It's Revolution time for CFC

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Unlike the rest of the teams in the National Premier Soccer League's Southeast Conference, the Chattanooga Football Club hasn't yet seen the Georgia Revolution play.

With just three league games remaining on its schedule, Chattanooga FC sits atop the Southeast standings with 16 points and a record of 5-1-1. Two of CFC's remaining games are against the third-place Revolution (11 points, 3-2-2), starting with tonight's matchup at the RYSA Soccerplex in Conyers, Ga.

While the rest of the teams in the Southeast Conference traveled to Chattanooga to participate in the U.S. Open Cup qualifying, which CFC won, the Revolution did not. Both teams have lost on the road against Jacksonville United.

"The schedule was a little bit strange with these two games [against the Revolution] back to back," CFC coach Brian Crossman said. "It's not a big deal, but I'd like for the league to schedule differently next year."

Crossman said CFC may be without top forwards Chris Ochieng, Mark Sherrod and Moises Drumond, all of whom likely will be unavailable due to prior commitments, which include two weddings. That's not an ideal situation for a team that could nearly lock up a second straight Southeast title with a win.

"We're in great shape if we win Saturday," Crossman said, "and hopefully we can have some guys step up and get it done."

Regardless of what happens tonight, Chattanooga FC will have a quick turnaround. It hosts the under-20 team for CF Monterrey of Mexico on Monday. That will be followed by a Revolution rematch next Saturday at Finley Stadium.