It was only an unveiling of new jerseys, but as Chattanooga Football Club players John Davidson, Chris Ochieng and Sias Reyneke stood in front of a small congregation at Finley Stadium on Thursday -- each wearing a different color, all associated with the club -- it conveyed the reminder that the 2015 National Premier Soccer League season was near.
The club has reverted to one of its original colors, navy blue. Chattanooga FC hasn't worn that color since 2009 -- the initial season -- but will use it at home matches.
"It's nice to go back to some original colors," forward Reyneke said. "A change in uniform is always nice; it brings an extra something to the club each year."
Paul Rustand, one of the club's board members, announced that a new CFC app will become available in a couple of weeks. It will have information about the team on it. The club also announced that Belhaven University and EPB are partnering in providing streaming of away matches. In addition, Chattanooga Brewing Company will host viewing parties for all away games.
The additions were deemed necessary for a club that set records for matches won (15), goals scored (51), postseason/tournament victories (six) and record attendance for a match (8,878), according to general manager Sean McDaniel.
CFC became the first NPSL club to defeat a professional team in the history of the U.S. Open Cup when it defeated Wilmington (N.C.) 3-1 last season. And CFC finished national runner-up for the third time in its six seasons.
"We had such a great season last year that it would be tough to go backward," McDaniel said. "All of the work, the planning, the buzz into the new season is to continue where we left off. It's why we do this, to engage the fans and the city of Chattanooga."
The club doesn't start play until an away match against the Georgia Revolution on May 9. CFC's home slate begins in the U.S. Open Cup against the Ocala Stampede four days later on the new turf at Finley Stadium.
"Ever since last season, finishing the way it did, we've been waiting for this day to get going," Reyneke said. "The new jerseys, the press conference, it brings excitement to light that it's here. It's a new chance and a new opportunity to do the same thing as last season.
"We just want to win one more game."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.