Chattanooga FC

Chattanooga FC was founded in 2009 by Tim Kelly,{{cite news|url=http://www.tfponline.com/news/2013/may/12/cfc-wins-5-0-in-13-opener/|title=Chattanooga Football Club wins 5-0 in '13 opener|author=John Frierson|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|date=May 12, 2013|access-date=December 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233138/http://www.tfponline.com/news/2013/may/12/cfc-wins-5-0-in-13-opener/|archive-date=December 30, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=2021-12-09|title=The Core Had a Huge Impact on Mayor Tim Kelly '89|url=https://www.college.columbia.edu/cct/latest/take-five/core-had-huge-impact-chattanooga-mayor-tim-kelly-89|access-date=2021-12-12|website=Columbia College Today|language=en}} Krue Brock, Marshall Brock, Paul Rustand, Sean McDaniel, Daryl Heald, Hamilton Brock, Thomas Clark, and Sheldon Grizzle{{cite news|url=http://m.metrotimes.com/detroit/detroit-fcs-unlikely-birth-and-unlikelier-rise-to-popularity/Content?oid=2342461|title=Detroit City FC's unlikely birth – and unlikelier rise to popularity|website=M.metrotimes.com|date=December 2013}} to play in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth tier of the American soccer pyramid and considered roughly equal to the USL Premier Development League. The team completed its inaugural season third in the Southeast Division with 4 wins and 3 losses.

After the struggles of its first season, Chattanooga FC's run in 2010 included winning the conference and it got them to the NPSL finals. The season ended with a loss in the 2010 NPSL Championship game to the Sacramento Gold by a score of 3–1. After a disappointing 3rd-place finish to the 2011 season and missing the playoffs, Chattanooga FC came back stronger than ever in 2012, taking 1st place in the newly created South Southeast Conference West, and defeating the reigning NPSL champion Jacksonville United FC 4–1 in Jacksonville to clinch it.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-fc-fells-the-giant |title=Chattanooga FC Fells the Giant |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808041358/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-fc-fells-the-giant |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Because of a collapse of the South-South Central Conference structure, a one-game playoff to determine the South Conference Champion was held with the Georgia Revolution, the victors of the South Southeast Conference East in Conyers, GA. Chattanooga won the game 1-0 on Luis Trude's 72nd-minute goal to advance to the 2012 NPSL National Finals in San Diego, CA.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/the-midnight-train-out-of-georgia-carries-home-a-title |title=The Midnight Train Out of Georgia Carries Home a Title |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808040853/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/the-midnight-train-out-of-georgia-carries-home-a-title |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} After defeating the Bay Area Ambassadors 3–2,{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-fc-advances-to-the-2012-npsl-finals |title=Chattanooga FC Advances to the 2012 NPSL Finals |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808040409/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-fc-advances-to-the-2012-npsl-finals |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} and advancing to the NPSL Championship game, Chattanooga lost again in the title game 0-1 to FC Sonic on a header in the 78th minute. This was the 2nd NPSL Championship game that Chattanooga FC lost.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/one-amazing-ride-ends-with-a-header-and-a-hope-renewed |title=One Amazing Ride Ends with a Header and a Hope Renewed |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808041656/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/one-amazing-ride-ends-with-a-header-and-a-hope-renewed |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

Chattanooga FC's 2013 season started with the expansion of the South Region into four divisions, with Chattanooga placed in the Southeast Division of the South Conference with 5 other teams.{{cite web|url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/npsl-santa-brings-bigger-division-bigger-conference|title=NPSL Santa Brings Bigger Division & Bigger Conference|date=December 27, 2012|website=Chattanoogafc.com|access-date=November 22, 2017}} Chattanooga again prevailed at the top of the division, but because of one loss, had to go on the road for the Regional Playoffs. Chattanooga traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma to face the undefeated and top seeded Tulsa Athletics who won the South Central Division. After a 0–0 draw, the match went to penalty kicks. Keeper, Greggaa Hartley, converted an incredible 3 saves in 3 chances, and Chattanooga made all 3 of their chances to advance to the Regional Final in Richmond, VA.{{cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/semifinal-playoff-won-in-pks |title=Semifinal Playoff Won in PKS! |access-date=July 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721140829/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/semifinal-playoff-won-in-pks |archive-date=July 21, 2013 }} Chattanooga FC lost the Regional Final 1-0 to eventual NPSL champions RVA Football Club.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/great-season-comes-to-a-close |title=Great Season Comes to a Close |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411230511/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/great-season-comes-to-a-close |archive-date=April 11, 2014 |url-status=dead }} For the 2013 season, 4 Chattanooga FC members were selected to the 2013 All-NPSL Team - more than any other team. Those players were: GK Greggaa Hartley, DF Andrew Stewart, DF Nicholas Chase, and MF Fynn Glover. MF Thibault Charmey was also included in the NPSL Supporter's XI along with Hartley, Stewart, and Glover.{{Cite web |url=http://www.npsl.info/mainarchives/ |title=NPSL HISTORY - National Premier Soccer League |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031509/http://www.npsl.info/mainarchives/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=usurped }}

2014 started with former Chattanooga FC player Mark Sherrod being drafted by the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer in the second-round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. For the season, Chattanooga FC launched a Women's Soccer Team in the WPSL for the first time.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/the-chattanooga-fc-women-first-season |title=The Chattanooga FC Women - First Season! |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808043846/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/the-chattanooga-fc-women-first-season |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} In their inaugural season, the women's team finished 5-3-2, for third in the Southeast.{{Cite web |url=http://www.wpsl.info/standings/ |title=Women's Premier Soccer League - the Largest Women's Soccer League in the World |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717214645/http://www.wpsl.info/standings/ |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |url-status=dead }} Chattanooga FC's regular season started off slow, but ended with 5 straight wins to close the season on top of the division once again by goal difference over the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves. For 2014, the playoff format changed to a playoff to determine the Southeast Champions. The playoff was hosted by Chattanooga as the regular season champions.{{cite web|url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-hosts-2014-playoffs|title=Chattanooga Hosts 2014 Playoffs|date=July 8, 2014|website=Chattanoogafc.com|access-date=November 22, 2017}} Chattanooga defeated Nashville FC 6-1{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/cfc-romps-in-conference-semifinal |title=CFC Romps in Conference Semifinal |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923202410/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/cfc-romps-in-conference-semifinal |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }} and then the New Orleans Jesters 4-0{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/cfc-rolls-4-0-in-southeast-conf-championship |title=CFC Rolls 4-0 in Southeast Conf Championship |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050113/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/cfc-rolls-4-0-in-southeast-conf-championship |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} to advance to the Regional Playoffs.

Although given the lowest seed in the Regional Playoffs, Chattanooga also played host to the Regional Playoffs.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/region-playoffs-come-to-chattanooga |title=Region Playoffs Come to Chattanooga |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051413/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/region-playoffs-come-to-chattanooga |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Chattanooga went on to defeat top seeded Miami United F.C. 2-0{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/victory-over-miami-united-puts-cfc-in-region-final |title=Victory over Miami United puts CFC in Region Final |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050939/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/victory-over-miami-united-puts-cfc-in-region-final |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} and the Tulsa Athletics once again 2–0 in a rematch of 2013's Regional Match.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/2014-south-region-champions |title=2014 South Region Champions! |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052154/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/2014-south-region-champions |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Chattanooga would next host the Sacramento Gold in a rematch of the 2010 NPSL Championship game.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-hosts-national-semifinal |title=Chattanooga Hosts National semifinal |access-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808045920/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-hosts-national-semifinal |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} They would end up rallying from an early 0–1 deficit to win 4–1, advancing to the finals for the third time in the club's existence. Chattanooga FC lost to the New York Red Bulls U-23 3–1. Forward Luke Winter and keeper Gregory Hartley were named to the All-NPSL squad,{{Cite web |url=http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/827127.html |title=HARTLEY, WINTER NAMED TO ALL-NPSL SQUAD - National Premier Soccer League |access-date=April 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129040113/http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/827127.html |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |url-status=usurped }} with Hartley also taking home honors with the NPSL Golden Glove award.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/828287.html |title=HARTLEY CLAIMS NPSL GOLDEN GLOVE AWARD - National Premier Soccer League |access-date=April 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201082536/http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/828287.html |archive-date=February 1, 2015 |url-status=usurped }} Head Coach Bill Elliot was also awarded the Alexander Arellano Memorial Trophy for top NPSL Coach.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/828041.html |title=Cfc's ELLIOTT EARNS TOP COACHING HONOR - National Premier Soccer League |access-date=April 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129082658/http://www.nationalpremiersoccerleague.com/home/828041.html |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |url-status=usurped }}

The 2015 season saw 2014 standout midfielder Niall McCabe sign with Louisville City FC in March.{{cite web |url=http://www.yhcathletics.com/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/20150305ln5kiz |title=Niall McCabe signs pro contract with Louisville City FC - Young Harris |access-date=May 21, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512020820/http://www.yhcathletics.com/sports/msoc/2014-15/releases/20150305ln5kiz |archive-date=May 12, 2015 }} Chattanooga FC was also selected to host the US Soccer Amateur Championships on May 29–30, also known as the Hank Steinbrecher Trophy, in a competition matching the previous years winners of PDL, NPSL, and USASA Open and Amateur Championships.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/us-soccer-national-amateur-championships |title=US Soccer Amateur Championships |access-date=May 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601002024/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/us-soccer-national-amateur-championships |archive-date=June 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }} In May, CFC opened league play winning the first two matches on the road in Georgia. U.S. Open Cup play started at home against Ocala Stampede in the first round. After a late goal by Luke Winter to tie the game in regulation, the game went to extra time, with Gregga Hartley saving two penalties, and converting the winning one himself.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/wow |title=Chattanooga FC Dodges the Stampede |access-date=May 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519030636/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/wow |archive-date=May 19, 2015 |url-status=dead }} Hartley was named TheCup.us 's Player of the Round.{{cite web|url=http://thecup.us/2015/05/19/2015-us-open-cup-round-1-chattanooga-fcs-gregory-hartley-saves-scores-pks-to-earn-thecup-us-player-of-the-round-video/|title=2015 US Open Cup round 1: Chattanooga FC's Gregory Hartley saves, scores PKs to earn TheCup.us Player of the Round (video)|website=Thecup.us|date=May 19, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2017}}

The 2nd round of the Cup was away at Wilmington Hammerheads, and went to penalty kicks again after 1–1 in regulation. Chattanooga converted all 5 kicks, and saved one of Wilmington's to advance to host Atlanta Silverbacks once again in 3rd Round.{{cite web|url=http://thecup.us/2015/05/21/2015-us-open-cup-round-2-chattanooga-fc-upsets-wilmington-hammerheads-for-second-year-in-a-row/|title=2015 US Open Cup round 2: Chattanooga FC upsets Wilmington Hammerheads for second year in a row (video)|website=Thecup.us|date=May 21, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2017}} Chattanooga FC took the lead late in the game on a Luke Winter header, but a controversial penalty was called just a minute later. Atlanta equalized and won the game in Extra Time, 2-1 the final.{{cite web|url=http://thecup.us/2015/05/28/2015-us-open-cup-round-3-atlanta-silverbacks-force-ot-knock-off-last-npsl-club-chattanooga-fc-2-1-video/|title=2015 US Open Cup round 3: Atlanta Silverbacks force OT, knock off last NPSL club Chattanooga FC 2-1 (video)|website=Thecup.us|date=May 28, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2017}} Just 2 days after the defeat Chattanooga FC hosted the Maryland Bays, the 2014 USASA Open Cup Champions, for the opening game for the Hank Steinbrecher Trophy tournament. Chattanooga won that game 2–0, and the next day defeated the Michigan Bucks, the 2014 PDL season Champions 3-0 to win the trophy, Chattanooga FC's first. On August 8, 2015, Chattanooga FC and Finley Stadium hosted the NPSL National Championship between CFC and New York Cosmos B. The game drew a U.S. amateur soccer attendance record with 18,227 fans witnessing a thrilling match won by the Cosmos, 3–2 in extra time.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/story/2015/aug/09/chattanoogfc-falls-3-2-ot-national-title-matc/318968/|title=Chattanooga FC falls 3-2 in OT in national title match|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|date=August 9, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2017}} In 2016, Chattanooga FC won all of its games 9-0 and was first in the Southeast Division. The team advanced to the Southeast Conference playoffs, where they beat Memphis City FC 2–1. After the win over Memphis, Chattanooga FC managed to advance to the Regional Finals of the NPSL Playoffs, where they won in a penalty shootout to Miami United FC 5–3.

In January 2017, Chattanooga FC announced a partnership with VfL Wolfsburg, which plays in the German Bundesliga, and has plans to have international friendlies with the team.

A professional USL League One franchise, later named the Chattanooga Red Wolves, was established in 2018. Chattanooga FC accused the new team of trying to take over the local market after they hired then-current general manager Sean McDaniel.{{cite news |last=Henley |first=Gene |date=August 8, 2018 |title=Former Chattanooga FC general manager says 'city is ready' for pro soccer |url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/professional/story/2018/aug/08/mcdaniel-named-chattanooga-pro-soccer-general-manager/476595/ |work=Chattanooga Times Free Press |access-date=July 13, 2020}}{{cite news |last=MacCoon |first=Patrick |date=January 14, 2019 |title=Chattanooga Football Club believes Red Wolves trying to take over its territory |url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2019/jan/14/cfc-believes-red-wolves-trying-take-over-its/486649/ |work=Chattanooga Times Free Press |access-date=July 13, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2018/aug/01/locals-are-heated/476180/|title=New pro soccer team faces a swift backlash from CFC fans|date=August 1, 2018|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|access-date=June 24, 2019}} The Red Wolves also unsuccessfully attempted to arrange a lease at Finley Stadium and takeover of Chattanooga's youth academy. The city's women's team was transferred to the Red Wolves organization in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2018/nov/02/chattanooga-red-wolves-add-womens-team/482332/|title=Chattanooga Red Wolves add women's team|date=November 2, 2018|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|access-date=June 24, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/columns/story/2019/mar/03/kennedy-chattanoogsoccer-war-or-golden-era/489831/|title=Kennedy: Chattanooga soccer: 'War' or 'golden era'?|date=March 3, 2019|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|access-date=June 24, 2019}}

On November 15, 2018, the NPSL announced that it was creating a new, fully professional division and that Chattanooga would be one of its founding teams.{{Cite web|url=https://wdef.com/2018/11/15/chattanooga-football-club-will-go-pro/|title=Chattanooga Football Club will go pro|last=Moryan|first=Angela|date=November 15, 2018|website=WDEF|access-date=April 9, 2019}} In anticipation of moving to a professional roster and schedule, Chattanooga began a fan ownership initiative that was partially modeled after the Green Bay Packers. The initiative raised more than $800,000 with almost 3,000 new owners for the club from all 50 states and 25 different countries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2019/may/31/chattanooga-football-club-stock-offering-ending-more-800000-raised/495802/|title=Chattanooga Football Club stock offering ending with more than $800,000 raised|date=May 31, 2019|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|access-date=June 24, 2019}}

On August 15, 2019, it was announced that Chattanooga FC would instead join the National Independent Soccer Association.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nisasoccer.com/news/2019/08/15/nisa-announces-chattanooga-fc-detroit-city-fc--oakland-roots-sc|title=NISA Announces Chattanooga FC, Detroit City FC & Oakland Roots SC|publisher=NISA|access-date=August 15, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/chattanooga-fc-go-professional-2020/|title=Chattanooga FC to go professional in 2020|work=Chattanooga FC |date=August 15, 2019 |access-date=August 15, 2019}} In preparation for the team's move to the professional ranks it was announced that Jeremy Alumbaugh, formerly the general manager of Saint Louis FC, as the team's managing director, while Bill Elliot would transition from his role as coach to Technical Director and Peter Fuller would take over the head coach role full-time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chattanoogan.com/2019/11/12/399489/Peter-Fuller-To-Lead-CFC-As-Head-Coach.aspx|title=Peter Fuller To Lead CFC As Head Coach|website=www.chattanoogan.com|date=November 12, 2019 |language=en|access-date=November 13, 2019}}

After having three years of success in NISA, winning all three Independent Cups and finishing first in the 2023 NISA season, Chattanooga FC announced that starting in 2024 that they would join MLS Next Pro, the other third tier professional soccer division in America, which serves as a reserve league for Major League Soccer. Chattanooga FC will become the fourth independent club to become part of MLS Next Pro.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlsnextpro.com/news/chattanooga-fc-to-join-mls-next-pro |title=Chattanooga FC to Join MLS Next Pro |date=November 14, 2023 |website=www.MLSNextPro.com |publisher=MLS Next Pro |access-date=November 14, 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2023/nov/14/chattanooga-football-club-announces-move-to-mls/ |title=Chattanooga Football Club announces move to new league, upgrades for Finley Stadium |date=November 14, 2023 |last=MacCoon |first=Patrick |website=timesfreepress.com |publisher=Chattanooga Times Free Press |access-date=November 14, 2023}}

{{tone|section|date=June 2023}}

The predominant supporters' group of Chattanooga FC is known as the Chattahooligans.{{Cite web |url=http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/confessions-of-the-addicted-chattahooligans-recall-the-off-season/ |title=Confessions of the Addicted: Chattahooligans Recall the Off-Season | Chattanooga Football Club |access-date=December 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231001656/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/03/confessions-of-the-addicted-chattahooligans-recall-the-off-season/ |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Over the years, the supporter group has established several traditions, which the club has incorporated into home match proceedings such as a pregame Chattahooligan march-in{{cite web |url=http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/05/chattanooga-fc-hits-the-fan-stephanies-story/ |title=Chattanooga FC Hits the Fan: Stephanie's Story | Chattanooga Football Club |access-date=December 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701110926/http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/05/chattanooga-fc-hits-the-fan-stephanies-story/ |archive-date=July 1, 2012 }} Chattanooga FC Hits the Fan and the a cappella leading of the National Anthem.{{cite web|url=http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/05/chattanooga-fc-grounds-rocket-city/ |title=Chattanooga FC Grounds Rocket City | Chattanooga Football Club |access-date=December 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119052819/http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2012/05/chattanooga-fc-grounds-rocket-city/ |archive-date=January 19, 2013 }} Chattanooga FC Grounds Rocket City

Chattanooga FC boasts the highest average and single-game attendance in the NPSL.{{cite web |url=http://npslinsider.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/chattanooga-fc-draws-big-crowds-yet-again-and-so-can-you/ |title=Chattanooga FC Draws Big Crowds Yet Again–And So Can You! « NPSL Insider |access-date=October 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708105752/http://npslinsider.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/chattanooga-fc-draws-big-crowds-yet-again-and-so-can-you/ |archive-date=July 8, 2009 }} Chattanooga FC Draws Big Crowds Yet Again In its inaugural match on May 16, 2009, over 1,600 fans watched Chattanooga FC host Atlanta FC.{{Cite web |url=http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/over-1600-fans-support-chattanooga-fc-in-opening-match-versus-atlanta-fc/ |title=Over 1600 Fans Support Chattanooga FC in Opening Match Versus Atlanta FC | Chattanooga Football Club |access-date=July 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708141423/http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2009/05/over-1600-fans-support-chattanooga-fc-in-opening-match-versus-atlanta-fc/ |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |url-status=dead }} In their second home match, held on June 7, 2009, over 1,500 watched as CFC notched their first win in club history over Saturn FC.{{Cite web |url=http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_152771.asp |title=6/8/2009 - Chattanooga Football Club Gets First Win in Club History, 2-0 - Sports - Chattanoogan.com |access-date=July 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090610210911/http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_152771.asp |archive-date=June 10, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Over 2,100 fans watched as CFC tied eventual divisional champs Rocket City United on June 20, 2009.{{Cite web |url=http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_153530.asp |title=6/21/2009 - 2100 Fans Watch Chattanooga FC, Rocket City Tie 1-1 - Sports - Chattanoogan.com |access-date=July 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625023921/http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_153530.asp |archive-date=June 25, 2009 |url-status=dead }} In their final home game of the season, held July 4, 2009, over 3,000 fans witnessed CFC's victory over Birmingham, Alabama's Pumas FC.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/05/chattanooga-fc-pummels-pumas/?sports|title=Chattanooga FC pummels Pumas|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|access-date=November 22, 2017}} The club's average season attendance for league games was approximately 2,100. In its second season, CFC continued to build upon its remarkably high attendance figures. In the season-beginning league match-up against Pumas FC on June 5, 2010, attendance numbers hit over 3,000.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jun/06/ochieng-paces-cfc-victory/|title=Ochieng paces CFC victory|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|date=June 6, 2010 |access-date=November 22, 2017}} The second league game on June 19, 2010, drew over 2,900 fans to witness CFC host Atlanta FC.{{Cite web |url=http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-unbeaten-streak-still-alive/ |title=Chattanooga FC Unbeaten Streak Still Alive | Chattanooga Football Club |access-date=July 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709002347/http://chattanoogafc.com/news/2010/06/chattanooga-fc-unbeaten-streak-still-alive/ |archive-date=July 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }} On July 4, 2010, an NPSL record crowd of over 3,400 watched CFC take on league newcomer FC Tulsa.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jul/05/cfc-blasts-fc-tulsa/?sports|title=CFC blasts FC Tulsa|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|date=July 5, 2010 |access-date=November 22, 2017}} CFC beat all NPSL attendance records, for a regular season game, on July 17, 2010 when 5,117 fans watched the CFC defeat Rocket City United 4–0.Chattanooga Times Free Press, July 18, 2010 The club's average attendance for their second season was approximately 4,400 per game (including a 6,317 home attendance count{{cite web|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may/30/cfc-tops-atlas/?sports|title=CFC tops Atlas|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|date=May 30, 2010 |access-date=November 22, 2017}} against non-league opponent F.C. Atlas's Under-20 squad.)

In 2014, Chattanooga FC continued its high attendance, drawing more than 3,000 in the final two home games of the regular season, as well as US Open Cup attendance of 4,058 against the Atlanta Silverbacks. Hosting the Southeast Division conference tournament, Chattanooga FC games drew 3,101 against Nashville FC and 2,802 against New Orleans Jesters. In hosting the South Region tournament, the game against Miami United F.C. drew 2,011 in heavy rain, and 3,218 against Tulsa Athletics, putting total attendance at over 25,000 for the season.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/schedule/2014 |title=2014 Chattanooga FC Schedule |access-date=July 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803121100/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/schedule/2014 |archive-date=August 3, 2014 |url-status=dead }} On July 26, 2014, the team set a league attendance record of 8,878{{cite web|url=http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/catwalkchatt/record-crowd-spurs-chattanooga-fc-to-npsl-championship-berth/article_618de92a-1543-11e4-8077-001a4bcf6878.html|title=Record crowd spurs Chattanooga FC to NPSL championship berth|first=Scott|last=Herpst|website=Northwestgeorgiansnews.com|date=July 27, 2014 |access-date=November 22, 2017}} during their playoff against the Sacramento Gold.{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/huge-win-for-a-huge-crowd |title=Huge Win for a Huge Crowd |access-date=July 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808235103/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/huge-win-for-a-huge-crowd |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }} In 2015, Chattanooga opened their home schedule against Ocala Stampede in the 1st round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with just under 2500 in attendance, likely the highest attended match in the round. After 4 home matches, Chattanooga FC had already drawn 10,000 for the season.[http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/cfc-advances-to-the-us-national-amateur-final] {{dead link|date=November 2017}} In 2015, 18,227{{Cite web |url=http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/even-in-defeat-cfc-won |title=Even in defeat, CFC won |access-date=August 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822003742/http://www.chattanoogafc.com/news/even-in-defeat-cfc-won |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |url-status=dead }} came to the Finley Stadium for the match between Chattanooga FC and New York Cosmos B. It became a US 4th tier record. In February 2017, MLS expansion club Atlanta United came to Chattanooga for a friendly, which drew approximately 12,400{{Cite news|url=https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/2/12/14587986/atlanta-united-vs-chattanooga-fc-what-we-learned|title=5 things we learned from ATLUTD vs. CFC|work=Dirty South Soccer|access-date=July 16, 2017}} fans to Finley Stadium.

For the 2014 season with 3 Tennessee clubs in the NPSL, the Chattahooligans, working with Nashville FC's main supporters group, developed a rivalry trophy between Chattanooga FC, Nashville FC, and Knoxville Force called the "Volunteer Shield". Memphis City FC was added to the trophy upon its joining the NPSL in 2016.{{Cite web |url=http://www.theyellowhammer.org/ |title=The Yellow Hammer - Nashville FC Supporter's Club |access-date=April 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219135517/http://www.theyellowhammer.org/#!The-Volunteer-Shield-3-Teams-2-Interstate-Systems-1-Trophy/c12hj/1 |archive-date=February 19, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerShield|title=Volunteer Shield Foundation|website=Facebook.com|access-date=November 22, 2017}} The Volunteer Shield is presented at the end of each season to the supporters of the club that takes the most points in games against one another, with a medallion added to the trophy commemorating the season.

Chattanooga FC has won the Volunteer Shield 4 times in the last 5 years: 2014, with a record of 4-1-0 against Nashville and Knoxville, 2015 with the same 4-1-0 record, 2016 with a 6-0-1 record, including against Memphis City FC, and 2018 with a perfect 4-0-0 record against Knoxville and Inter Nashville FC.

Starting in 2017, Chattanooga FC will compete with Asheville City SC for the "Blue Ridge Derby".{{cite web|title=Chattanooga FC And Asheville City SC Announce Blue Ridge Derby|url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/2017/7/6/350931/Chattanooga-FC-And-Asheville-City-SC.aspx|website=The Chattanoogan|access-date=July 6, 2017|date=July 6, 2017}}

In the spring of 2023, despite being in different leagues, One Knoxville SC travelled to Chattanooga for an exhibition match at Finley Stadium. The match was deemed the "Tennessee River Showdown." As of April 2023, It has yet to be announced if this will be a recurring rivalry, but it would only be natural for these teams to face one another more than once.

Chattanooga FC also has a cross city rivalry with the Chattanooga Red Wolves. They played their first match against each other on 2 April 2025 in a U.S. Open Cup tie at Finley Stadium, with the Red Wolves winning on penalties after a 1–1 draw. After the match, both teams scuffled after Red Wolves players tried planting a flag at midfield. {{cite web|title=U.S. Open Cup Second Round Closes With Near Record Crowd For Chattanooga Derby Debut|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/04/2025-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup-second-round-match-day-two-scores-results-matches-recap|publisher=U.S. Soccer Federation|access-date=April 4, 2025|date=April 2, 2025}}

{{updated|March 26, 2024|{{cite web|url=https://www.chattanoogafc.com/men-roster |title=Chattanooga FC 2023 Roster|publisher=chattanoogafc.com |access-date=April 1, 2023}}}}

{{Cnote2 Begin}}

{{Cnote2|A|group=1|n=1|Chattanooga FC Academy player.}}

{{Cnote2 End}}

• {{flagicon|Spain}} Juan Hernandez
• {{flagicon|USA}} Mark Sherrod
• {{flagicon|IRE}} Niall McCabe
• {{flagicon|JAM}} Sean McFarlane
• {{flagicon|USA}} Thomas Hunter

;Notes

{{notelist}}

National Independent Soccer Association

• NISA Independent Cup
• Southeast Region:
• Champion (2): 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
• NISA Leagues Cup (Regular season champion)
• Champion (1): 2023
• NISA Legends Cup
• Runners-up (1): 2021

National Premier Soccer League

• National
• Runners-up (4): 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015
• South Region:
• Champions (3): 2014, 2015, 2016
• Runners Up (1): 2013
• Southeast Conference:
• Champions (8): 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

United States Adult Soccer Association

• U.S. Soccer National Amateur Championship:
• Hank Steinbrecher Cup
• Champions (1): 2015
• Runners Up (1): 2016

• {{flagicon|USA}} Brian Crossman (2009–2011{{cite web|url=http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/aug/10/cfc-seeks-new-coach/|title=CFC seeks new coach|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|date=August 10, 2011 |access-date=November 22, 2017}})
• {{flagicon|USA}} Bill Elliott (2012–2019{{cite web|url=http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/nov/04/hixsons-elliott-to-coach-cfc/|title=Hixson's Elliott to coach CFC|work=Chattanooga Times Free Press|date=November 4, 2011 |access-date=November 22, 2017}})
• {{flagicon|USA}} Peter Fuller (2019–2021)
• {{flagicon|USA}} Rod Underwood (2022–2024{{cite web|url=https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/12/3/439448/Chattanooga-FC-Names-Rod-Underwood-As.aspx|title=Chattanooga FC Names Rod Underwood As New Head Coach|work=Chattanoogan|date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=March 25, 2022}})

• Finley Stadium; Chattanooga, Tennessee (2009–present)

• NPSL Founders Cup

{{Reflist}}

• {{official website}}

{{Chattanooga Football Club}}

{{National Independent Soccer Association}}

{{MLS Next Pro}}

{{USSoccer}}

{{TennesseeSports}}

Category:National Premier Soccer League teams

Category:Soccer clubs in Tennessee

Category:Sports in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Category:2009 establishments in Tennessee

Category:Association football clubs established in 2009

Category:National Independent Soccer Association teams

Category:MLS Next Pro teams