The Chattanooga Football Club and its eager supporters will have to give its National Premier Soccer League home opener another try.
With Chattanooga FC (0-1-1) ahead of the Birmingham Hammers (1-0-1) in the 24th minute Saturday night, referees spotted lightning in the sky near Finley Stadium and cleared the field. Storms moving in from the south didn't let up, and the game was canceled after a 45-minute delay.
The weather dampened a promising start to the home slate for Chattanooga FC, as John Carrier hooked up with Felipe Antonio 12 minutes in for an early 1-0 lead. The strike punctuated a strong start in which Chattanooga FC dominated possession and almost had two other goals.
A shot hit the inside of the left post in the first minute, and another slid wide into the outside of the net six minutes later.
The next NPSL home match is scheduled for June 15 against New Orleans, but Chattanooga FC will welcome Chivas U23 of Liga MX - the top level of the Mexican soccer league system - at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at Finley Stadium for exhibition play.
CFC and Birmingham will work to reschedule Saturday's match.
Contact Idris Garcia at sports@timesfreepress.com