My son Larry and I travelled to Chattanooga, TN for the NPSL Southeast Conference Final between the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves and Chattanooga FC. The teams had split the regular season meetings, with both teams winning away, and after big wins in the Semi-Finals against Georgia Revolution and Nashville FC respectively, the Final was set.

Chattanooga FC, founded in 2009, have had a lot of success over the last couple of years.

Year Division League Regular Season Playoffs Open Cup 2009 4th Tier NPSL 3rd, Southeast Did not qualify Did not enter 2010 4th Tier NPSL 1st, Southeast NPSL Runners-Up Did not enter 2011 4th Tier NPSL 3rd, Southeast Did not qualify 1st Round 2012 4th Tier NPSL 1st, Southeast, West NPSL Runners-Up Did not enter 2013 4th Tier NPSL 1st, Southeast Regional Final 1st Round 2014 4th Tier NPSL 1st, Southeast NPSL Runners-Up 3rd Round 2015 4th Tier NPSL 1st, Southeast In Progress 3rd Round

The Reserves, originally formed as Atlanta FC, have had two solid seasons since coming back from hiatus for the 2014 season.

Year Division League Regular Season Playoffs Open Cup 2008 4 NPSL 1st, Southeast Divisional Round Did not qualify 2009 4 NPSL 2nd, Southeast Did not qualify 1st Round 2010 4 NPSL 5th, Southeast Did not qualify Did not qualify 2011 4 NPSL 4th, Southeast Did not qualify Did not qualify 2012 4 NPSL 2nd, South-Southeast-East Did not qualify Did not qualify 2013 On hiatus 2014 4 NPSL 2nd, Southeast Divisional Round Did not qualify 2015 4 NPSL 2nd, Southeast Conference Final Did not qualify

The match started at a high intensity as both teams looked to gain an advantage. Chris Ochieng caused a lot of problems for the Reserves while the front line of Massiah, Cruz and Duarte kept the Chattanooga defenders on their toes. Challenges came thick and fast and the referee tried to maintain control of the match.

The Reserves fell behind 1-0 in the first half as a ball over the top was chased down by Luke Winter and looped over the visiting goalkeeper Xaiver Audergon. The hosts kept up the pressure and nearly added a second while the Silverbacks nearly scored through Riley Sumpter.

The second half started with the same 22 players as the visitors attacked from wide positions and kept Chattanooga pinned back. Three substitutions were made by the Reserves at the hour mark as they searched for an equalizer. Chattanooga defended well and started to get more opportunities on the counter attack.

The hosts sealed the game with a quarter of an hour remaining, winning and converting a penalty. The Reserves continued to pour forward and gave up a third goal late in the match. Chattanooga FC will now play Miami Fusion for a chance to advance to the Southeast Regional Final.

A crowd of over 3300 was on hand, with the Chattahooligans in fine voice. The supporters meet in a pavilion across the street from the stadium and then march in just ahead of the match. The group, which sits behind the visiting bench, is quite a presence, supporting their team with a sustained series of songs and chants.

Finley Stadium, home of the University of Chattanooga, has train tracks in the distance and is just outside the historic Southside District. Easy to get to, this facility provides a great venue for soccer. The surface was in good shape and the locker room facilities were quite nice, especially for this level. The club leaves the opposite stand closed to pack the fans in the main stand, which made for a much better atmosphere. There was a real sense of community around the place and provided a wonderful evening of soccer.

——

Check out more posts on my trips, research and memories on the MatchDay Memories page.