Game Preview: Birmingham Legion v. Chattanooga FCNot the Red Wolves. Yet
Tomorrow at 2:30pm the Three Sparks will face Chattanooga FC in its second preseason game. The game will be played at the club’s training facility on Dunnavant Valley Road (just off US 280) and will be semi-closed; only season ticket holders will be able to attend. There is no seating at the facility so if you’re planning to be there come prepared. There will also not be a stream for the game (as as I can tell).
This will also be the second preseason game for the visitors, who beat Atlanta United 2-1 two weeks ago. They were facing a far weaker squad, though, with United playing a bunch of trialists. They also had to come from behind late to do it and the equalizing goal was a bizarre literal walk-in affair. Nevertheless, it was quite a boost to their confidence and they should be coming in with a very positive attitude.
Chattanooga FC is the older of the two Chattanooga soccer franchises, established in 2009. The Red Wolves (who the Legion will play next week) have been fully professional longer though by a year. They first played pro soccer in NISA but moved over to MLS Next Pro last year. The team is one of just two current independent clubs in MLSNP, the other being Carolina Core FC. Neither team made the playoffs last year, although Chattanooga missed out only on goal difference. The club fired former head coach Rod Underwood with just two games left in the season last year, which seems like odd timing. Englishman Chris Nugent (who played most of his soccer here) replaced him on an interim basis and is now permanent head coach. It will be difficult to judge how the team performs under new leadership. The team’s leading goalscorer last season was Mehdi Ouamri, but he is now with Union Omaha. Behind him were Jesus Ibarra and Alex McGrath, who both scored 7 goals. They look to be the primary dangers.
As for the Three Sparks, expect to see them in much better form this week. Tommy Soehn’s demand for more speed will doubtless be evident and the on-field communication should be much improved.
