Atlanta United & USMNT Visit Chattanooga For Historic Matches
Chattanooga is set to host two historic matches in February as the Scenic City welcomes the U.S. Men’s National Team and Atlanta United. The USMNT will take on Jamaica at Finley Stadium, while Chattanooga FC will face off against Atlanta United in the MLS expansion club’s first match in franchise history.
Soccer News: Next month, the US Soccer world will turn its eyes to the Scenic City as Chattanooga Football Club, Finley Stadium and Chattanooga Sports Committee host two unprecedented matches.
First, the U.S. Men’s National Team will play a friendly match versus Jamaica at Finley Stadium on Friday, February 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. CT. The USMNT has never played in Chattanooga, making it a historic soccer event for the city. Newly appointed manager Bruce Arena will be preparing his side for the upcoming 2017 Gold Cup, so it is sure to be a match to watch.
“This is a great moment in Chattanooga sports history,” said Chattanooga FC Chairman and Finley Stadium Board Member Tim Kelly. “We have a strong soccer culture here in the Scenic City, and it’s because of events like the Women’s game in 2015 and the impressive turnouts for Chattanooga FC games that allow us opportunities such as this. We couldn’t be happier.”
The match comes just 18 months after the reigning World Cup Champion U.S. Women’s National Team topped Costa Rica 7-2 in front of 20,535 spectators at Finley Stadium.
“I am just delighted that U.S. Soccer recognizes the soccer culture and love of the game that Chattanooga Football Club has been able to build” said Paul Smith, Executive Director of Finley Stadium. “Finley Stadium’s partnership with CFC and the Chattanooga Sports Committee has really helped us begin to realize this venue’s potential.”
Tim Morgan with the Chattanooga Sports Committee is just as excited to host the USMNT.
“Chattanooga is a host destination, attractive to various types of National Governing Bodies (NGBs),” said Morgan. “It is extremely exciting for our community to host the US Men’s National Team and once again conduct business with US Soccer!”
Eight days after the USMNT visits the Scenic City, MLS’ newest franchise, Atlanta United, will play in a match versus Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m CT on Saturday, February 11th. The friendly will be Atlanta United’s first match in franchise history.
“Having Atlanta United here playing us in Finley Stadium rewards the passion our city and our fans have for soccer in the Scenic City,” said Sean McDaniel, General Manager of Chattanooga FC. “This will be Atlanta United’s public debut, so we’re honored and excited to have them. They are a great organization and have been strong partners in this early collaboration. Atlanta has an equally passionate fan base and have sold over 23,000 season ticket already so we expect a big crowd from them. We also know our fans are equal to the task. Coach Elliott has put together a strong squad for us and we expect an entertaining and competitive match against this MLS club.”
“This is another exciting moment for our club, as our preseason tour will start in Chattanooga, signifying our first-ever official match,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “We’re happy to begin our preseason in the southeast and are happy that our fans will have the opportunity to see us play at Finley Stadium in February.”
Photo Credit: Chattanooga FC
