The last time Guatemalan club Comunicaciones FC visited the US, Chattanooga FC was just beginning to form.

This Saturday, March 23rd, the two teams will meet to open Chattanooga FC’s historic 2019 season. The match will be the first against a Guatemalan team for the boys in blue and the expectations for both teams are high.

“We’re honored that such a high profile club as Comunicaciones FC would accept our invitation to open our season with an international friendly,” said Sheldon Grizzle, President, Chattanooga FC. “They’ve won 30 titles in their home country, so they’re clearly at the top of the game in Central America. Our guys couldn’t be more excited to get on the field and see what they’re made of against players who we will see in World Cup qualifying soon.”

For “Los Cremas”, Comunicaciones FC’s nickname due to their traditional white jerseys and shorts, the trip won’t just be about the match with Chattanooga FC. Players from the team are scheduled to make an appearance Friday afternoon at Highland Park Commons to kick around, sign some autographs, and take pictures with fans as they prepare for the big match.

“We have always wanted to host a team from Guatemala at Finley,” said Grizzle. “Comunicaciones has won dozens of championships in Guatemala and so it will be a real test for our guys right out of the gates. We are honored to be their hosts in Chattanooga.”

In the team’s 70 year history, Comunicaciones FC, or “Los Cremas” as they’re known for their customary white kits, have won 30 league titles, 8 Copas de Guatemala, 10 Campion de Campiones (Supercups) and three CONCACAF cups. Many of the players in Comunicaciones FC’s lineup are Guatemalan National team players, who will be competing for spots in the 2020 World Cup squad.

“Chattanooga’s international community is growing and, in particular, we have a rapidly growing Guatemalan population,” said Gladys Pineda, director of international community outreach for Chattanooga FC. “As we continue to strengthen our relationships with the international community, we want to demonstrate our commitment to bringing top quality soccer to the Scenic City and bringing groups together.”

“Estamos emocionados por llegar a jugar con el Chattanooga FC. Oportunidades como esta, para estrechar las relaciones con otros equipos, no se dan todos los días. Queremos brindar un buen espectáculo. Volver al ámbito internacional para nosotros es muy importante.” – William Fernando Coito (Head Coach)

Below is the list of potential Chatttanooga FC players who will be on the pitch for game day. Please note that this list is not the final roster.

Player | Former Team | Number

Phil D’Amico · Chattanooga FC · 1
Cam Woodfin · Chattanooga FC · 2
Montel McKenzie · Tennessee Wesleyan · 3
Juan Sanchez · Chattanooga FC · 4
Genki Miyachi · Nashville SC · 5
Ruben Morillas · Lenoir Rhyne University · 6
Gabriel Torres · University of DC · 7
Joao Costa · Chattanooga FC · 8
Jose “Zeca” Ferraz · Chattanooga FC · 9
Juan Hernandez · Chattanooga FC · 10
Felipe Oliviera · Chattanooga FC · 11
Caleb Cole · Chattanooga FC · 12
Julio Noel · Trinidad and Tobago · 13
Joaquin Cabello · William Carey · 14
Max Wilschrey · Old Dominion · 15
Michael Conjero · William Carey · 16
Harry Baggley · Tennessee Wesleyan · 17
David Born · U of West Florida · 18
Dominque Marvins · Haiti · 20
Jordan Dunstan · Nashville SC · 21
Ignacio Goya · Lenoir Rhyne University · 22
Victor Tsado · Trevecca Nazarene · 23
Soren Yuhaschek · Chattanooga FC · 24
Markus Smarzoch · Palm Beach United · 25
Charlie Clark · Chattanooga FC · 26
Lars Wilemese · UAB · 27
Sergio Gomis · ETSU · 28
Torge Wiedenroth · Reinhardt University · 30
Daniel Valenciano · Chattanooga FC · 88

Saturday’s clash between Chattanooga FC and Comunicaciones FC starts at 6:00 pm at Finley Stadium. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the match. Fans can buy tickets in person at Carnecerias Loa and Winder Binder or online at ChattanoogaFC.com.