This weekend was supposed to contain the fifth National Independent Soccer Association match for the Chattanooga Football Club and the third inside Finley Stadium.
The Los Angeles Force would be in town right now awaiting a showdown with Chattanooga FC, but the COVID-19 pandemic has canceled 10 consecutive CFC matches through a NISA suspension that runs through May 10. CFC was scheduled to play that day against the Cal United Strikers in Irvine, California.
A best-case scenario has CFC hosting Oakland Roots SC on May 16, but even that has a wishful thinking feel.
“We have to plan for it until we’re told that’s not the date,” CFC chief marketing officer Owen Seaton said. “Our league’s suspension runs through May 10 right now, which is the same date that MLS has set. Until they tell us differently, that’s what we’re working for, but I think Memorial Day is probably a more realistic target at this point.”
CFC opened its inaugural NISA season on Feb. 29 with a 1-1 draw in Oakland before having an open date. CFC and Detroit City were the only NISA teams relegated to one match before the widespread coronavirus cancellations, with the other six squads getting two.