Chattanooga FC Announces 4th Non-Conference Match Against Bugeaters FC Of Nebraska

Friday, February 22, 2019

Chattanooga Football Club on Friday announced its third non-conference match of the season as it welcomes Bugeaters FC of Nebraska to Finley Stadium on Saturday, May 4.

Bugeaters are entering their second season of play and have joined the Gulf Coast Premier League for 2019.

This will be the team’s first trip to Chattanooga, but their leadership has connections to the Scenic City.

“We are really excited to have Bugeaters here this year. We struck up a friendship with Jonathan at the Soccer Summit last year, and are excited to see how they are building their club,” said Tim Kelly, Chairman of the Board, Chattanooga FC. “If you want to talk about an independent club committed to growing the game through the community, the right way, then you have to look at Bugeaters as a leading example.”

“One of the goals that I had was to someday play Chattanooga FC” said Jonathan Collura, owner, Bugeaters FC. “The club has an amazing supporter base and community. While we are just up-and-coming we are pleased that Sheldon and his staff have given us this opportunity.”

Bugeaters FC focuses on growing and developing local and collegiate talent, including 2017 Chattanooga FC alum Danny Whitehall, who attended Hastings College in Nebraska and played for Bugeaters FC in 2018. Additionally, the Bugeaters merchandise has garnered national attention and is often seen on soccer celebrities around the US. They will be bringing it for sale at the match.

“This season’s team will again focus on local Nebraska based talent and university programs. The lads are excited to be playing at Finley Stadium with thousands of passionate fans,” said Mark Heath-Preston, head coach of Bugeaters FC. “We are confident that we can give CFC a competitive match in May. I am looking forward to meeting Coach Elliott and discussing the program that he has built. We are building a model like this in Nebraska and I am hopeful to spend some time with him.”

Admission for this matchup is included with the 2019 season pass packages, available now at ChattanoogaFC.com. Individual tickets will go on sale March 1.