Coywolves visit Chattanooga FC Sunday, October 25, at 5 PM ET in the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff matchup between two independent clubs, with a place in the Eastern Conference Final on the line.Â
CT United FC’s historic inaugural season continues Sunday as the Coywolves travel to face Chattanooga FC in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Semifinals. Kickoff is set for 5 PM ET at Finley Stadium, with live coverage on MLSNEXTPro.com and OneFootball.com. A victory would send Connecticut to the Eastern Conference Final.Â
After securing the club’s first playoff win at Atlanta, the seventh-seeded Coywolves now face second-seeded Chattanooga in another road test. Sunday’s contest will also mark a milestone for MLS NEXT Pro: the first playoff match between two independent clubs.Â
Building on a BreakthroughÂ
CT United earned its place in the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United 2 on October 16. Barnabás Tanyi delivered the decisive goal in the fifth minute, and the Coywolves protected that advantage through the final whistle to eliminate the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed.Â
The performance showcased the resolve of head coach Shavar Thomas’ side. Goalkeeper Gunther Rankenburg made two saves to secure the clean sheet, while Connecticut held firm through 13 minutes of second-half stoppage time. The Coywolves also generated 12 shots, offering an attacking threat while defending their lead.Â
That balance will be essential again Sunday: staying organized under pressure while making the most of opportunities to push forward.Â
The OppositionÂ
Chattanooga finished the regular season with 56 points and 15 wins, including 10 victories at home. Finley Stadium has been a difficult place for visiting teams, and the hosts enter Sunday following a 3-1 quarterfinal win over NYCFC II.Â
Forward Alex Krehl opened the scoring in that victory with his 19th goal of the season across all competitions. Containing Krehl’s movement and limiting service into dangerous areas will be a priority for Connecticut’s back line.Â
The clubs met once during the regular season, with Chattanooga winning 4-2 on March 8 behind a Krehl brace. More than seven months later, the Coywolves are a much different team who return with a postseason victory behind them and an opportunity to extend their debut campaign.Â
Coywolves to WatchÂ
- Barnabás Tanyi: Tanyi enters Sunday with a league-leading 24 goal contributions across the regular season and playoffs—17 goals and seven assists. After scoring the winner in Atlanta, the Coywolves’ leading scorer will look to deliver another decisive performance in Chattanooga.Â
- Lukas Kamrath: Kamrath appeared in all 28 regular-season matches and led the team with 2,363 minutes played. Following a starting role in the quarterfinal shutout, he faces another important assignment against Chattanooga’s attack.Â
- Gunther Rankenburg: The goalkeeper followed a 66-save regular season with a clean sheet in CT United’s playoff debut. Another composed performance could provide the foundation for a semifinal breakthrough.
A playoff berth. A first postseason victory. Now, a chance to reach the Eastern Conference Final.Â
The inaugural season continues. Join the pack Sunday at 5 PM ET.
Watch With the Pack
CT United will host a watch party for Sunday's playoff match, bringing Coywolves fans together to cheer on the club in its second postseason appearance:
- Elicit Brewing Co. — Fairfield, CT
Bring your crew, wear your purple and join fellow supporters as CT United takes on Chattanooga FC. Kickoff is at 5 PM ET on Sunday, October 25.
