The Chattanooga FC kicks off the 2015 home season in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tournament— the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the US, since 1913— potentially facing professional teams from leagues like the North American Soccer League (NASL), the United Soccer Leagues Pro (USL Pro) and even Major League Soccer (MLS).
Chattanooga will face the Ocala Stampede of the Premier Development League (PDL) in Central Florida. With three Southeast Division Championships, one Southern Conference Championship and a National Semi-Final in 2014, the Stampede will be a formidable opponent for three-time National Semi-Finalists Chattanooga FC.
According to Sean McDaniel, General Manager of the CFC, “This is going to be one of the marquee matches of this year’s Open Cup, pitting two National semi-finalists from 2015 in the opening match of the tournament.”
Not only is the Open Cup tournament a great chance for CFC's young players to test their skills against professional competitors, it’s a great opportunity to get noticed by professional clubs. A good performance at the Open Cup could mean a chance to go pro.
Chattanooga FC automatically qualified for the US Open Cup by winning the NPSL Southeast Conference Title against the Sacramento Gold FC (4-1) and advancing to the National Finals of the National Premier Soccer League in 2015.
"The entire team and coaching staff are very excited about the opportunity to play in such a prestigious tournament," said CFC Head Coach Bill Elliott. “It’s a great way to start our home season with the Chattanooga fans at our back.”
About the return of the CFC, The Chattahooligans asked, "What do you mean by that? The CFC has never left! LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS!"