Chattanooga FC prepares to host Toronto FC II on Saturday, August 2 with kick-off set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Finley Stadium, presented by Markman’s Diamonds.
Chattanooga FC will look to close out its three-match home stand when it faces Toronto FC II in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday night.
After falling 3-1 to Crown Legacy FC last Saturday, Chattanooga aims to open its August slate on a more positive note. Last season’s September 29, 2024 matchup with Toronto was a late turning point for Chattanooga when it came out on top 5-1.
The two clubs’ first meeting of 2025 was back on May 9, where CFC earned a 2-1 victory on the road thanks to first-half scoring from Peter Plougmand and Minjae Kwak.
What they said
Head Coach Chris Nugent and defender Nathan Koehler spoke with media about what it will take for Chattanooga to return to form and what's missing from the club's performances right now.
"[We need to] score earlier, said Nugent. "We have to do the behaviors to score first. I felt that against Miami, we were very good in the first half and we had opportunities to score and we didn’t. There’s ebbs and flows, sometimes it’s fortune, sometimes the goalkeepers make big saves as well. So we have to start really strong and fast and direct with our intentions to put teams on the back foot to break them out of how they’re going to play. We did that a little bit at the start of the year, but we also finished. I think we’ve played well for large periods over the last eight games, however, we haven’t scored. And then when we’ve had to make those big plays, we just haven’t, so that unfortunately is part of it."
"It’s being clinical," said Koehler. "Not just in front of the opposition’s goal, but in our box as well. Against Crown Legacy they had some good chances, but they scored the half chances as well, and it’s something we’ve been lacking. Maybe it’s me getting out to a shot a bit quicker or maybe it’s one of our forwards taking a shot where they’re a bit unsure, but it’s a half chance so I think you’ve got to take it. Earlier in the season, we had that confidence that if we shoot, it’s going to go in, or if a forward’s coming at me, I’m going to win a tackle or I’m going to get the block off. It’s a mindset, and almost a mental block that we need to get over, and it’s just that little bit that’s going to make the difference."
Nugent also talked about the three keys to victory for his side this weekend against Toronto.
"We need a fast start," said Nugent. "And then being clinical when we need to and having that professionalism and recognizing what the moment needs. Sometimes we’ve lacked that in certain moments, so being consistent with it. We’ve pressed well, we’ve built well, we’ve played well in the majority of the last seven or eight games, but we have to string that all the way through and then finish. It’s not just a judge’s decision of who’s played well and who deserves to score and deserves to win. We have to finish and score goals. We saw even at the start of the year, when we weren’t necessarily playing great, we didn’t. So that consistent play, a fast start, and then using our professionalism to see games out."
Koehler mentioned his takeaways from Chattanooga's last meeting with Toronto and the resilience within the club right now.
"We played them last time, away obviously, and we got the three points, which is something that we definitely need going off of this run of form," Koehler said. "Which, to be fair, hasn't been great but our heads haven’t dropped as a team. That’s always great, the resiliency from all the boys. It’s essentially doing what we did against them and carrying out our game plan. They scored right towards the end, obviously the last five minutes was a bit shaky then, but I think before that we were comfortable, we were playing our game, and we just need to revert back to how we were as a team then. And from the last few weeks, taking the positives from that and just as a defender, keeping a clean sheet, that would absolutely be the number one goal for me."
Did you know?
- Goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović is joint top of the league alongside Toronto FC II's Adisa De Rosario in clean sheets (5)
- CFC midfielder Daniel Mangarov and defender Tate Robertson share the club lead for league goals scored (6)
- CFC defender and Captain Farid Sar-Sar reached 50 appearances with his start against Crown Legacy FC last Saturday
Matchday happenings
Academy Night
Join Chattanooga FC as we celebrate Academy Night presented by YMCA of Chattanooga! We will be hosting an Academy Night Block Party presented by EPB at First Horizon Pavilion from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Back to school drive
Fans are encouraged to bring new school supplies to Saturday’s match as part of our partnership with United Way of Chattanooga, supported by Adidas.
Hall of Legends Induction for Sheldon Grizzle
Celebrate with us as we induct co-founder + inaugural 2009 squad member Sheldon Grizzle into the CFC Hall of Legends at Finley Stadium! The plaque unveiling will take place behind Section 105 at 6:15 p.m.
Matchday guide
Access our matchday guide HERE for information related to Saturday’s match at Finley Stadium!
Know the opponent
Toronto FC II (7W-8L-4D, 25 pts.) is led by Head Coach Gianni Cimini, who is in his fourth season with the club following a 10-year stint within the Toronto FC Academy.
Hassan Ayari leads Toronto with five goals on the season, while Nathaniel Edwards’ second strike of the year against Columbus Crew 2 earned MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchweek 20 honors. Malik Henry leads the club in assists with five.
Toronto enters Saturday evening’s match following a 2-1 road victory at Columbus Crew 2 last Sunday.
Match information
Venue: Finley Stadium | Chattanooga, Tenn.
Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, August 2
Broadcast: MLSNEXTPro.com | Talent: Josh Tolle
Team uniforms for Saturday’s match
Referees
Bowen Taylor
Head Referee
Nick Goyette
Assistant Referee 1
Ben Cuyler
Assistant Referee 2
Dorian Del Toro
4th Official
