Read on for a full recap, highlights, stats and more.
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (September 20, 2026) — Chattanooga FC closed out the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular season with a gritty 1-0 win at Chicago Fire FC II in challenging rain-soaked conditions.
Captain Alex McGrath scored the winning goal early in the second half when he applied pressure on Chicago keeper Jason Nemo and ricocheted the ball over the goalline. McGrath has now scored against Chicago in three consecutive matches.
McGrath nearly put the Boys in Blue in front at the end of the first half when he got on the end of a clipped in cross sent in by Damien Barker John and volleyed a shot an inch wide of the post.
Steeve Louis Jean made a crucial goalline clearance early in the first half as the team made adjustments to the rain-soaked field.
The backline held strong and secured the club's first clean sheet win away from home since a 1-0 victory at Inter Miami CF II on July 31.
Chattanooga FC finishes the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and will make the second selection in Wednesday's Pick-Your-Opponent show at 1:00 p.m. ET.
CFC has set new club records in MLS NEXT Pro in regular season points (56), seed (2) and wins (15). The team's regular season finish also represents the best-ever from an independent club in league history.
The Boys in Blue will also be bringing a four-match winning streak into the postseason after consecutive victories over Carolina Core FC (5-2), Huntsville City FC (2-1), Atlanta United 2 (4-1) and Chicago Fire FC II (1-0).
McGrath's goal was his 30th all time for CFC making him just the fourth player in club history to reach the milestone. Farid Sar-Sar made his 92nd appearance for the club, bringing him level with Head Coach Richard Dixon (92).
Chattanooga FC will now prepare for a home playoff on Sunday, October 18, with the kick-off time and opponent to be confirmed later this week. Tickets are available now.
Box Score
Chicago Fire FC II (10-12-6, 39 pts.) - Chattanooga FC (15-6-7, 56 pts.)
SeatGeek Stadium | Bridgeview, Ill.
Final score:Â
CHI: 0
CFC: 1
Scoring summary:
52': Alex McGrath - CFC
Stats (CHI / CFC):
Expected goals (xG): 1.24 / 0.99
Possession: 70% / 30%
Shots: 21 / 10
Shots on goal: 7 / 3
Blocked shots: 5 / 2
Total passes: 516 / 224
Passing accuracy percentage: 81 / 58.9
Corners: 10 / 5
Total crosses: 10 / 8
Offsides: 1 / 1
Goalkeeper saves: 2 / 6
Clearances: 4 / 10
Fouls: 12 / 8
Discipline:
3' - CHI, Oscar Pineda (Caution)
37' - CHI, Brody Williams (Caution)
84' - CFC, Alex Krehl (Caution)
Lineups:
Chicago Fire FC II starters: Jason Nemo, Jack Sandmeyer, Trip Fleming (C), Damian Nigg, Milan Napoe (Emiliano Chavez 87'), Oscar Pineda, Charles Nagle (Harrison Bernhardt 66'), Vitaliy Hlyut (Damyan Villanueva 46'), Dean Boltz (Tidiane Diawara 46'), Brody Williams, Robert Turdean (Jhonier Montiel 66')
Substitutes not used: Giorgi Gongadze, Omar Gonzalez, Mateo Clark
Head Coach:Â Mike Matkovich
Chattanooga FC starters: Eldin Jakupović, Yves Tcheuyap, Farid Sar-Sar, Nathan Koehler, Steeve Louis Jean (Mattias Hanchard 66'), Luke Husakiwsky (Isaiah Jones 75'), Tate Robertson, Alex McGrath (C), Daniel Mangarov (Ashton Gordon 66'), Damien Barker John (Anthony Garcia 75'), Alex Krehl
Substitutes not used: Michael Barrueta, Francis Amoateng, Yuval Cohen
Head Coach: Richard Dixon
