CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (SESN) — Chattanooga FC aims to extend their unbeaten home streak in league play as they host Carolina Core FC in the second Independent Derby of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season on Saturday, June 22. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. ET at Finley Stadium.
Chattanooga FC (6-2-6) has been in impressive form, going four matches unbeaten since a 4-1 road defeat to Crown Legacy on May 15. Their latest outing saw them secure a shootout win against Orlando City B. This resilient run has placed them second in the Eastern Conference standings, making them favorites against a struggling Carolina Core FC side.
Chattanooga FC vs. Carolina Core FC
Finely Stadium – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 – 7:03 p.m. ET
Carolina Core FC (1-7-3) enters the match in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Foxes have faced significant challenges this season, including playing their first eight matches on the road due to stadium renovations at Truist Park in High Point, North Carolina. Their recent performances at home have not yielded better results, with losses to Huntsville City and FC Cincinnati 2.
In their previous encounter on April 27, Chattanooga FC emerged victorious with a 2-0 win at Fort Finley, courtesy of goals from Jesús Ibarra and Milo Garvanian. Head Coach Rod Underwood emphasized the importance of maintaining their possession and pressing style to ensure a similar outcome in the upcoming fixture.
Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
TV Talent (English): Matt Pedersen (play-by-play)
Radio: The Chattanooga Kickoff Radio Network
Radio Talent: Gabriel Schray (play-by-play)
“We need to keep doing what we do,” Underwood said. “It’s probably clear to everyone watching we want to be a possession and pressing team. Those core principles are things that we need to make sure we get better at and to put guys in the right spots to make plays. If we do that, I think we’ll be in good shape.”
Midfielder Jacob Evans leads Carolina Core FC with three goals this season, while midfielder Facundo Canete has been the primary playmaker with four assists. The team’s coaching staff is notable, featuring former MLS stars like Head Coach Roy Lassiter, Assistant Coach Amado Guevara, and Chief Sporting Officer Eddie Pope.
Despite their position at the bottom of the table, Underwood expects a tough match. “They have talent,” Underwood noted. “They’re well-coached. It was a hard start for them with a lot of games being on the road. They’re a team that’s improving and they’ll be dangerous and difficult. I don’t expect anything less than a difficult game on Saturday.”
The match will be broadcast on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass with commentary by Matt Pedersen. Fans can also follow the audio stream on CFC on Mixlr, with Gabriel Schray providing live commentary.
Referees:
- Head Referee: Olvin Oliva
- Assistant Referees: Katarzyna Wasiak, Josh Lampkins
- Fourth Official: Dorian Del Toro
Chattanooga FC looks to solidify their position at the top of the standings with a win, while Carolina Core FC will be seeking to turn their season around with a crucial victory. Fans can expect an intense and competitive match as both teams battle it out at Finley Stadium.
Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets online. A free radio broadcast will also be provided for fans to listen to radio play-by-play coverage of the match in realtime.
This article is comprised of information and media from Chattanooga FC. For more sports, news, and entertainment, follow us on Twitter @SESNsports or like our page on Facebook.
