Atlanta United announced today it will open its inaugural 2017 preseason against Chattanooga Football Club at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m.
“This is another exciting moment for our club, as our preseason tour will start in Chattanooga, signifying our first-ever official match,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “We’re happy to begin our preseason in the southeast and are happy that our fans will have the opportunity to see us play at Finley Stadium in February.”
Chattanooga FC plays in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth tier of American Soccer. Founded in 2009, the club has been one of the most successful teams in NPSL, and are currently the reigning five-time defending Southeast Conference champions. They’ve also advanced further than any other NPSL club in each of the previous three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups.
“This is a very exciting time,” Atlanta United Head Coach Gerardo Martino said. “Preseason matches are always a very important time for the coaches and players to establish a rhythm, and especially important for a first-year team to better understand each other.”
The match against CFC will be the first-ever official match for Atlanta United and tickets are available now at ChattanoogaFC.com. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on game day.
Later in February, the club will compete in three games during the Carolina Challenge Cup against Columbus Crew SC (Feb. 18), Seattle Sounders FC (Feb. 22) and Charleston Battery (Feb. 25). Additional preseason details will be announced at a later date.
Chattanooga FC also announced the U.S. Men’s National Team will host a friendly against Jamaica on Feb. 3 at Finley Stadium, a week prior to the Atlanta United match.