CFC goalie Greg Hartley directs the defense during a 2012 game.In seven National Premier Soccer League games this season, the Chattanooga Football Club has allowed just three goals.
Three of the Southeast division-leading club’s four shutouts have come at Finley Stadium, where CFC (5-1-1) will host the team hot on its heels, the Gulfcoast Texans, tonight. CFC has the division lead with 16 points and the Texans (5-0-2) are right behind with 15.
“This will certainly be a test for our defense this weekend,” second-year CFC coach Bill Elliott said.
Chattanooga FC is tied with Rocket City United for the division lead in goals scored with 16; the Texans are close to the top with 12. CFC is tied with the Texans in goals allowed with just three. One of the goals CFC gave up was in a 1-0 loss at Gulfcoast on May 18.
Missing from the CFC lineup that night were defenders Andy Stewart and Nicolas Chase, who have each been with the club for four years. CFC’s defense also features second-year player Nate Adams, newcomer Samuel Mansour and second-year starter in goal Greg Hartley.