NPSL Southeast Conference standings
Through June 12; three points for win, one point for tieChattanooga (5-0) — 15 pointsNew Orleans (2-2-1) — 7Memphis (2-2-1) — 7Knoxville (2-3) — 6Nashville (2-3) — 6Birmingham (1-4) — 3This week’s scheduleThursday, June 16Chattanooga FC at Nashville FC, 8Memphis City FC at New Orleans Jesters, 8Saturday, June 18Birmingham Hammers at Chattanooga FC, 7:30Memphis City FC at Nashville FC, 8
It was a good week for Drew Courtney.
First, the Chattanooga native - who serves as the head coach for both the Bryan College men's soccer team and the Chattanooga Football Club women's team -and wife Cassie welcomed the birth of daughter Collins Ray Courtney on Tuesday.
That was followed by a second Women's Premier Soccer League Southeast Division win over Alabama FC, a 1-0 result Saturday in Birmingham decided by Madison Ricketts' follow of a Carlie Banks shot in the 73rd minute.
Goalkeeper Jessica Fraiture and the CFC defense recorded their second shutout of the season, with the first an opening 2-0 win over Alabama FC on May 14 at Finley Stadium.
Saturday's match site was changed early in the day, and the game had a one-hour delay due to lightning in the area, but that didn't stop CFC (2-2), which returns to competition Friday with a 7 p.m. match against Memphis City FC at Finley.
"I am proud of the way our ladies handled so many distractions and stayed focused on the game last night," Courtney posted on the team's Facebook page. "Our work ethic was great, which made up for a bit of our sloppy play. Despite some inconsistencies we were able to gain our second clean sheet in four matches.
"Confidence is building for our team at the right time as we have three games in five days next week."
CFC is at Nashville FC on Saturday before hosting the Knoxville Lady Force on June 21.
The CFC men claimed a 1-0 road victory over the New Orleans Jesters late Saturday night on a 48th-minute goal by Sindre Welo, who was assisted by Kieran Bywater.
Greg Hartley was credited with the shutout, which included a one-handed save of a low, well-placed shot by the Jesters' Tony Judice in the 82nd minute. Hartley ranged to his left, snagged the ball with his left hand and covered it, ending New Orleans' most serious threat of the match.
With the win, CFC (7-1-1, 5-0) has 15 points in National Premier Soccer League Southeast Conference play and eight-point leads over both Memphis and New Orleans in the points race. CFC plays at Nashville FC on Thursday before hosting the Birmingham Hammers on Saturday.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.