Pending league and federation approval, The Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club announced the signing of Nikolaos Pettas and Ricky Ruiz.
Pettas has played for clubs in both Greece and the United States. Joining the team as a defensive back Pettas’ presence will command respect. Pettas fits well into Coach Obleda’s style of play and should be integrated into the team well. Recently coming from APS Zakynthos and has played for teams such as Almeyda FC, Houston Dutch Lions, and Atlanta SC. Pettas has
been playing professional soccer for seven years overseas before starting his next chapter in the
United States. While in Greece Pettas also played for Atromitos FC, Panachaiki FC.
In a recent discussion with Coach Obleda, he said, “Nikos will be a dominant player, and the
opposing team will know when he is on the field. He is coming to us with a great deal of
experience and is a high caliber player. I am excited to see how he contributes to the team as a
whole.”
Ruiz played all four years of his collegiate career at the NCAA Division 1 school UC Riverside
where he proved to be a dangerous offensive threat. Ruiz has an innate ability to expose
opposing defenses causing multiple goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. His speed,
creativity, and vision produce the type of player that the Chattanooga Red Wolves look to sign
for the upcoming 2020 season.
The California native has past experience with the recently hired Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. In
addition to Ronaldo and Ami Pineda. This group of talented individuals made up the core of
Obleda’s youth squad that became the first and only team to win back to back National
Championships and Dallas Cup Championships. The overall skillsets and preexisting chemistry
between these players will aid the Chattanooga Red Wolves in achieving their organizational
goal of winning the USL League One Championship.
During an interview with Coach Obleda, he said, “Ricky is an exceptional soccer player. He can
play anywhere whether it be on the right-wing or invertedly on the left. He’s great at getting in
behind and bridging the gap between the number 9 position and the rest of the attack. He is a
great goal scorer.
The club has carefully selected players who will aid the team in becoming champions in the
2020 season. Preseason will start February 3, 2020, and the club has increased its operational
workload with the anticipation of preseason around being around the corner. All of those in the
office are extremely excited for this historic season to be underway.