat<span style="mso-tab-count:1">                </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Josh Hughes<span style="mso-tab-count:1">       </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Nihad Kanjesic<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Stuart McCrory<span style="mso-tab-count:2">                 </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Johannes Muller</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Christian Perez<span style="mso-tab-count:2">                  </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">David Pifer<span style="mso-tab-count:2">                          </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Rodrigo Pigatto<span style="mso-tab-count:2">                 </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Nouri Rahbe</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Andre Santos<span style="mso-tab-count:2">                     </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Harry Sherwood<span style="mso-tab-count:1">               </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Karter Smith<span style="mso-tab-count:1">       </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Franklin Soles<span style="mso-tab-count:1">    </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Billy Sparks</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Roger Ucles</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Gabe Warner<span style="mso-tab-count:1">     </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Tom Webster<span style="mso-tab-count:1">    </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Jan Weeg<span style="mso-tab-count:
2">                            </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">Luke Winter</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubThu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/02/february-tryout-update/<div><p>On March 7, 2012, MLS Road Trip to First Kick visited the local
Volkswagen plant. Temryss Lane and Nick Ferchau drove to the site in a 2012 Passat that was built in the Chattanooga facility. Met at the
plant by Chattanooga FC's Ivan Heredia and Nickson Odeny, the MLS duo enjoyed touring the plant where their Passat was made. <br></p><p>
</p><p>View the Volkswagen visit <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/03/07/mls-road-trip-volkswagen-plant-tour"><u>video</u></a>.</p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempTue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/mls-visits-volkswagen/<p><br></p>Ryan Harbaugh, NPSLFri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/interview-with-brian-crossman/<div><p></p><p>Senior forward Omar Cooke (Roanoke, Va.) scored on an unassisted breakaway with less than seven minutes left in regulation to lift Carson-Newman past Mars Hill, 2-1, in the South Atlantic Conference opener for both squads on Tuesday at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://cstv.collegesports.com/404/?ref=http://chattanoogafc.com/">Carson Newman site</a>.</i></p></div>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/09/omar-cooke-daniel-tackling-lead-carson-newman-past-mars-hill-2-1/<div><p></p><p>Our first tryouts for 2011 were held on December 18th at Finley Stadium. We had over 60 players show up for this first session. The next tryout will be at Finley Stadium on February 5th. If you would like to be invited to participate in one of those tryouts, please email us at tryouts@chattanoogafc.com.</p><p>As a side note to our fans, there were several 2010 Chattanooga FC players that were not able to make this first tryout, and that is why their names are not included in this list.</p><p>Thank you to everyone who came out!</p><p>Players invited to continue tryouts:</p><p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><p>Jesus Orozco</p><p>Roger Ucles</p><p>Stephen Hergat</p><p>Cody McCoy</p><p>Thomas Gasreau</p><p>Phillip Burns</p><p>Khris Hammock</p><p>Javier Salazar</p><p>Jimmy Vanderhurk</p><p>Tom Webster</p><p>Mark Sherrod</p><p>Josh Salmon</p><p>Hans Makolo</p><p>Logan Threadgill</p><p>Moises Drumond</p><p>Franklin Soles</p><p>Jake Warren</p><p>Andrew Chamberlin</p><p>Daniel Tackling</p><p>Nihad Kanjesic</p><p>Andre Santos</p><p>Steve Harris</p><p>Fynn Glover</p><p>Thomas Hunter</p><p>Ryan Peck</p><p><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 19 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/12/first-round-tryout-results/<div><p></p><p>The players, coaches, and organizers of Chattanooga Football Club would like to thank Chattanooga for being such great supporters of the club this season. When we first started dreaming this up in January, we were hoping for 500 fans per game. Once again, the Chattanooga community came through in a huge way by averaging over 2,000 fans per game! Not only were the fans great during the matches (remember El Conductor, the "423" flag bearers, and the Chattahooligans), but the interactions on Facebook and Twitter were always encouraging as well. This would not have been such a memorable year for us if it weren't for you...</p><p>Please keep up with updates via our Facebook and Twitter sites throughout the off-season. We will update with articles about some of our players finishing their last seasons in college (i.e. Fynn Glover and Omar Cooke), so also check in with our website from time to time. </p><p>We cannot wait for next year! We hope you will spread the word over the next few months. Let's make sure we get 5,000 at our home opener next May.</p><p>THANK YOU!!!</p><p> Your Neighborhood Footballers,</p><p> Chattanooga FC</p></div>http://chattanoogafc.com/news/thank-you-for-a-great-season/<div><p></p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club is getting ready to start its second season in the National Premier Soccer League.</p><p>The NPSL's Southeastern Conference again will have four other teams, but Atlanta-based Saturn FC will be replaced by FC Tulsa from Oklahoma.</p><p>"We think adding Tulsa will be a great draw for us," said Sean McDaniel, Chattanooga FC's acting general manager. "It's nice for the soccer community here to see and experience teams from quite a distance away. I think that's a great addition for us."</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/mar/09/chattanooga-fc-kicks-off-may-22/">Times Free Press site</a></i>.</p></div>Times Free PressTue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/03/chattanooga-fc-kicks-off-may-22/<div><p></p><p></p><p>It’s what the Big Bang must have looked like. Relative stillness and
quiet shattered by a burst of activity with brightly colored spheres
hurtling in every direction.</p><p>The five- and six-year-olds running
after the balls, however, are a dead give away. The explosion of
activity is youth soccer practice rather than a cosmic event. “Red
light,” barks Elliott Anderson, a member of the Chattanooga Football
Club, quieting the cosmos before chasing one of the balls falling out of
orbit. “Green light,” he says restarting the chaos.</p><p>Hundreds of
children with their tiny shin guards and miniature cleats converging on
the North River Soccer Complex on a chilly March Saturday morning are
learning the game of soccer. They start with the most basic lesson.</p><p>“Everybody
put the ball at your feet,” instructs Sheldon Grizzle, one of the
Chattanooga club’s forwards. “From now on don’t touch it with your
hands. Hands are off limits.” Th e young footballers stop only
occasionally, when someone loses a shoe or starts to cry. Some of the
children’s miniature soccer balls are pink with blue butterflies. Others
are tiger-striped or covered with tropical flowers. “We’re losing our
blob! We’re losing our blob!” Grizzle shouts to his group as the clot of
kicking cleats spreads too thin during a “blob run” exercise.</p><p>The
competition is quite unlike that which Anderson, Grizzle and teammate
Ivan Heredia are used to in the National Premier Soccer League. But the
three are at the field for a reason: they are evangelists for the sport
they love, spreading the gospel of the white-and-black spotted ball to a
new generation.</p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Read
the rest of the article on the <a href="http://chatterchattanooga.com/news/2010/mar/31/kick-out-soccer/" mce_href="http://chatterchattanooga.com/news/2010/mar/31/kick-out-soccer/" target="_blank">ChatterChattanooga.com</a>.</span></p></div>Andy Johns, ChatterThu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/04/football-evangelists/<div><p></p><p>Being Director of PR for the NPSL, I guess technically I am not allowed to have allegiances to any club, even though I am a Buffalo City FC fan, following the clearcut rule that you follow the club in your home town, end of story.  Also, this may have something to do that I was a part of the previous NPSL club in Buffalo, Queen City FC and did work for Buffalo City FC before moving to the league front office.  But I digress…</p><p>So far in 2009, there have been plenty of stories to keep everyone busy, but by far one of my favorites has been the story behind first year NPSL club, Chattanooga FC.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://npslinsider.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/chattanooga-fc-draws-big-crowds-yet-again-and-so-can-you/">NPSLinsider.blogpress.com</a></i>.</p></div>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/npsl-insider-blog-spotlights-chattanooga-fc/<div><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">Whether Abner Doubleday invented baseball or not—and these days, most prefer to give credit to Alexander Cartwright of Hoboken, NJ, who formed the first team, the New York Knickerbockers—there can be no doubt that the game came to have a hold on the American imagination like no other. And for many people, the “boys of summer” still epitomize an American sports outing…sitting in the stands with a hot dog, waving a giant foam hand, urging your team on when the winning run is on third base.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">But slowly, over the past couple of decades, another sport has made inroads on our summer sports consciousness, the one that dominates the rest of the globe: soccer, or, as everyone else calls it, football.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">Here in Chattanooga we are fortunate to have pro-level teams representing both our American heritage, and, as some might say, our future. So we decided to take a look at this year’s Chattanooga Lookouts and Chattanooga Football Club and give you a preview of what to expect when you do take yourself out to the ballgames. Our special thanks to ESPN Chattanooga 105.1’s Nick Bonsanto, Chattanooga Football Club co-founder and marketing director Sheldon Grizzle, and local sports fan Luke LaGraff for their help.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://chattanoogapulse.com/pulsefeatures/cover-story/cover-story-take-me-out-to-the-ballgames/">ChattanoogaPulse.com</a>.</p><p></p></div>Janis Hashe, The PulseThu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/04/chattanooga-fc-shares-cover-of-the-pulse-with-the-lookouts-an-honor/<div><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">Chattanooga Football Club will be hosting a series of soccer camps this summer for all boys and girls ages 4-14. Current CFC players and coaches will be in attendance to instruct and guide the campers through engaging and developmental activities and games, designed to improve technical skills and soccer knowledge. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">“We are very excited about running soccer camps in Chattanooga this summer, as CFC is always looking for different ways to become more involved in the soccer community,” says Chattanooga FC Assistant Coach Jimmy Weekley. “These camps, along with coaching clinics, player appearances, and individual training, are some of the ways we are hoping to do that.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">Upcoming camp dates include June 1-4, June 14-17, and June 28-July 1. The cost is $80 for early registrants and $100 for those campers who don’t make the early registration deadlines. The registration fee includes a soccer ball and t-shirt for each camper. Team and group discounts are available. Each camp is limited to 75 campers.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 12px; ">To learn more or to register, <a href="http://chattanoogafc.com/page/schedule/chattanooga-fc-camps">click here</a>.</p><p></p></div>David PiferWed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/04/chattanooga-fc-summer-camps-scheduled/<div><p>When Volkswagen plants roots in a community, the German car manufacturer often does so through soccer. Chattanooga is no different.</p><p>Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations has signed on as the title sponsor for the Chattanooga Football Club, a second-year amateur soccer team that plays in the National Premier Soccer League.</p><p>“We are supporting soccer worldwide — we do it in Germany, South Africa, we do it in the States with D.C. United,” said Guenther Scherelis, VW’s general manager of communications in Chattanooga. “Soccer's about team spirit, about passionate performance and that's the same as what you need in producing cars.</p><p>“Chattanooga FC is the top team here and it's natural that we would team up with them. Now as the season starts, we're all eager to see how they play and perform.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC opened its season Saturday with a 1-0 road win over Atlanta FC. This Saturday, the club will make its home debut against the Under-23 from Fútbol Club Atlas, of Guadalajara, Mexico.</p><p>Read more on <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may/24/chattanooga-fc-adds-vw/?sports">TimesFreePress.com</a>.<br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressMon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/05/chattanooga-fc-adds-vw/<div><p>Grant Freeman and Alex Molina came to Finley Stadium to see some of the soccer stars of the future Tuesday night.</p><p>Neither the heavy rains that drenched Chattanooga all day, but finally moved away just before kickoff, nor the cool conditions kept them away from the exhibition between the under-20 national teams from Mexico and Colombia.</p><p>And they weren’t alone. A crowd of about 1,500, most of them carrying colorful umbrellas and rooting for Mexico, showed up to see the Mexicans prevail 2-1. At the end, as the fans filed out of the stadium, many chanted in unison: “Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!”</p><p>“It’s an opportunity to see something in Chattanooga that we just don’t have come around very often,” Freeman, a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student, said before the game. “Frankly, it’s a big deal if we can get events like this to come and maybe grow soccer in our community.”</p><p>“Had [the weather] been what it’s been for the previous two months — 65 or 70 degrees and clear — I don’t doubt that we would have gotten a packed house,” Freeman said.</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/dec/01/mexicans-win-soggy-exhibition/">Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</a></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressWed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/12/mexico-defeats-cololmbia-2-1/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga FC played a very strong match tonight against an overwhelmed Nashville Metros side. Five different Chattanooga players combined for the five goals, while keepers Thomas Hunter and Wezley Barnard each contributed a half of scoreless soccer for the shutout. Ivan Heredia opened up the scoring for the home team, in the 19th minute, by putting a penalty kick into the upper right corner of the net. Twenty minutes later, Dalton hometown hero and Berry College graduate, Luis Salazar slotted in the second goal of the match off of a very nice assist from another newcomer, Chris Ochieng.</p><p>The third goal of the match was scored when Drew Courtney took the ball down the left flank and crossed the ball to Ochieng who volleyed the ball into the net. Irvin Espinal, also of Dalton, and Phil Beene, from Oak Ridge, rounded out the scoring for the night. "Overall, the coaching staff was very impressed with our attacking tonight," said Assistant Coach Jimmy Weekley. "It took us a little while to get rolling, but once we did, we created a lot of very dangerous opportunities. We are really excited to see how well our guys are playing together this early in the season."</p></div>Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/05/chattanooga-fc-takes-game-from-nashville-metros-5-0/<div><p>Saturday night, the Chattanooga Football Club soccer players walked off the field after a game with a feeling they hadn't experienced in 2010 -- the feeling of a non-win.</p><p>The Chattanooga FC allowed a second-half goal by Atlanta FC's Dalibor Amanovic and had to settle for a 1-1 tie at Finley Stadium in a game in which the home team dominated possession. It completed a three-tie Father's Day Eve at Finley, following draws in the Tennessee-Georgia all-star games involving recent area high school graduates.</p><p>Chattanooga (4-0-1) outshot Atlanta 22-6 and had numerous opportunities in both halves of the National Premier Soccer League game, but after a Luis Salazar goal in the 22nd minute, the hosts couldn't get another shot past big Atlanta keeper Constant Mantey.</p><p>"We had a lot of chances to score," Salazar said. "We just couldn't get that last pass together to get that second goal."</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jun/20/atlanta-fc-rallies-to-tie-chattanooga-fc-1-1/?sports"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>Gene Henley, Times Free PressSun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/atlanta-fc-rallies-to-tie-chattanooga-fc/<div><p><i><font face="Arial">Photography by Abby Gengozian</font></i></p><p><font face="Arial">Making the Dean’s List is only to be expected from a man who has proven he can tackle the
toughest of challenges. </font><font face="Arial">Andrew Stewart, the famed Chattanooga FC defender, is all set to graduate with honors from Milligan College this year, proving he can tackle his school work as well as he does a ball headed straight for his team's goal. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">After joining Chattanooga FC in 2009, Andy quickly became a crowd favorite when he demonstrated the willingness to defend at all costs. Most assuredly, his belly-flop slide tackle during the 2011 Silverbacks Reserves match will not soon be forgotten. In fact, his stellar performance in the Chattanooga backfield earned him a spot on the 2011 NPSL All Star Team. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">2011 was a good year for Andy. Not only was he recognized as one of the best defenders in the NPSL, he was also recognized for his outstanding efforts at Milligan, earning several honors: NSCAA 2011 NAIA Men's All-East Team, AAC All Conference 1st team, and AAC Defensive Player of the Week. With the Stewart defensive machine working the backfield, Milligan went unbeaten in their conference. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Andy certainly likes to win, and, after the last round of 2012 try-outs, he was not shy about predicting a winning season for Chattanooga FC: “I think we have every chance of fighting for a national championship. I'm confident we will have one of the strongest squads out there.” Andy feels the expansion of the NPSL will “make every team more competitive” and “make for some exciting games.” He is certain the 2012 success of Chattanooga FC can be ensured by “getting team chemistry as early in the summer as possible.” And Andy knows a lot about chemistry.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">After a particularly bad tackle during the 2011 season, Andy was regenerated by his fans: “While I was on the sideline, getting treatment, the Chattahooligans were chanting for me!” Apparently, the medicine dosed out by the crowd was just what the doctor ordered, as Andy was motivated back to his rightful spot on the pitch. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">These days Andy is taking his rightful place in the classroom, teaching and sneaking in some helpful soccer tips for the future Andy Stewarts of the world. But it won’t be long until he takes his rightful spot in the Chattanooga backfield, hearing the his name chanted once again.</font></p><p><font face="Arial"><i>Bring your young players to Finley on May 5 to meet Andy Stewart.</i><br></font><br><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempSun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/04/andrew-stewart-makes-the-list/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga, TN. – Mexico and Colombia today released rosters for the international soccer match to be played at Finley Stadium on November 30, 2010 at 7 PM.</p><p>Both rosters are fully professional rosters filled with players from the professional clubs of Colombia and Mexico.  Ten players from Colombia are featuring prominently with their professional clubs’ 1st Division pro sides and 11 of the national team players from Mexico have been playing with the 1st Division pro teams in addition to the Under 20 reserves of their respective clubs.  Mexico also has three players with Champions League experience, two with Superliga experience, and two with Copa Libertadores experience.  </p><p>The Mexico Under 20 national team is led by a group of six players from Chivas Guadalajara, three players from Pumas and two from Monterrey Rayados. Also, FC Atlas, which played a friendly against Chattanooga FC in May, boasts five players on the team.</p><p>“I cannot be more excited to see these rosters,” said Sheldon Grizzle, Director of Communications for Chattanooga FC. “All of these players are playing for big-time clubs in their countries and this should really help draw support from the Latino community.”</p><p>Colombia and Mexico are both considered early favorites to compete to win the FIFA Under 20 World Cup to be held in Colombia in 2011 given the professional experience in their strong domestic leagues. </p><p></p><h5>Mexico Under 20 Mens National Team (Professional Club)</h5><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span>Hector Acosta <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Toluca)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Kristian Alvarez<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Chivas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Diego De Buen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Pumas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Taufic Eduardo De Buen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Estudiantes)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">David Izazola <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Pumas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Alexis Loera <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Atlas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Carlos Aurelio<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Tall De Cordoba)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Jose Aceves<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Queretaro)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Jorge Mora Guzman<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Chivas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Jorge Valencia<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Tigres)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Erick Vera <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Pumas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Marvin Pinon<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Monterrey Rayados)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Luis Manuel Ramos A La Torre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Atlas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Edson Rivera<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Atlas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Luis Alfonso Rodriguez<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Monterrey Rayados)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Jose Rodriguez<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Chivas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Miguel Sansores <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Morelia Monarcas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Jorge Enriquez<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Chivas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Abraham Coronado<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Chivas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Alan Zamora <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Atlas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Ulises Alejandro Davila<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Chivas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Saul Villalobos<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Atlas)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><i>Staff:</i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><i></i>Juan Carlos Chavez Zarate<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Head Coach)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Sergio Almaguer<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>(Assistant Coach)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "></span></p><h5><br></h5><h5>Colombia Under 20 Mens National Team (Professional Club)</h5><p>Juan David Cabezas<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Cucuta Deportivo)</p><p>Andres Mosquera<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Bogota F. C.)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Javier Calle<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Independiente Medellin)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Miguel Angel Julio<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Independiente Medellin)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Cristian Bonilla<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Chico F. C.)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Sebastian Viafara<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Deportes Quindio)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Orlando Berrio<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Atletico Nacional)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Edwin Andres Cardona<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Atletico Nacional)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Jonathan Lara<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Patriotas F. C.)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Ramiro Andres Escobar <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Deportivo Cali)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Fabian Castillo<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Deportivo Cali)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Didier Moreno<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(America De Cali)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Alfredo Guerrero<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Real Cartagena)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Pedro Camilo Franco<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Club Los Millonarios)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Juan David Diaz<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Deportivo Pasto)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Estiven Mendoza<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Envigado F. C.)</p><p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></p><p>Faider Fabio Burbano<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Envigado F. C.)</p><p>Juan Camilo Saiz<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Envigado F. C.)</p><p>Yesinguer Jimenez<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Once Caldas)</p><p>Adolfo Valencia<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Independiente Santa Fe)</p><p><i>Staff:</i> </p><p>Eduardo Lara <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Head Coach)</p><p>Jose Helmer Silva<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(Assistant Coach)</p><p>For more information about the game or tickets, click <a href="/news/2010/10/u20-mexico-vs-colombia-on-november-30th/">here</a>.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubFri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/11/roster-released-for-u20-mexico-vs-colombia/<div><p></p><p></p><h5>Columbus Roster Taking Shape Ahead of CONCACAF Champions League </h5><p><i>Picture- Getty Images</i></p><p>The Columbus Crew is closing in on the the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals with a two leg series with Real Salt Lake to advance to the semifinals. The first match is February 22. </p><p>As of Friday, the Crew had 26 players signed or awaiting approval by the league, while offers are pending to three others. A final spot will go to a third goalkeeper.</p><p>“We have bodies, but we don’t know what qualities they’re going to be until we get a little but further into the season,” Bliss said. “Depth is going to be an issue for our team and I think a number of teams. We’re happy being where we’re at.” </p><p>The Crew announced Thursday the signing of all four 2011 MLS SuperDraft picks – defender Rich Balchan, forward Justin Meram and midfielders Cole Grossman and Bernardo Anor. </p><p>Supplemental pick midfielders Ben Sippola and Andy Adlard are expected to sign as well. Crew coach Robert Warzycha said former Loyola (Chicago) midfielder Eric Gehrig and ex-Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Josh Gardner could be officially added to the roster soon. Also, Serbian midfielder Dejan Rusmir, 31, has been offered a contract. “We like what we saw of him,” Warzycha said. “If we agree to numbers, he may be joining us.” </p><p>The Crew were briefly interested in Aston Villa reserve midfielder Moustapha Salifou, a 27-year-old from Togo who is considering going back to his former club in Switzerland when his contract expires in June. However, Bliss said they might revisit the situation this summer. Warzycha said there was some interest, too, in Costa Rican attacking midfielder Carlos Hernandez, who is playing for Melbourne Victory in Australia’s A-League, but he is out of the Crew’s price range. He does play a spot where there is a need, though. </p><p>“We’re still looking for a central midfielder,” Bliss said. “We went through a host of players whether it was in camp with Rusmir or some of the young kids and a gazillion videos. </p><p>“We’re having some good discussions with Rusmir’s agent,” he added. “If he comes he would be a good addition. I still think we would be looking to add another guy in that area of the field but we’ll have to bide our time and see how the team plays the first three months.”</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubMon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/02/columbus-crew-preseason-update/<div><p>On March 6, 2012, MLS Road Trip to First Kick rolled into Highland Park Commons. Temryss Lane and Nick Firchau were pleasantly surprised with the beautiful Highland Park Futsal Courts and a pick-up game with Chattanooga FC players. Michael Brooks, Nickson Odeny, Fynn Glover, Russell Courtney, and Drew Courtney were on hand to give their MLS guests a working tour of the facilities.</p><p>Check out the <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/03/06/road-trip-first-kick-chattanooga-pick-game"><u>video</u></a>.<br></p><p><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempTue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/mls-hits-highland-park/<div><p></p><p><a href="http://chattanoogafctryouts.eventsbot.com/">Click here to register for tryouts</a></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club is proud to announce open tryouts for the 2011 season. At this point, this is our only open tryout scheduled, so we encourage serious soccer players to attend. In order to give yourself the best chance of being asked to return, make sure you are game-fit and ready to play at a very high level.</p><p>If you have received a direct invitation from the coaching staff, please use the discount code provided. If you feel you should receive a direct invitation, please email tryouts@chattanoogafc.com and include your soccer resume, including references of college, pro, or semi-pro coaches.</p><h5>What you need to know: </h5><p>Registration will be from 12-12:45 PM</p><p>Tryouts will begin at 1:00 PM and will end by 5:00 PM</p><p>Bring shin guards and cleats/turfs </p><p>You will need to bring proof of insurance and you'll also need to sign a medical liability waiver</p><p>Be fit, be ready</p><p></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><a href="http://chattanoogafctryouts.eventsbot.com/">Click here to register for tryouts</a></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubFri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/11/2011-open-tryouts-announced/<div><p>Chattanooga Football Club will be hosting Jacksonville United FC this Saturday at 7 pm at Finley Stadium. Jacksonville Utd. FC (JUFC) is a new member team of the southeast region division of the National Premier League (NPSL) for the 2011 season. Based out of Jacksonville, Florida, this new addition to the southeast region will showcase talent from Jacksonville and its surrounding areas. A majority of the team members played or are currently playing collegiately at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, University of Central Florida, and the University of West Florida. JUFC is also home to many youth boys and girls competitive teams, allowing JUFC to train younger players for the future and integrate the younger and older soccer communities present in Jacksonville.</p><p>
</p><p>The game on Saturday will be both teams’ first game of the 2011 season in the NPSL southeast region division. Chattanooga FC has been training for several weeks, and after a number of preseason matches is ready to kick off the 2011 NPSL season. Tickets for the game are available at <a href="/tickets/">http://chattanoogafc.com/tickets/</a> or at the gate on game day. Kickoff is at 7 pm this Saturday at Finley Stadium in downtown Chattanooga.</p></div>Chattanooga FCFri, 06 May 2011 11:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/jacksonville-united-fc-match-preview/<div><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">The Chattanooga FC coaching staff is pleased to announce the following players are selected to contribute to the 2012 squad:</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Builder Brock</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Reed Farnsley</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Fynn Glover</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Hunter Harrison</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Matt Hudnut</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Josh Johnson</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Steve Kane</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Carter Kerr</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Chirs Pifer</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Rocklin Shumaker</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Franklin Soles</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Daniel Tackling</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Ali Jaffery</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Johnny Saye</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Kwame Bannah</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Franklin Soles</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"> </p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b>ROSTERED SPOTS TAKEN:</b></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><b><br></b></p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Mohamed Aden</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Michael Brooks</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">John Carrier</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Russell Courtney</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Snoopy Davidson</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Moises Drummond</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Greg Eckhart</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Irvin Espinal</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Jordan Green</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Greg Hartley</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Ivan Heredia</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Thomas Hunter</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Sean McFarlane</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Nickson Odeny</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Chris O'Chieng</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Grant Reardon</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Carl Reynolds</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Brady Seehorn</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Andy Stewart</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Luis Trude</p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Matt Williams</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 13.0px Arial">Luke Winters</p></div>Chattanooga FCMon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/02/round-two-tryout-results/<div><p></p><p>In a defensive battle, Chattanooga Football Club emerged victorious against Atlanta FC by a score of 1-0. In Chattanooga’s second consecutive win, both teams played excellent defense throughout the gritty, foul-laden match. “I was really impressed with our defensive effort tonight,” remarked Chattanooga FC head coach, Brian Crossman, after the match. “This was our second shut-out in a row and I feel like our back line is really starting to play well as a unit. Our midfielders and forwards also worked really well together tonight. Overall, the coaching staff is really pleased with how far our defensive shape and work rate has come since the beginning of the season.”</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article from </i><a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_153137.asp"><i>Chattanoogan.com</i></a><i>.</i></p></div>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/chattanooga-football-club-gets-second-win-at-atlanta-fc-1-0/<div><p><font face="Arial">Concerned about player development in the Chattanooga area, the Chattanooga Football Club convened a "soccer summit" on Feb. 12, to discuss how to produce more high-level players in the area--players that be able to one day play in college, or professionally.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">More than 30 CFC officials, local high school and college coaches and leaders from the different soccer associations in the Chattanooga area got together for the discussion.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">"It was just a meeting of all the soccer minds that we could find that touch college, high school and the local associations," CFC general manager Sean McDaniel said.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">In its first season, in 2008, CFC's roster featured many players that were either from the Chattanooga area or had ties to the region. That number has decreased the past few seasons as CFC, an amateur club that plays in the National Premier Soccer League, has been able to attract more talented players from all over the country.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">"[The summit] was our idea, and it was spearheaded from one of the things that CFC always wanted to do was keep and develop our local talent," McDaniel said. "We're recognizing that our best talent is either not staying here or not getting developed the right way, so we want to keep developing our young talent."</font></p><p><font face="Arial">To read more click <a href="http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/20/summit-held-on-soccer/?sportLocal">here</a>. <br></font></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p></div>John FriersonThu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/chattanooga-fc-hosts-soccer-summit/<div><p></p><p>Con el fin de probar a sus jugadores, los sábados 2 y 9 de mayo el equipo semi-profesional del Chattanooga Football Club realizó tres encuentros amistosos. Esto con el fin de realizar fogueos previos al torneo que tiene en puerta este sábado contra Atlanta FC en el Estadio Finley.</p><p>Tuvimos la oportunidad de platicar con Sheldon Grizzle, uno de los co-fundadores del equipo, quien comentó lo orgulloso que se encontraba de ver como el sueño de crear el equipo semi-profesional de Chattanooga se volvía realidad.</p><p>Grizzle destacó la importancia de los 5 jugadores hispanos que forman parte de la escuadra. Ellos son: Irvin Espinal, Iván Heredia, Manuel López, Carlos Gutiérrez y Aldo Heredia.</p><p>Read the rest of the article from <a href="http://noticiaslibres.com/news/2009/may/14/chattanooga-fc-fogueos-de-calibre-semi-profesional/">Noticias Libres' website</a>.</p></div>Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/chattanooga-fc-in-noticias-libres/<p><br></p>Paul ShahenSun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-remains-unbeaten/<div><p></p><p>Thanks to all who came to the March 12th tryout at Finley! Below is the list of players that will be continuing to train with us. The next training session is on Tuesday, March 22 from 6:15 to 8:15 PM at Finley Stadium (gates open at 5:45). Anyone who is still on the list and within a reasonable travel time is encouraged to be there. Thanks again and well done!</p><p>Julian Algeier</p><p>Wezly Barnard</p><p>Mark Beattie</p><p>Phil Beene</p><p>Michael Brooks</p><p>John Calderwood</p><p>John Carrier</p><p>Andrew Chamberlain</p><p>Thomas Clark</p><p>Frank Cope</p><p>Russell Courtney</p><p>Moises Drumond</p><p>Mac Gambill</p><p>Thomas Gareau</p><p>Fynn Glover</p><p>Diego Gonzalez</p><p>Sean Grisham</p><p>Carlos Guiterrez</p><p>Khris Hammock</p><p>Tom Hemmings</p><p>Aldo Heredia</p><p>Ivan Heredia</p><p>Robbie Hill</p><p>Thomas Hunter</p><p>Nihod Kanjesic</p><p>Reed Matte</p><p>Cody McCoy</p><p>Johannes Muller</p><p>Chris Ochieng</p><p>Ryan Peck</p><p>Blake Pelton</p><p>David Pifer</p><p>Rodrigo Pigatto</p><p>Nori Rahbe</p><p>Jose Roblez</p><p>Alex Rodriguez</p><p>Luis Salazar</p><p>Mark Sherrod</p><p>Harry Sherwood</p><p>Josh Shields</p><p>Karter Smith</p><p>Franklin Soles</p><p>Tim Sparks</p><p>Andy Stewart</p><p>Daniel Tackling</p><p>Logan Threadgill</p><p>Gabe Warner</p><p>Tom Webster</p><p>Luke Winter</p><p><br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubWed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/03/march-12-tryout-results/<div><p>Late in the first half of his team's matchup against FC Tulsa Sunday evening, Chattanooga FC's Fynn Glover got tangled up with Tulsa's Abed Elkour while the two were jockeying for a ball, resulting in a foul on Elkour.</p><p>Glover looked as though he had taken exception to the play itself, but instead chose to smile and give Elkour a hug before running back on offense.</p><p>It was one of those games where there wasn't much to get upset about.</p><p>Chattanooga started the fireworks early, getting first-half goals from Andy Stewart and Chris Ochieng and cruising to a 5-0 victory at Finley Stadium in front of an enthusiastic Fourth of July crowd of 3,415.</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jul/05/cfc-blasts-fc-tulsa/?sports"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>Gene Henley, Times Free PressMon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/cfc-blasts-fc-tulsa/<div><p></p><p>In the third game of its inaugural season, the Chattanooga Football Club picked up its first win Sunday. Elliott Anderson scored early and Omar Cooke scored late in a 2-0 victory over the Saturn Futbol Club at Finley Stadium.</p><p>Chattanooga FC, which plays in the National Premier Soccer League, debuted at home on May 16 before a crowd of 1,600. On Sunday, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, an announced crowd of 1,307 took in the team's second home game.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article from the <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/08/chattanooga-fc-soccer-team-earns-first-win/">TFP</a></i>.</p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressMon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/chattanooga-fc-in-the-times-free-press/<div><p></p><p>Carson-Newman claimed a 1-0 win over host Catawba in South Atlantic Conference men's soccer action on Friday night at Frock Field. The Eagles improve to 7-3-1 overall and 4-1 in the SAC, while the Catawba Indians fall to 4-7-1 and 0-3-1.</p><p>Forward Omar Cooke (Roanoke, VA) tallied the lone goal of the match in the 22nd minute. The senior collected a ball in the Catawba box and flicked a shot over Tribe keeper Tyler Held from close range.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://cstv.collegesports.com/404/?ref=http://chattanoogafc.com/">Carson Newman site</a>.</i></p></div>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/10/omar-cooke-scores-lone-goal-in-cn-victory/<div><p>
</p><p class="p1">Chattanooga FC is looking for sponsors for the upcoming 2012 season. In Chattanooga, soccer fans range across the cultural and geographic spectrum, enabling our sponsors to reach a wide variety of audiences, with tremendous buying power throughout the city. </p><p>
</p><p class="p2">In the past three seasons, more than 53,000 people have attended games in Chattanooga's Finley Stadium. The Club spends enormous efforts building loyalty among this fan base, through excellent play by top tier players, promotion at home and on the road through advertising sponsors, a high quality web site and a strong social media presence. Our Facebook page boasts more than 4,100 fans and 1,900+ people follow us on Twitter, far more than any other semi-pro soccer club in the United States. </p><p>
</p><p class="p1">Sponsorships range from title sponsors to a la carte opportunities such as ticket advertising, parking sponsor, VIP area sponsor, Game Day program advertising and more. </p><p>
</p><p class="p2">If you would like more information on this excellent investment in advertising and in coming alongside loyal soccer fans in our community, please contact Paul Rustand at <a href="mailto:paul@chattanoogafc.com"><span class="s1">paul@chattanoogafc.com</span></a>.</p><p class="p2"><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/37622118/2012_CFC_Sponsorship.pdf">Click here to view a PDF of the 2012 Sponsor Document.</a></p></div>Chattanooga FCFri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/sponsors-for-love-of-the-team/<div><p>Prior to the big win against Rocket City United, just over 100 youth soccer players from the area flooded Finley Stadium for the opportunity to play 10 members of the Chattanooga FC team. <br></p><p>The match was presented by Volkswagen to provide a chance for the team and aspiring youth players to interact together through the game of soccer. <br></p><p>The 100 proved to be too strong of a side for Chattanooga FC, putting three goals into the net in only 15 minutes of play. <br></p><p>"It was impossible to do anything out there," commented Tim Sparks, one of the Chattanooga FC players. Those kids were relentless and really competed fiercely. We didn't even have a chance!"<br></p><p>In the waning minutes, the 100 finally let their guard down just for a moment and conceded a penalty kick. It was the only goal allowed by the otherwise impenetrable 100.</p><p>The final score was 3-1, and will be the only blemish on the Chattanooga Football Club's record for 2010.  <br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/first-loss-of-the-season-comes-at-the-feet-of-100-youths/<div><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/album.php?aid=179173&id=698849014&ref=mf"><i>Photo by Prashant Rawate</i></a><br></p><p>Prior to Saturday, Pumas FC sat atop the Southeast Region table with 4 points from 2 matches, but today they find themselves squarely in the middle of the table as a loss to Chattanooga FC and a win by Rocket City United saw the Birmingham side leapfrogged by those clubs.</p><p>Pumas had the tough task of traveling up to Chattanooga to face CFC in front of over 3,000 rabid Finley Stadium faithfuls.  Behind a brace from CFC’s imposing, yet skillful, forward Chris Ochieng, CFC thrilled the home crowd while racking up another shutout.  A wide open game saw Ochieng find the net in each half and CFC goalkeeper Richard Masters repelled every shot he faced for the 2:0 win and first place in the Southeast Region.</p><p><a href="http://www.npslinsider.com/southeast-region/npsl-southeast-table-reshuffled-after-saturdays-results/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+npslinsider+%28NPSL+Insider+%7C+National+Premier+Soccer+League+%7C+United+States+Soccer%29"><i>Read more on NPSLinsider.com.</i></a><br></p></div>NPSL InsiderMon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/npsl-southeast-table-reshuffled/<div><p>
</p><p class="p1">The CFC Soccer Summit on Feb 15 (a charette where local soccer leaders discussed the state of the sport in the Chattanooga community) led to a new vision for the city's youth soccer. At that Summit, Chattanooga United's club was represented by President Trevin Bernarding, board member Bill Fraser, Director of Coaching Pat Johnston, and several coaches. Every other club in the community was also invited, and thirty leaders of Chattanooga soccer attended. </p><p>
</p><p class="p1">Out of that summit came a virtually unanimous agreement Chattanooga soccer needed to come together in a different way. Various ideas were discussed and what became clear at the conclusion of the meeting was that there are many passionate people in the community who care deeply about youth soccer. As a result, Chattanooga FC applied to Tennessee Soccer to establish an Academy — a new youth club for the city.</p><p>
</p><p class="p1">Chattanooga's FC's Academy expressed values for youth soccer that are directly in line with Chattanooga United’s mission (established in 2009) - which is "to provide a unified, positive soccer experience for youth in the greater Chattanooga Community in a manner that develops and enhances their skills and passion for the game which translates into success both on the field and off<b>."</b></p><p>
</p><p class="p1">Based on this shared vision, Chattanooga United President Trevin Bernarding recommended to the CUFC board that they join the CFC Academy beginning with the 2012/13 soccer year. The board voted unanimously on March 21 to accept his recommendation.</p><p>
</p><p class="p1">"First and foremost, I hope that CUFC players and parents will recognize that joining CFC's Academy accelerates our vision to be a premier soccer club in Tennessee," said Trevin Bernarding. "We want a club where all level of players can get first rate training without having to go to Knoxville, Atlanta, or Brentwood. Joining CFC gets Chattanooga soccer to that point faster." </p><p>
</p><p class="p1">There are many reasons for this course of action. CFC believes, as CUFC does, that the Academy will provide the Chattanooga community with a single, unified program committed to developing the skills and success of our players and their teams – all the way from U8 through their high school years. CFC will strive to develop the skill level of all players. And CFC has the access to additional resources — including more fields: the futsal courts at Highland Park and Finley Stadium. There are also plans for more fields to be built in the Chattanooga area over the next 18 months.</p><p>
</p><p class="p1">Along with the fields, CFC's resources and partnerships with local businesses will also provide more opportunity for players in our community who have yet to benefit from club soccer.</p><p>
</p><p class="p1">"Nothing will change for Chattanooga United teams through the end of the spring season," said CUFC Board Member Bill Fraser. "As the tryout period in June gets closer, we will be sending more details about CFC Academy. We will also have a Chattanooga United meeting soon where we will answer any questions CUFC parents and coaches may have."</p><p>
</p><p class="p1">"We are greatly honored by this announcement. Chattanooga United's overwhelming support means a great deal to Chattanooga FC," said board member Krue Brock. "This is an great opportunity for Chattanooga soccer, and the CFC Academy will make every effort to ensure that all players will benefit from this new partnership."</p></div>Chattanooga FCTue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/chattanooga-united-joins-cfc-academy/<div><p></p><p>Following an inaugural season that could not have gone much better, the Chattanooga Football Club is now pondering what it can do for an encore.</p><p>"It was one of those best-case scenarios that we did not even contemplate at the beginning of the season," co-founder and player Sheldon Grizzle said of the men's soccer team's reception this season. That began with a crowd of more than 1,000 at its debut on May 16 at Finley Stadium and reached a peak with 3,014 fans showing up for the home finale on July 4.</p><p>Chattanooga FC, which had the highest attendance in the National Premier Soccer League, also did well on the field, going 4-3-1 in its first season, including four wins in its last six games.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/26/chattanooga-fc-looking-ahead-to-next-season-with/?sports">TFP site</a></i>.</p></div>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/07/chattanooga-fc-looking-ahead-to-next-season-with-excitement/<p>Saturday brought clear skies, warm temperatures, and a host of local soccer teams to Finley Stadium as Chattanooga FC hosted a pre-season mini-tournament.  The event, which doubled as a tryout of sorts for the second year NPSL club, paired two CFC teams against local opponents in Covenant College and Cleveland Football Club.  The four teams battled it out in a round-robin style format for more than five hours, providing players, coaches, and spectators with a preview of what is in store for the 2010 season.  “Overall, I was satisfied with the play of the CFC squads,” said Coach Brian Crossman after the games. “We got some good results, but we definitely have some work that needs to be done at all positions.”</p>David Piferhttp://chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-fc-back-in-action-mini-tournament/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga FC-1...Atlanta FC-3</p><p>Despite an hour lightning delay, over 1000 CFC supporters showed up (and stayed) to root on the home side. The energy in the stadium was palpable. Chattanooga FC players fed off the energy of the crowd even when down 3-0. The team never let down and kept working hard for that first goal. Omar Cooke made it 3-1 with 20 minutes remaining and then things got more exciting with Chattanooga FC getting some good scoring chances down the stretch.</p><p>Chattanooga Football Club would like to thank all of the supporters who faithfully waited an hour to watch the team play. Continue to spread the word about Chattanooga's football team!</p></div>Sat, 16 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/tough-match-for-chattanooga-fc-great-supporter-turnout/<div><p></p><p>Despite an hour lightning delay, 1650 Chattanooga Football Club supporters showed up to root on the home side on Saturday evening at Finley Stadium. The Atlanta teams scored three first half goals to claim the 3-1 win.</p><p>The energy in the stadium was palpable with drums, noise, makers and the usual bantering of opposing players from fans. Chattanooga FC got off to an energetic start and played extremely high pressure the first 10 minutes. </p><p>Atlanta FC, the reigning Southeast Conference Champions, settled in soon thereafter and began to move the ball with precise, one-touch passes. Dangerous scoring opportunities were exchanged by both sides until Leo Sanchez of Atlanta FC converted on a counter-attack off of a Chattanooga FC corner kick in the 24th minute.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article from <a href="http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_151383.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a></i>.</p></div>Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/over-1600-fans-support-chattanooga-fc-in-opening-match-versus-atlanta-fc/<div><p></p><p>Facing defeat, the Buffs trailed 2-1 with only 10 minutes remaining in the contest, but the Buffs two fearless seniors mustered up a comeback. The English duo did it one more time, as Josh Scott (London, England) headed in a pass from Wilson to knot the game in the 80th minute. Just three minutes later, sophomore Sandre Wilson (Mandeville, Jamaica) broke free from midfield to tack on the go ahead goal. In the 86th minute, P. Wilson put a security goal on the board; as the Buffs went on to win it, 4-2.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.milliganbuffs.com/news/Fall09/msoccer_bluefield.html">Milligan College site</a></i>.</p></div>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/10/josh-scott-has-goal-and-assist-in-milligan-win/<div><p>Chattanooga Football Club will be hosting CF Monterrey from Mexico, on July 4th at 7PM at Finley Stadium. This exhibition match, or "friendly" as the soccer world calls it, will mark the second international match for Chattanooga FC. Chattanooga defeated FC Atlas, 2-1, in their 2010 home opener in front of 6,300 fans.</p><p>CF Monterrey plays in Mexico's Primera Division, the top flight of Mexican professional soccer, and is the oldest team in northern Mexico. Most recently, Monterrey has enjoyed success with winning the Primera in 2009 and 2010, as well as the CONCACAF Champions League, which anoints the top professional club in North and Central America. <br></p><p>Monterrey will be traveling to face Chattanooga FC with their Under 20 team, which is the last stop for players in the Monterrey academy system before they join the professional team. Monterrey, often called the “Rayados” for their striped jerseys, will also be playing matches in Nashville and Knoxville on their trip to Tennessee. Chattanooga will be home base for them on their tour.</p><p>“We are very excited to bring Monterrey all the way to Chattanooga to play our team," said Krue Brock, a Chattanooga FC Board Member. "We are hoping for a great turnout, because these guys are the next generation of stars for Monterrey and for Mexico. It’s not often you get to see players like this in your own town."</p><p>“We are going to schedule some opportunities for people to meet the players throughout their time in Chattanooga,” continued Krue Brock. “We don’t have those times nailed down yet, but will make them available on our website as soon as possible.”</p><p>Due to the international nature of the game, Chattanooga FC was required to have the game sanctioned by the US Soccer Federation, the Mexican Soccer Federation, and FIFA, soccer's worldwide governing body.  <br></p><p>The game promises to be a level of soccer that Chattanooga has not seen for quite some time. Referring to the quality of play that should be on display in the match, Brock said this “should raise the bar and awareness on soccer in Chattanooga.”</p><p>Game Details: <br></p><p>CF Monterrey U20 vs. Chattanooga FC</p><p>July 4th, 7PM</p><p>Finley Stadium, Chattanooga’s Southside</p><p>Tickets- Ages 6 and up- $12 ($16, day of game); Ages 0-6- Free; tickets are available for purchase <a href="http://www.showclix.com/event/36015">online</a> or at the gate. Tickets can also be found a Carnicerias Loa locations and La Providencia.</p><p>Parking- $5<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 25 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/06/cf-monterrey-u20-plays-on-july-4th-at-finley/<div><p><i><font face="Arial">Photography by Abby Gengozian</font></i><font face="Arial"><i><br></i></font></p><p><font face="Arial"><i></i>Making the Dean’s List is only to be expected from a man who has proven he can tackle the
toughest of challenges. </font><font face="Arial">Andrew Stewart, the
famed Chattanooga FC defender, is all set to graduate with honors from
Milligan College this year, proving he can tackle his school work as
well as he does a ball headed straight for his team's goal. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">After
joining Chattanooga FC in 2009, Andy quickly became a crowd favorite
when he demonstrated the willingness to defend at all costs. Most
assuredly, his belly-flop slide tackle during the 2011 Silverbacks
Reserves match will not soon be forgotten. In fact, his stellar
performance in the Chattanooga backfield earned him a spot on the 2011
NPSL All Star Team. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">2011 was a good
year for Andy. Not only was he recognized as one of the best defenders
in the NPSL, he was also recognized for his outstanding efforts at
Milligan, earning several honors: NSCAA 2011 NAIA Men's All-East Team,
AAC All Conference 1st team, and AAC Defensive Player of the Week. With
the Stewart defensive machine working the backfield, Milligan went
unbeaten in their conference. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Andy
certainly likes to win, and, after the last round of 2012 try-outs, he
was not shy about predicting a winning season for Chattanooga FC: “I
think we have every chance of fighting for a national championship. I'm
confident we will have one of the strongest squads out there.” Andy
feels the expansion of the NPSL will “make every team more competitive”
and “make for some exciting games.” He is certain the 2012 success of
Chattanooga FC can be ensured by “getting team chemistry as early in the
summer as possible.” And Andy knows a lot about chemistry.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">After
a particularly bad tackle during the 2011 season, Andy was regenerated
by his fans: “While I was on the sideline, getting treatment, the
Chattahooligans were chanting for me!” Apparently, the medicine dosed
out by the crowd was just what the doctor ordered, as Andy was motivated
back to his rightful spot on the pitch. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">These
days Andy is taking his rightful place in the classroom, teaching and
sneaking in some helpful soccer tips for the future Andy Stewarts of the
world. But it won’t be long until he takes his rightful spot in the
Chattanooga backfield, hearing the his name chanted once again.</font><i><font face="Arial"><br></font></i></p><p><i><font face="Arial"></font>Bring your young players to Finley on May 5 to meet Andy Stewart.</i><br></p><p><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempSun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/04/andy-stewart-makes-the-list/<div><p>
</p><p class="p1">Chattanooga FC Board members Krue Brock, Tim Kelly and Sean McDaniel met on Sunday March 18 with eight representatives from the Chattanooga soccer community about forming a Managing Board for the new provisional club, Chattanooga FC Academy. Representatives came from all local associations — Chattanooga United, East Ridge Soccer Association, Premier Soccer Academy, Tennessee Soccer, and members of the the current NPSL Chattanooga FC Board. Lively and open discussions about what the proposed future of Chattanooga soccer holds occurred over the two hour meeting.</p><p>
</p><p class="p2">A second round of meetings is set for this coming Sunday, March 25. Chattanooga FC is expected to officially announce the Managing Board and its leadership for the new CFC Academy on that date. The ambitious endeavor, recently approved by Tennessee Soccer, is a result of the Soccer Summit held on February 15 — including 30 local soccer leaders — that resulted in a mandate to redefine select soccer in Chattanooga.</p><p>
</p><p class="p2">With the announcement yesterday that the club Chattanooga United FC is ending operations after the 2012 season, and with East Ridge city announcing the formation of the new East Ridge Football Club, Chattanooga's select soccer system is clearly in a state of flux. Chattanooga FC is acutely aware of the need to create a unified system for local players and coaches.</p><p>
</p><p class="p2">The Managing Board's members will be finalized this weekend and will be announced publicly soon thereafter. The Managing Board will work with the Chattanooga FC Board to set in place the Academy's mission, vision and philosophy of player development. They will then work to establish the hierarchy of the Academy's organization, its bylaws and how it hires and evaluates coaches and players.</p></div>Chattanooga FCFri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/cfc-academy-board-taking-shape/<div><p></p><p>Richmond senior Fynn Glover was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second-Team and freshman Houston Oldham was named to the All-Rookie Team in voting conducted among the league's coaches.</p><p>Glover was a four-year starter at midfielder for the Spiders, who earned Atlantic 10 All-Rookie honors as a freshman. The Chattanooga, Tenn. native finished his career with one goal and three assists for five points.</p><p>"There isn't a more deserving player on our team this year than Fynn Glover," Richmond head coach Clint Peay said. "Fynn was the heart and soul of our team leaving everything on the field every game. He was the most dominant defensive midfielder in our league at winning headers and breaking up plays. His impact to the team will be hard to replace."</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.richmondspiders.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/112709aad.html">University of Richmond site</a>.</i></p></div>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/11/glover-makes-all-conference-in-atlantic-10/<div><p>Chattanooga FC announces the second round of team tryouts for the 2012 season that will take place on Saturday, February 18 at Finley Stadium. This tryout is only for those who have received an invitation from the CFC organization, and is not open to just anyone.</p><p>Tryout registration will be between 9:00 - 9:45 am.</p><p>The tryout begins at 10:00 am and will run until 4:00 pm that day at Finley Stadium.</p><p>There will be a short lunch break between 12:00 - 1:30 pm.</p><p>There will be a trainer on staff. Please arrive early if you need to see the trainer before the tryouts begin.</p><p>Please refer to the posted list of players from the open tryout in December who are invited back for this February tryout. You can <a href="/news/2011/12/december-tryout-update/">view that list here</a>.</p></div>Chattanooga FCTue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/01/invitation-only-tryouts-announced/<div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Here is the list of players who made it to another round of tryouts.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Mohammed Aden</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Moises Drummond</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Greg Eckhart</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Joe Nasco</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Michael Brooks</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Russell Courtney</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Jon Eger</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Irvin Espinal</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Matt Hudnut</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Thomas Hunter</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Robby Gaddy</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Ivan Heredia</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Josh Johnson</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Chris Pifer</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Brady Seehorn</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Daniel Tackling</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Avi Zelaya</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Builder Brock</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Hudson Brock</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Carter Kerr</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Carlos Guitierrezo</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Reed Farnsley</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Bryan Sandidge</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Paul Banks</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Jack McCoy</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Snoopy Davidson</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Tanner Thompson</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Rocklin Shumaker</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Will Linder</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Geneva, serif; color: black; ">Jordan Johnson</span></p></div>Chattanooga FCFri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/12/december-tryout-update/<div><p><font face="Arial">On February 18, 2012, Chattanooga FC held invitational try-outs at Finley Stadium. Several Chattanooga FC favorites and new hopefuls were on hand, representing at least twelve different nationalities. Peru, Kenya, England, and Italy were among the nations represented. Of course, some of the best collegiate talent in the United States made an appearance, as well. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Pleased with the effort put forth by the players, Coach Bill Elliott remarked, “This is a stronger group over all. Mostly, we have seen what we expected to see, but there have been some surprises.” <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">No-one was surprised to find Andy Stewart, Chris Ochieng, and Luke Winter were among the group. Luke, who assisted the final goal of the 2011 season, reported that he was glad to be back at Finley: “This is much more intense than college soccer. I am glad to be playing at this level again.”</font></p><p><font face="Arial">There were also plenty of new faces in the fray. Matt Williams and Greg Hartley were not only new to Finley, but to Chattanooga, as well. And they found that the city itself helped them to feel at ease on the field. Greg, a goalie from Manchester, England, said he was nervous about try-outs until he joined the other players at The Terminal Brewhouse and met many smiling Chattanoogans. Matt, a University of West Florida assistant coach, says he prepared himself with an enjoyable walking tour of beautiful downtown Chattanooga. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Many of the newer players were encouraged to try out by previous Chattanooga FC members, such as Jose Robles and James Moore, which is hardly shocking. With the highest attendance numbers and the most outrageous fans in the league, Chattanooga FC serves as a beacon for futbol fanatics. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">There were certainly a few Chattahooligans keeping a keen eye on the final scrimmage of tryouts. And they have already taken their final line-up predictions to social media outlets. But the Club has yet to make an announcement.</font><br><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempMon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/02/invitational-try-outs-international-footballers-and-forecasts/<div><p><font face="Arial">Mark Sherrod spent last summer playing for Chattanooga FC; this summer he will be playing for the Portland Timbers U23 team. But he is not done singing the praises of Chattanooga FC and the Chattahooligans.  <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">Recently returning from a trip to Brazil with The University of Memphis, Mark happily reports having scored goals against the legendary Brazilians. And, even after traveling to the soccer capital of the Western Hemisphere, he still claims there are no fans quite like Chattanooga FC fans: “I am a firm believer no matter where soccer will take me that there will not be a better fan base then the one in Chattanooga. I have friends asking me about our fans, saying stuff like ‘I heard the Chattahooligans are the craziest group of fans in Tennessee.’ I tell them I believe it.”</font></p><p><font face="Arial">Mark, who scored “the Superman goal” against Rocket City in 2011, was able to rack up a bevy of awards playing for the Memphis Tigers in Fall 2011: NSCAA All-America Third Team, College Soccer News Third Team All-American, CoSIDA Academic All-America Third Team, NSCAA All-Midwest Region First Team, CoSIDA Academic All-Region First Team, Conference USA Player of the Year, C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team, and C-USA All-Academic Team. Furthermore, Mark was one of 15 semi-finalists for the 2011 Hermann Trophy.</font></p><p><font face="Arial">Mark is excited about playing for Portland Timbers U23, a Premier Development League (PDL) team. And Chattanooga is excited for him, as he is a star on the rise, a star born and bred and trained in Tennessee. Playing for Carter High in Knoxville, The University of Memphis, and Chattanooga FC, Mark began his path to the major pitch with Tennessee State Soccer’s Olympic Development Program. <br></font></p><p><font face="Arial">He is looking forward to his upcoming U23 Timbers season; however, Mark reports that Chattanooga will always hold a special place in his heart. “I developed relationships in Chattanooga that I will have the rest of my life. I was extremely grateful to spend my summer with Krue Brock and his beautiful family, along with my great teammates.” And Tony Belk, President of Crossroads Soccer, shared the sentiment most Chattanooga fans would agree with: </font>"Mark was fantastic on the field and fabulous with the kids. We will miss him." </p><p><font face="Arial">As for the 2012 Chattanooga FC team, Mark reports, “I hope nothing but the best for the upcoming Chattanooga FC season and wish them luck.” <br><br><br><br><br></font><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempWed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/shout-timber-for-sherrod/<div><p></p><h5>New England Signs Argentine star Franco Coria and Frenchman Didier Domi</h5><p>New England signs two internationals in time for their appearance in Chattanooga. Frenchman Didier Domi comes to the MLS from Greek club Olimpiakos. Prior to that, the 32 year old starred in the English Premier League at Newcastle, with Espanyol of Spain’s La Liga, and French first division, Paris St German.</p><p>Coria joins New England from Argentina 1st division side, Chacarita Juniors.  Stephen Myles, assistant coach for New England, traveled to Argentina twice on scouting trips to see Coria. Myles' reports – plus Coria's development in the top two divisions of the Argentine league – encouraged the Revolution to strike a deal and supplement the current central defensive options provided by Darrius Barnes, Ryan Cochrane and A.J. Soares.</p><p>“He's only 22 and he's got great experience playing against some of the top teams in Argentina,” New England coach Steve Nicol told MLSsoccer.com by phone from Orlando on Thursday afternoon. “He's strong, he wants to play and he wants to pass the ball. I think he'll be a great addition for us.”</p><p>Nicol plans for the trip to Chattanooga and Atlanta to be the debut of Coria!</p><p></p><p><object data="data:application/x-silverlight-2," type="application/x-silverlight-2" width="480" height="324"><param name="source" value="http://netv.neulion.com/mlsvp/scripts/mls.xap"><param name="initParams" value="catid=1172,id=11677,shareembed=true,server=http://netv.neulion.com/mlsvp/,pageurl=http://netv.neulion.com/mlsvp/console.jsp?id=11677&catid=1172"><param name="background" value="Transparent"><param name="minRuntimeVersion" value="3.0.40624.0"><param name="autoUpgrade" value="true"><param name="Windowless" value="true"><param name="enableHtmlAccess" value="true"><a href="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=149156&v=3.0.40624.0"><img src="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=108181" alt="Get Microsoft Silverlight" border="0"></a></object></p><br></div>Chattanooga Football ClubMon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/02/new-england-revolution-preseason-update/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga Football Club announced their schedule within the Southeast Conference of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) on Monday.</p><p>The 2010 Southeastern Conference will once again feature five teams, but it will look a little different than it did last season. Due to some financial difficulties, the Atlanta-based Saturn FC withdrew from the field. Following the withdrawal, there were off-season rumors regarding new teams in Nashville and Knoxville, but neither materialized.</p><p>Still in need of a fifth team in the Southeastern Conference, the NPSL quickly granted the request of FC Tulsa to fill the final spot.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_170724.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a>.</i></p></div>Chattanoogan.comTue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/03/more-coverage-on-the-2010-schedule/<div><p></p><p>When the Chattanooga Football Club opens its season tonight at Atlanta FC, 21 players will be in uniform. And of those 21, 11 are from outside of the United States.</p><p>"It's definitely a diverse team with a lot of international flavors," said defender Joshua Scott, a London native who recently wrapped up his collegiate career at Milligan College near Johnson City.</p><p>Scott is one of five English players that made the travel squad for CFC, an amateur club that is in its second season. Also represented are a pair of brothers from Mexico, Ivan and Aldo Heredia, as well players from Costa Rica, Honduras, Belarus and Kenya.</p><p>Chattanooga FC didn't go overseas to recruit the international players, co-founder Sean McDaniel said. The foreign players on the club have played or are playing collegiately in the U.S.</p><p><i>Read more on </i><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may/22/international-flavor/"><i>TimesFreePress.com</i></a><i>.</i></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressSat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/05/international-flavor/<div><p>The Chattanooga Football Club will be united when it takes the field in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday night. A few hours before, however, there will be division among the ranks when the United States and England meet in the World Cup.</p><p>"It's going to be a battle," CFC defender Thomas Clark said. "I think England might be a little surprised with what they're going to see."</p><p>Coach Brian Crossman said the team will watch the game together when they stop for lunch Saturday in Muskogee, Okla.</p><p>On the CFC roster, which has numerous players from outside the U.S., are five from Great Britain. As the start of the World Cup has drawn closer, the friendly trash talking among the U.S. and English players on the team has ratcheted up considerably.</p><p>"It's all in good fun," said goalkeeper Richard Masters from Kent, England. "I'm just taking it all in because I'm like half American now, I've been here so long (four years). I'll be pulling for England, but I want them both to go through."</p><p>England and the U.S. are the favorites to advance out of Group C, which also includes Algeria and Slovenia. England is No. 8 in the FIFA world rankings, and the U.S. is No. 14.</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jun/11/cfcs-loyalties-are-divided/">Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</a><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressFri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/loyalties-divided/<div><p></p><p>The Carson-Newman men’s soccer team is represented twice on the NSCAA NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region Team, region officials announced today. The NSCAA is the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Senior forward Omar Cooke (Roanoke, Va.) and junior defender Matt Finlay (Liverpool, ENGLAND) were named to the region first and third teams, respectively.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://carsonnewmaneagles.com/sports/m-soccer/2009-10/releases/20091209lksl7q">Carson-Newman site</a>.</i></p></div>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/12/omar-cooke-awarded-all-southeast-region-honors/<div><p><i>Photo by Tony Quinn</i><br></p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club’s second season began with a bang, a 2-1 exhibition win over the under-23 team from Fútbol Club Atlas of Guadalajara, Mexico — in front of an announced crowd of 6,317.</p><p>The season ended last Saturday in the National Premier Soccer League championship game in Madison, Ala., where Chattanooga FC fell 3-1 to the Sacramento Gold.</p><p>“It’s been amazing,” goalkeeper Richard Masters said of the season. “It’s a great feeling to almost win the whole tournament. We were just happy to win the conference. It’s a stage higher than we did last season, so next season hopefully we’ll win it.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC’s board will meet later this month to discuss next season and analyze ways to improve on a product that has proven very popular.</p><p>The season-opening crowd was the second-largest ever to see a soccer game at Finley Stadium, which opened in 1997. Many of those fans returned again and again as Chattanooga FC averaged more than 4,000 fans in its five home games.</p><p>“Learning from our first year helped us improve exponentially for the second year,” general manager Sean McDaniel said. “We were better organized on every level: volunteers, food, operations with the stadium, with the team.”</p><p><i><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/aug/03/cfcs-season-was-amazing/">Read more at TimesFreePress.com.</a></i><br></p></div>John Frierson, Times Free PressTue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/08/chattanooga-fc-season-was-amazing/<div><p><i>Photo from <a href="http://crewonespot.blogspot.com/2010/08/8232010-columbus-crew-vs-santos-laguna.html">Crewture.com</a></i></p><p><i><a href="http://crewonespot.blogspot.com/2010/08/8232010-columbus-crew-vs-santos-laguna.html"></a></i><b>Columbus Crew</b></p><p><b></b>Rich Balchan #2</p><p>Josh Williams #3</p><p>Andrew Iro #4</p><p>Andy Adlard #6</p><p>Bernardo Anor #7</p><p>Justin Meram #9</p><p>Andres Mendoza #10</p><p>Dilly Duka #11</p><p>Edward Gaven #12</p><p>Leandre Griffit #13</p><p>Chad Marshall #14</p><p>Eric Gehrig #16</p><p>Emmanuel Ekpo #17</p><p>Robbie Rogers #18</p><p>Cole Grossman #19</p><p>Emilio Renteria #20</p><p>Sebastian Miranda #21</p><p>Korey Veeder #23</p><p>Ben Sippola #24</p><p>Julius James #26</p><p>Santiago Prim #28</p><p>Shaun Francis #29</p><p>Josh Gardner #31</p><p>Tom Heinemann #32</p><p>Jeff Cunningham #33</p><p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">William Hesmer #1 (GK)</p><p>Andy Gruenebaum #30 (GK)</p><p>Ray Burse #34 (GK)</p><p>Alex Riggs #25 (GK)</p><h6>New England Revolution</h6><p></p><p>Franco Coria #2</p><p>Didier Domi #3</p><p>A.J. Soares #5</p><p>Ousmane Dabo #6</p><p>Kenny Mansally #7</p><p>Chris Tierney #8</p><p>Ilija Stolica #9</p><p>Kheli Dube #11</p><p>Alan Koger #12</p><p>Diego Fagundez #14</p><p>Zack Schilawski #15</p><p>Michael Augustine #16</p><p>Sainey Nyassi #17</p><p>Shalrie Joseph #21</p><p>Andrew Sousa #23</p><p>Darrius Barnes #25</p><p>Stephen McCarthy #26</p><p>Seth Sinovic #27</p><p>Pat Phelan #28</p><p>Marko Perović #29</p><p>Kevin Alston #30</p><p>Zak Boggs #33</p><p>Ryan Kinne #35</p><p>Ryan Cochrane #45</p><p>Matt Reis #1 (GK)</p><p>Bobby Shuttleworth #34 (GK)</p><p>Tim Murray #40 (GK)</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 05 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/03/rosters-released-for-revolution-crew-game/<div><p><i>Photo by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/album.php?aid=181671&id=653351878">Ben Keys</a></i><br></p><p>At supper one night, I asked my family if they were up for a Chattanooga FC soccer game at Finley Stadium on July 4.</p><p>"Football game," my 8-year-old son said, correcting me.</p><p>"Soccer game," I insisted. "Son, the last time I looked, your birth certificate said East Ridge, not England."</p><p>"Football game," he said again, smiling and shoveling mac and cheese into his mouth.<br>My son has a Chattanooga FC T-shirt with the outline of an American football on the back. Under the pigskin, it says, "This is throwball." Under that is the likeness of a soccer ball, with the caption, "This is football."</p><p>He, like hundreds of other Chattanooga kids, has come under the spell of the city's newest spectator sports rage, adult soccer. Chattanooga FC, a second-year club made up of area soccer players, is part of the National Premier Soccer League.</p><p>I saw my first adult soccer game the night before I turned 52 years old. It was the much-discussed game on May 29 between our Chattanooga FC and FC Atlas, said to be one of the top under-23 teams in soccer-obsessed Mexico.</p><p>The game, which drew 6,317 fans to Finley Stadium, was a culture shock for me. No, it wasn't Neyland Stadium on a September evening, but by Chattanooga sports standards it was a throng. (Check the sports section for results of last night's scheduled Chattanooga FC game at Finley.)</p><p>I came away convinced we are seeing the future of American sports unfold on warm nights on Chattanooga's Southside, which is as close to middle America as it gets.</p><p><a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jun/06/0606throwball-better-call-a-huddle/?entertainmentlifeentertainment"><i>Read more on TimesFreePress.com.</i></a><br></p></div>Mark Kennedy, Times Free PressMon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/throwball-better-call-a-huddle/<div><p><i>Chattanooga Football Club Media Relations</i><br></p><p>Chattanooga, Tennessee- Chattanooga Football Club will wrap up the 2010 regular season against Rocket City United from Huntsville at 7 PM at Finley Stadium. Chattanooga FC has never beaten Rocket City in three matches, including a 1-1 tie earlier this season.</p><p>Chattanooga FC clinched the NPSL Southeast Conference last week with the victory over Pumas FC from Birmingham. Rocket City has been in second place throughout the season, which means the match should be very entertaining.</p><p>“Rocket City is consistently a tough opponent for us,” mentioned Brian Crossman, head coach of Chattanooga FC. “We’ve never beaten them before, so our guys are pretty motivated for this one.”</p><p>Festivities for the evening will begin at 5:30 PM at Finley Stadium when 100 youth soccer players from around the region will take on 10 Chattanooga FC players in a 10-minute match presented by Volkswagen. <br></p><p>“100 vs. 10 will be a fun way for the club to interact with youth players from the area,” said Krue Brock, board member for Chattanooga FC. “We’re constantly looking for creative ways to engage the youth in our community, and this may be our most creative to date.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC will be playing in the NPSL semi-finals on July 29th in Madison, Alabama. The club also just confirmed last week they will be traveling to Washington DC on July 24th to play against DC United U20/Reserves in a match presented by Volkswagen and they welcome fans to join them in DC.</p><p>For more information, visit www.chattanoogafc.com.</p><p>About Chattanooga Football Club</p><p>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.</p><p>###<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubFri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-takes-on-rocket-city-united-100-kids/<div><p></p><p>Over 60 soccer players traveled from all over the South to Chattanooga’s Finley Stadium on Saturday with hopes of being offered a spot on Chattanooga Football Club’s 2010 25-man roster.</p><p>The day began on an interesting note with a couple inches of snow covering the field at Finley, which did not bode well for playing soccer in the afternoon. By noon, however, the snow had melted and 60 players were loosening up as the coaching staff made last minute preparations for the tryouts.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/dec/06/chattanooga-football-clubs-open-oryouts-draw-60-pl/?breakingnews">Times Free Press site</a>.</i></p></div>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/12/open-tryouts-draw-60-players-from-all-over-the-south/<div><p>The Under-20 Mexican and Colombian National Teams arrive in Chattanooga Monday around noon in preparation for their International Exhibition Match at Finley on Tuesday at 7 PM. The two teams have been in Atlanta since last Thursday participating in a round robin tournament against the United States’ Under-20 National team.</p><p>Both teams will be making appearances during their time in the Chattanooga area and the public is encouraged to come and meet the teams. The schedule for Monday has been confirmed, though changes are possible due to weather and travel delays:</p><p>12:00-12:45 PM- Meet and greet Mexico at Loa Carnicerias #1 in Dalton at 1125 East Walnut Ave. <br></p><p>2:15-3:00 PM- Meet and greet with select players from Colombia at Rock City.</p><p>4:00-5:00 PM- Mexico training session at Finley Stadium (viewing only)</p><p>5:15-6:15 PM- Meet and greet with select players from Mexico at Loa Carnicerias #7 in Chattanooga at the corner of Main St and Broad St.</p><p>For tickets to the game, click <a href="http://mexicovscolombia.eventsbot.com/">here</a>.</p><p>For more information about the game, click <a href="/%7Emaster/news/2010/10/u20-mexico-vs-colombia-on-november-30th/">here</a>.<br></p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/11/mexico-and-colombia-arrive-in-chattanooga-today/<div><p>BUFFALO, NY--The final whistle has blown on the 2010 National Premier Soccer League regular season.  The entire country awaits the 2010 NPSL Final Four held in Madison, Alabama July 28-July 31. <br></p><p>The draw is determined by average number of points won based on the number of games played (pts/matches).</p><p>Teams are seeded from a 1-4 ranking and drawn 1v4 and 2v3.  </p><h5>Stadium:</h5><p>Madison City Schools Stadium- <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=105465678842232147242.000486909f474660f340d&f=d&daddr=Rocket+City+United+%4034.690083,-86.744753&ll=35.155846,-87.165527&spn=2.389204,4.674683&z=8&iwloc=00048690cf055a36ecd6b">Directions</a><br></p><p>201 Celtic Drive, Madison, AL 35758</p><h5>Follow the games:</h5><p><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/national-premier-soccer-league-2010-final-4">Watch Live<br></a></p><p><a href="http://www.teamline.cc/sportpage?teamcode=6775&eventcode=34">Live audio broadcast</a></p><p><a href="http://twitter.com/ChattanoogaFC">Twitter</a><br></p><h5>Schedule:<br></h5><p><i>Match 1 (1 Seed v 4 seed)</i></p><p>
</p><p>Thursday July 29, 2010 - Madison City School Stadium- 5:30 pm CST</p><p>FC Sonic Lehigh Valley (Northeast, 10-1-1) v Sacramento Gold (West, 7-2-1) <br></p><p><i>Match 2 (2 seed v 3 seed)</i></p><p>
</p><p>Thursday July 29, 2010 - Madison City School Stadium- 8:00 pm CST</p><p>
</p><p>Chattanooga FC (Southeast, 6-0-2) v Madison 56ers (8-2-0) <br></p><p><i>NPSL Third Place Match</i></p><p>Friday July 30, 2010 - Madison City School Stadium- 5:30 pm CST</p><p>Loser Match 1 v Loser Match 2 <br></p><p><i>NPSL Championship Match</i></p><p>Saturday July 31, 2010 - Madison City School Stadium- 7:30 pm CST</p><p>Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 </p><p><a href="http://npsl.info/finalfour2010/index_E.html"><i>Get more details on NPSL.info</i></a><br></p><p><br></p></div>Ryan Knapp, NPSLTue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/07/chattanooga-fc-is-second-seed-in-final-four/<div><p></p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club (2-3-1) traveled to Birmingham Saturday night with about 50 dedicated followers to face off against Birmingham Pumas FC. The match was evenly played except for a 10 minute stretch in the first half when Pumas netted 3 goals. </p><p>The home side was able to hold Chattanooga to very few clear chances at goal and come away with a 3-0 win virtually ending Chattanooga’s chances for a spot at the top of the NPSL Southern Division standings.</p><p>Playing on a small, grass field, Chattanooga FC could never get a feel for the slower pace of the ball and the crowded conditions. Pumas FC used their home field to their advantage and adapted their game to suit the environment.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_153927.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a></i>.</p></div>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/chattanooga-fc-loses-first-match-in-over-a-month-to-pumas-fc-3-0/<div><p></p><p></p><p>Our player's perspective article this week recognizes one of our starting defenders, Andy Stewart. Andy is a veteran player for the Chattanooga FC and has helped the 2011 team allow only one goal against so far this season. Check out what he has to say about playing soccer, living in Chattanooga, and the upcoming US Open Cup tournament taking place at Finley Stadium this weekend.   </p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><h3><b>Where are you from?</b></h3><p>I am from a little village called Rowlands Gill which is right outside of the city of Newcastle in North East England.</p><h3><b>What college do you attend?</b></h3><p>I attend Milligan College in East Tennessee. I have just finished my third year, so just my senior year to go.</p><h3>What are you studying as a student there? And what are your career aspirations?</h3><p>I am studying to become a physical education teacher. I aspire to either carry on with a soccer career or get a job as a teacher and maybe coach soccer on the side.</p><h3><b>How long have you been playing soccer? Have you always been a defender?</b></h3><p>I have always liked to kick a ball around since I can remember… I was always happy playing any type of sport. But, I have been playing competitive soccer since I was 9 years old I think. I actually never played in defense while I was in England; I played as a forward for my first couple of years and then I played Center Midfield for the remainder of my time in England, from ages 11-18.</p><h3><b>What do you like to do when you’re not practicing or playing games with the Chattanooga FC?</b></h3><p>I like going to the gym; I find it kind of relaxing just working out by myself. Other than that, I enjoy relaxing with friends, socializing, watching movies, going out for some food… mostly just being around friends and getting away from the soccer scene.</p><h3><b>Since you’ve lived in the Chattanooga area for the past few summers, what are some things you really like doing or places you like visiting in Chattanooga?</b></h3><p>Chattanooga was an unexpected surprise. I didn’t think there would be that much to do, but I was wrong. I enjoy going out to one of the many restaurants, going downtown, and grabbing some food by the river. The aquarium and the view from Lookout Mountain are pretty cool too, but I am open to try out any new places or things to do in the area as well.</p><h3><b>As a returning player, what is your perspective on the start of the 2011 season and the 2011 team? Are you enjoying the early start? Was there a more competitive pool of prospects for the 2011 team?</b></h3><p>It did seem like we jumped into the deep, competitive play a lot earlier than last year so we had to be focused as a team from the get go. I am enjoying it a lot though; I am very competitive so any challenge put in front of me I am willing to dive straight on it. I think we have a much deeper squad than last year which is great. It is very competitive for every position on the field which raises the level of every player.</p><h3><b>What are your goals for this 2011 season?</b></h3><p>To win a National Championship, simple as that!!</p><h3><b>Have the opponents been more competitive than in previous seasons?</b></h3><p>I think the league is improving season by season. It has been good to see that the three teams we’ve played so far are all running solid organizations. That definitely enhances the quality of our league. Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Knoxville were all tough games; we were pushed by all three teams and I expect that from the other teams in the league as well. If we are not playing to a high level every league game then we will get punished. The players from other clubs have been a little better than last year at this stage in the season and as the summer progresses every team will get better because players will get used to their new teammates and the level of play will keep improving. </p><h3><b>What are your thoughts about having the US Open Cup qualifiers at Finley Stadium… and having all the teams here in Chattanooga this weekend?</b></h3><p>It shows the goals of Chattanooga FC. It is great to put our name out there hosting such a prestigious event; also, it is a great advantage to have the Chattanooga FC fans on our side all weekend. We now need to give back to the CFC fans and organization by winning the weekend games.</p><h3><b>As a defender, how do you think the team is coming together so far? Has a sense of cohesiveness among the players on the field come together naturally, or every year has it taken some time to get everyone settled and used to playing together?</b></h3><p>I think it is very similar to previous years… it is all about team chemistry. We have so much talent and depth this year. The scary thing is we are not playing as well as we could be at the moment and we are still winning, so once we get into a system and a routine where teammates get used to each other I think that we can be very successful. The chemistry needs to come sooner rather than later, but once we are on the same wavelength I don’t think many teams can stop us.</p><p>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Don't miss this weekend's US Open Cup tournament starting at 5:30 pm on Friday. There are two games both Friday and Saturday, and a final match on Sunday evening. Tickets, including a $15 pass into all five games, are available online or at the gate on Friday. </p><p>Chattanooga FC takes the field Saturday at 8 pm against the winner of Jacksonville United FC and Knoxville Force. With a win on Saturday, the Chattanooga FC will play for the Championship on Sunday at 7 pm. Come out and support your Chattanooga Football Club! </p></div>Chattanooga FCWed, 25 May 2011 14:11:36 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/players-perspective-andrew-stewart/<div><p></p><p>As the season opening date of May 22nd steadily approaches, members of the Chattanooga Football Club are busying themselves with the preparations necessary for a successful season. Meanwhile, other members of the Chattanooga community are also readying themselves for the upcoming season, albeit a season of a different kind. </p><p>Children ages 3-12 will be entering Finley Stadium on May 1st as participants in the Hamilton County YMCA's youth soccer clinic. The clinic, which is part of the YMCA Strong Kids campaign, will have three sessions taking place from 12:00-1:30, 2:00-3:30, and 4:00-5:30 at Finley Stadium on Saturday. </p><p>Campers may choose to participate in one of the three time slots, and the cost is only $15 for each camper with an additional sibling's admittance costing just $5 more. T-shirts will be given to all entrants, and the first 100 to register will also receive a free soccer ball.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_174453.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a>.</i></p></div>Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/04/chattanooga-fc-gearing-up-for-youth-clinic-nashville-metros/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga FC began gearing up for the upcoming NPSL season by hosting this year’s Open Tryouts this past Saturday at Finley Stadium. More than 45 players showed up to try and impress new Head Coach Bill Elliott ahead of roster selections for the 2012 season. Players participated in both morning and afternoon sessions on a crisp, sunny day at Finley Stadium. The morning session was comprised of mainly small-sided matches, one touch exercises, and one-on-one drills. After players returned from a few hours rest, the afternoon session kicked into high gear with full field scrimmages.  </p><p>Saturday’s open tryout saw the return of some Chattanooga FC favorites along with some fresh new faces, out to show their skill. The level of play was impressive, with several attendees on winter break from Division I & II teams, as well as some strong local talents showing why Chattanooga is fast becoming a soccer hotbed. New players were at an advantage with a brand new coach looking on to assess skill and general footballing ability. </p><p>Before the second scrimmage started, Elliott huddled a few players together and said, “while Assistant Coach Jimmy Weekley may know some of you guys, you are all new to me. Go out and try to play as a team. Get out there and try to showcase what your strengths are. If you are good with the ball at your feet, show it. If you are a ball winner, go in and challenge for it.”  </p><p>After the day was done, the coaching staff had some good looks at a lot of promising players. They will surely have some tough decisions to make. Coach Elliott commented, “It was a great starting point for us. We can now look ahead to the upcoming season and know that we have some good players to select from after today.”  </p><p>Fans should be eagerly anticipating the start of the 2012 season as Chattanooga FC look to start strong in its 4th season competing in the NPSL. It should be an exciting season with five new teams joining the Southeast Region. Competition will be at its highest, but from the early looks the club looks capable of building upon the successes of the past three seasons.  </p><br></div>Ryan SandidgeMon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/12/2012-open-tryouts/<div><p></p><p>Over 3000 soccer fans poured into Finley Stadium Saturday night to watch Chattanooga Football Club take home their third victory of the season by a score of 4-0. </p><p>The atmosphere was electric from the beginning with the ever-growing group of "Chattahooligans" singing and waving blue flags as they entered the stadium. A young group of Chattanooga FC supporters beat the drums while a little bit older crowd sang chants and "welcomed" the visiting team, Pumas FC from Birmingham. </p><p>The Chattanooga players were very impressed by the support of the community on this Fourth of July evening. </p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_154300.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a></i>.</p></div>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/07/chattanooga-fc-gets-big-win/<div><p>March is coming in like a lion with Chattanooga’s first annual Neighborhood Cup. The Neighborhood Cup will take place on March 2 and 3 at the new futsal courts in Highland Park Commons. The tournament is hosted by Chattanooga Sports Ministries (CSM), and Chattanooga FC is proud to support the event. <br></p><p>The Neighborhood Cup is a soccer tournament for boys and girls teams ages 10-13 and is open to teams comprised from various neighborhoods. Many of these teams will be coached by Chattanooga FC players and volunteers.</p><p>The Chattanooga community has been very supportive. Local teacher Joe Evans is excited about the Neighborhood Cup. “It’s a fantastic way to get kids excited about healthy activity and positive social interaction.” <br></p><p>CSM’s Ben Johnson reports that Chattanooga FC has been instrumental in creating the Neighborhood Cup:  “Chattanooga FC has been a great partner for us with the Neighborhood Cup. By paring up neighborhoods with a player, they now have someone who can coach the kids. This opened up a lot more neighborhoods to us, and made this even possible.”</p><p>Chattanooga FC has long partnered with CSM to provide soccer instruction and gear to the children of East Chattanooga, East Lake, and Alton Park. They see this tournament as a way to reach other children who have not yet had the opportunity to learn a physical activity that is both inexpensive, and, according to the American Heart Association, good for cardiovascular health.</p><p>The public is invited to attend and support this promising event. The club will also host a US Soccer Passback collection site at the event. Gently used and new soccer equipment will be collected for redistribution to children in need.<i><br></i></p><p><i>Highland Park Commons is located at the 2000 block of Willow Avenue and intersects at Union Avenue.</i><br><br></p></div>Madonna Fajardo KempWed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/02/marching-toward-the-cup-the-neighborhood-cup-that-is/<div><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Celebrate the Dedication & Grand opening of Highland Park Commons on Friday, November 4th at 4:00pm. Highland Park Commons is located at the 2000 block of Willow Avenue and intersects at Union Avenue.  Come view the new futsal (mini soccer) fields and enjoy treats and inflatable bouncy house for the kids.  After the dedication ceremony, the Maclellan Cup Invitational Futsal Tournament will start at 6:00pm and follow through till Saturday for a full weekend of activity.</p><p>
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</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Highland Park Commons has been developed with the collaborative work of several prominent foundations in Chattanooga but has been spearheaded with the vision of CFC Board Member Daryl Heald and the support of the Maclellan Foundation. “Highland Park Commons is an important statement about our community and its future” says, Charlie Philips, Senior Analyst and National Program officer for the Maclellan Foundation. “We saw the importance of investing in the future of this neighborhood as it moves towards revitalization. It reflects a present commitment to the growing number of Hispanic Chattanooga’s by providing them with a geographic nucleus around which their identity in the city might develop.” Lyndhurst Foundation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have been major contributors to the project. Tennessee Temple University, Highland Park Neighborhood Association and St. Andrews Center have also been a part of the project as community partners.</p><p>
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</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Chattanooga FC has also united with the project and will resume management of the park and futsal fields. “As a resident of Highland Park and a representative of Chattanooga FC, I am thrilled about the Maclellan Foundation’s commitment to building a community in a creative way,” says Sheldon Grizzle, President of Highland Park Commons Inc., and Chattanooga FC board member. “This is a fantastic way to reach out to the many different ethnicities that call Chattanooga home.”</p><p>
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</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Highland Park Commons will also host a Passback collection site at the opening event. Passback is a program sponsored by the U.S. Soccer Foundation with the mission of providing soccer equipment to underprivileged communities around the world. Gently used and new soccer equipment is collected at Passback sites and then redistributed to areas in need all over the country.</p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubFri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/11/highland-park-commons-opens-futsal-courts/<div><p>Chattanooga Football Club is proud to announce that the FC Atlas U23 team will be playing an exhibition match against Chattanooga FC on May 29th in Chattanooga!</p><p>
</p><p>FC Atlas plays in Mexico's Primera Division, the top flight of Mexican professional soccer, and is one of the two oldest clubs in their division. Atlas is famous for having the top youth academy and development system in Mexico, and has produced many of Mexico's most popular soccer stars throughout their history. They will be traveling to face Chattanooga FC with their U23 team, which is the last stop for players in the Atlas academy system before they join the professional team.</p><p>
</p><p>We hope you'll join us for an incredible night of soccer and celebration of culture! And don't forget to pass along the Facebook invitation to your friends. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chattanooga-Football-Club/60035025812#%21/event.php?eid=111649262195460&ref=ts" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view FB event page.</p><p>
</p><p>Tickets now available for the FC Atlas U23 vs Chattanooga FC game on May 29th! <a href="http://atlasvschattanooga.eventsbot.com/" target="_blank">Buy here</a>.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p><strong>Important Details</strong></p><p>
</p><p>FC Atlas U23 vs. Chattanooga FC</p><p>
</p><p>Saturday May 29th, 7:00 PM</p><p>
</p><p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=0,0,10675787945645365180&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&dq=finley+stadium+chattanooga&daddr=1826+Carter+St,+Chattanooga,+TN+37408&geocode=5367889688821191582,35.035853,-85.317091&ei=q0vBSe7FKqSwmQfM0smvDw&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=directions-to" target="_blank">Finley Stadium</a>, Chattanooga's Southside</p><p>
</p><p>Parking: $2</p><p>
</p><p>Tickets:</p><p>
</p><p><em>This game will have a higher price than our other home games, due to the significant cost on our end...we hope you are not offended. It is our hope to continue to bring high-level soccer to Chattanooga, and your support of these games is critical to sustainable success. Thank you for understanding. We love you Chattanooga!</em></p><p>
</p><p>Tickets now available for the FC Atlas vs Chattanooga FC game on May 29th! <a href="http://atlasvschattanooga.eventsbot.com/" target="_blank">Buy here</a>.</p><p>
</p><table style="text-align: center; height: 102px;" border="1" width="216"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ages</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Advance Purchase Price<br></span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Gameday Price</strong></td>
</tr><tr><td style="text-align: center;">7+</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">$10</td>
<td>$15</td>
</tr><tr><td style="text-align: center;">0-6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Free</td>
<td>Free</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>
</p><p> </p></div>Chattanooga Football ClubSat, 24 Apr 2010 12:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/04/fc-atlas-u23-is-coming-to-chattanooga-on-may-29th/<div><p>Chattanooga Football Club is hosting the first annual Chattanooga FC Cup this April at Camp Jordan. The tournament is open to all men’s teams, but is specifically targeted at Hispanic teams from the surrounding region. The teams will compete for the top prize of $1000 cash and a match against Chattanooga FC in Finley Stadium on April 30.</p><p>
</p><p>The goal of the Cup is to unite various teams from leagues in Chattanooga, Dalton, Cleveland, and Knoxville into a single tournament. Ivan Heredia, manager of the Chattanooga FC Cup and the Latin Champions League, said, </p><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><p>“With this tournament we want to unite not only the Hispanic community in the area, but also the people who enjoy soccer in general.” Heredia continued, “Although these leagues are formed mostly by Hispanic players, there are still people from different countries playing on the teams. We want to invite all these teams to participate and get involved with their local team, Chattanooga FC.”</p></blockquote><p>
</p><p>The Chattanooga FC Cup is slated to be a one-day tournament on April 23 at Camp Jordan in East Ridge. Entrance to the tournament costs $175 and all teams and leagues interested in participating should contact Ivan Heredia at<a href="mailto:ivansitoeredia@hotmail.com"> ivansitoeredia@hotmail.com</a>.</p></div>CFCTue, 12 Apr 2011 12:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/04/the-first-annual-chattanooga-fc-cup/<div><p></p><p>Kevin Sims, of News Channel Nine, covered CFC and the impact on Finley Stadium.</p><p>To view the video, <a href="http://www.newschannel9.com/video/index.php?bcpid=1111405995&bclid=1137849423">click here</a> (you may need to scroll down on the videos list on the right).</p><p>To read the report, <a href="http://www.newschannel9.com/news/chattanooga-978884-years-hole.html">click here</a>.</p></div>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/news-channel-nine-covers-chattanooga-fc-for-6pm-news/<div><p></p><p>The road to qualify for the nation’s most prestigious soccer tournament, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, will run through Chattanooga this weekend. Six teams will be competing for the honor of representing the NPSL Southeast Conference in the 97-year-old tournament. Qualifying play will be held at Finley Stadium beginning on Friday, May 27, and the championship game will be on Sunday, May 29.  </p><p>Knoxville Force will face Jacksonville United Football Club at 5:30 PM on Friday to get things rolling.  Immediately following, Rocket City United takes on FC Tulsa at 8:00 PM. Winners will advance to Saturday. </p><p>The Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves will play the winners of Knoxville and Jacksonville at 5:30 PM on Saturday night, and Chattanooga FC will play the winners of Rocket City and Tulsa at 8:00 PM on Saturday. </p><p>The winners from Saturday night’s matches will play on Sunday at 7:00 PM. The winner of the championship game will qualify for the opening round of the Open Cup, which will consist of 32 teams from the MLS, USL and NPSL.</p><p>“We like our chances playing at home-- familiar situations and great fans, but we still have to play great soccer to win,” said Head Coach of Chattanooga FC, Brian Crossman. “We’re thankful the organization took the initiative to bring the tournament home, rather than being on the road for qualifying.”</p><p>Weekend passes can be purchased for $15 per person at the gate. Day passes will be $10 per person or $5 per game.</p></div>Chattanooga FCThu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/05/chattanooga-fc-hosts-us-open-cup-qualifying-this-weekend/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga FC (0-2) dropped its second straight match in its inaugural season, losing 2-0 at Rocket City United in Huntsville.</p><p>On a beautiful night for soccer, over 600 fans showed up to watch a good game - and that’s just what they got.</p><p>Chattanooga FC got off to a solid start by putting some early pressure on Rocket City’s goal, but could not find the net. Rocket City United (2-1-0), currently in first place in the Southeast Conference of the NPSL, soon began to create some dangerous scoring opportunities of their own. Both team certainly had their fair share of chances throughout the first half, but Richard Masters, Chattanooga’s keeper, and the Rocket City keeper kept things knotted 0-0 going into the half.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article from <a href="http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_152272.asp">Chattanoogan.com</a></i>.</p></div>Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/chattanooga-fc-loses-well-played-match-to-rocket-city-united-2-0/<div><p></p><p>Chattanooga FC will open its 2011 campaign against the Dalton Allstars at Finley Stadium at 4PM on Saturday. This will be the final tune-up match for the club before hosting its first NPSL match against Jacksonville United FC on May 7.</p><p>Dalton Allstars won the first annual Chattanooga FC Cup this past weekend at Camp Jordan. “The Cup was founded for many reasons,” said Sheldon Grizzle, Director of Communications for Chattanooga FC. “First and foremost, we are always looking for ways to connect with the Latino community and a tournament is a fantastic way to do that. In addition to that, it’s also an opportunity for us to find quality opponents for exhibition matches as well as quality players who might be interested in playing for us.”</p><p>Two of Chattanooga FC’s current players, Irvin Espinal and Carlos Garcia, are Dalton residents and have found great success with the club. “Just a couple years ago, Irvin and Carlos would have been on the team we are facing this Saturday. But now they are integral pieces to our club’s past and, hopefully, future success,” continued Grizzle.</p><p>This Saturday’s game will be the first time many of Chattanooga’s players have played together. “We will be missing a few key players for this weekend’s game,” mentioned Sean McDaniel, GM of the club. “We are starting this season a full month earlier than we did in 2010, so it will be very interesting to see how well the guys can come together as a team.”</p><p>The game begins at 4 pm on Saturday at Finley Stadium. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and groups of 25 or more.</p><p><i><a href="http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_199996.asp">Read the article on Chattanoogan.com.</a></i></p><br></div>Chattanoogan.comFri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2011/04/chattanooga-fc-opens-season-on-saturday-1/<div><p></p><p>Carson-Newman College, which shared the 2008 conference championship with Tusculum, is the pick to finish second. Carson-Newman received one first-place vote and 70 points.</p><p>The Eagles placed five on the preseason All-Conference team, including a league-best four on the first team. Forward Robert Hill, who had 13 goals last season, is joined on the first team by forward Omar Cooke, defender Matthew Finlay and goalkeeper Jordan Moore. Midfielder Everado Flores was named to the second team.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on the <a href="http://www.thesac.com/article.asp?articleID=1715">South Atlantic Conference's site</a></i>.</p></div>http://chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-fc-forward-omar-cooke-selected-to-preseason-all-conference-team-at-carson-newman/<div><p></p><p>The Chattanooga Football Club returns to Finley Stadium this Saturday to play Rocket City United, the current, first place team in the Southeast Conference. Chattanooga FC is looking for its third consecutive victory after beating Atlanta FC, 1-0, last Saturday in Atlanta, GA.</p><p>Chattanooga FC last played Rocket City United on May 31, losing by one goal. The local club (2-2 for the season) hopes that having the home field advantage will give them an edge in the upcoming matchup as it did against Saturn FC two week ago.</p><p><i>Read the rest of the article on <a href="http://chattarati.com/editorial/zeitgeist/2009/6/19/chattanooga-fc-eyes-third-straight-victory-saturda/">Chattarati</a></i>.</p></div>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/06/cfc-eyes-third-straight-victory/