Sean McDaniel,General Manager of Chattanooga FC, talks about the prospect of the Liga MX giants Chivas U23 squad. In a joint announcement, on April 10, 2017, Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED and Chattanooga FC revealed that Liga MX giants Chivas will send their U23 squad to Finley Stadium to face Chattanooga FC on May 27th. The Chattanooga Football Club announced its second friendly of the 2018 preseason Tuesday. It will face the newly formed Nashville Soccer Club of the United Soccer League on March 10 at 7 p.m. at Finley Stadium.
Chattanooga FC will be hosting Major League Soccer member FC Dallas this Saturday at noon, a season after hosting MLS newcomer Atlanta United FC.
Nashville SC is a revival of CFC's former National Premier Soccer League opponent and in-state rival Nashville FC, which became defunct after the 2015 season when the club began its move to the USL.
"We're thrilled that soccer is back in the Music City and can't wait to rekindle this long-standing rivalry," CFC general manager Sean McDaniel said in a news release. "We've always enjoyed having Nashville's supporters to Fort Finley, and it will be good to welcome everyone back again.
"Having (former CFC defender) Jordan Dunstan on the team is an added bonus, and I know that the Chattahooligans will appreciate seeing him play - even if it's for the other team."
Dunstan, who spent three seasons with CFC, recently signed his first professional contract with Nashville SC.
The Chattanooga club finished 8-4-4 in 2017. After three consecutive deep advancements in the NPSL playoffs - two national runner-up finishes and another semifinal appearance - CFC lost 2-1 to Inter Nashville FC last July 11 in the Southeast Conference quarterfinals.
CFC has four national runner-up finishes and what is considered one of the best fan bases in the country for its level of the sport.
Nashville SC has its first preseason match on Feb. 10 against Atlanta United and begins its season on March 17 at Louisville City FC.
"Nashville Soccer Club is excited that we have been invited to Chattanooga," Nashville SC CEO Court Jeske said in a news release. "There are die-hard soccer fans throughout this state. Showcasing Nashville SC to fans outside of Middle Tennessee is something that is important to us. No doubt it will be a great atmosphere for our players and fans a week before our inaugural season begins."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.