Chattanooga FC's Everson Lima, left, and Inter Nashville FC's Roy King chase the ball during a July 12 match at Finley Stadium.While its days as an amateur team are numbered, the Chattanooga Football Club will try to put together a memorable finish to its time in the National Premier Soccer League before joining the professional ranks.
CFC announced Thursday that it will play in the new National Independent Soccer Association, a U.S. Soccer Division III pro league, starting next spring. Before then, CFC has a busy schedule for late summer and early fall as it takes part in the NPSL Members Cup.
The Chattanooga club will face a familiar foe Saturday night as it takes on Detroit City FC at 7:30 EDT at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtrack, Michigan. With head coach Bill Elliott having returned to coach the men's soccer team at the University of West Florida, trusted right-hand man Peter Fuller is encouraging CFC players to make the most of the remaining opportunities in 2019 starting with this match.
Like CFC, Detroit City announced Thursday that it will join the NISA next year.
"Detroit City FC and Chattanooga FC supporters groups share a brotherhood with each other. I think with any family members, there's a plenty of fighting amongst yourselves, too," Fuller said.
Chattanooga FC's Caleb Cole, left, pushes the ball downfield during a match against Inter Nashville FC on July 12 at Finley Stadium."I expect this game to be fast-paced, high-intensity and physical to a degree. Playing in Detroit is hostile and a very difficult environment to play in. But anybody who is a real competitor should embrace and love that."
CFC, which began play in 2009, earned its 100th all-time win when Markus Smarzoch boomed a long second-half goal in a 1-0 exhibition victory over Detroit City in front of 4,129 in Chattanooga on April 6. The rivals will meet again this year - and for the last time as NPSL members - on Oct. 5 at Finley Stadium.
"The NPSL has been really good to Chattanooga FC, but Chattanooga FC has been very good to the NPSL," Fuller said. "In 2015 when we played the Cosmos in the national finals here in front of over 18,000 people, I think that didn't just put us on the map but it also helped put the NPSL on the map. Both organizations have been good for each other and needed each other to grow and develop."
While the focus is on trying to win the Members Cup with nine matches left, CFC is obviously excited about the future, too.
"Players grow up dreaming of one day being able to make a living at the sport they love to play," Fuller said. "It's a great opportunity for our guys and the club. NISA has brought in some outstanding clubs, and now there's talk that the New York Cosmos might be joining, too. We are focused on the present but excited about turning professional."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.