Chattanooga FC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month in partnership with La Paz as the club returns to Finley Stadium to take on Gold Star Detroit FC on Sunday night.
This will be the first home game for Chattanooga FC since September 3 and their first game since a two-game trip to California three weeks ago.
Head coach Rod Underwood will have his team rested and prepared to finish the regular season strong as they turn their eye to the playoffs.
Chattanooga FC sits comfortably in first place in the NISA standings having earned 42 points from 19 matches (W12 D6 L1). The club needs to earn a maximum of nine points from the final five games to secure first place. Hosting rights in the playoffs are determined by regular season rankings, so the boys in blue could secure national playoff football at Finley Stadium.
Chattanooga FC remain dominant in the league, scoring 34 goals and conceding only 8 so far, leading the league in both measures.
Keep an eye on CFC top goalscorer Markus Naglestad. The Norwegian is currently league top goalscorer this season, but after being shut out for four straight matches, he will be working hard to find the back of the net again against Detroit.
Gold Star FC Detroit is one of three NISA expansion teams this season. The club finds itself in last place, having trouble on and off the field after a promising start to the season.
With only 11 points from 19 games (W3 D2 L14), the visitors are only a few games away from being eliminated from playoff contention. It’s do or die for Gold Star as they visit the best team in the league.
Former CFC striker Roddy Green scored a penalty kick against CFC in the reverse fixture and poses the greatest threat on Sunday night. Watch for an exciting battle between the pacey Gold Star striker and Chattanooga’s disciplined defense.
Chattanooga FC has faced the expansion side twice this season, winning both matches by an aggregate 5-1. The first matchup was the season opener at Finley Stadium, where Mutaya Mwape and Naglestad ran the show in front of NISA’s best crowd.
Proceedings were closer in July when Chattanooga had to come from behind in Detroit to win 2-1. Alex McGrath and Jesus Ibarra scored in a game where Chattanooga created many chances but struggled to find the back of the net.
Chattanooga FC is partnering with La Paz Chattanooga for the ultimate celebration on Sunday.
Festivities begin at 3pm with a free block party outside Finley Stadium on Chestnut Street. Food, games, and live music featuring Ensamble de Mexico, Marilin Perez, DJMCPRO, and Raul Enrique will be available for all to enjoy.
The party continues inside Finley Stadium as the boys in blue kick off at 6pm. Fireworks will end the evening.
Tickets are on sale now at ChattanoogaFC.com/tickets. Fans are encouraged to purchased early because all ticket prices increase on gameday.