CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - They've done it!
In front of a raucous crowd at Finley Stadium, Chattanooga FC made history on multiple fronts with a 1-0 win over Los Angeles FC 2 in the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
With it, the Boys in Blue represent the Scenic City's first-ever champions of any kind in professional sports and national-level soccer, in addition to being the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro independent club to host and win the Cup Final.
Well-supported on their big night, CFC drew an MLS NEXT Pro Cup record audience of 10,228.
And the win wouldn't have been possible without winger Damien Barker John, who supplied the winner with a wonder strike from outside the box in the 31st minute after an assist from Antone Sorenson.
From there, CFC held onto the lead as they weathered LAFC 2's 23 shots on the evening, forcing veteran goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović into six saves.
Goals
- 31' CHAT - Damien Barker John | WATCH
Cup MVP
Barker John, 21, came up clutch once again as he brought his postseason tally to 2g/1a, following up on an 8g/2a regular season campaign that was good for third on the teams scoresheet.
Drafted by Real Salt Lake from the University of Louisville in 2024, Barker John has made MLS NEXT Pro stops with Real Monarchs and Huntsville City FC before signing with CFC ahead of this season.
