It was a day that many lower league soccer fans had been looking for, especially those that lived in the Chattanooga area. Chattanooga FC had bagged a visit from former MLS champion Atlanta United for a preseason friendly. Lower league fans live for days like this and, though its a bit harder to confirm, so do the organizations and the players that fill their rosters.

Unlike many preseason matches, this match would be available to the public, both in person and online. Streaming would be handled by the often-maligned, but also essential internet outlet, Eleven Sports. Chattanooga FC put together an excellent crew to handle a broadcasting package, including veteran announcers Jon Nelson and Lucas Panzica, that would stand up against anything a lower league fan would see on ESPN+. But while many in the American soccer community watched from afar, the real crowd was in Finley Stadium in Chattanooga to see the match in person. According to Chattanooga FC post-match press release, 7,513 fans of both clubs showed up to fill one side of the 20,000-seat facility, the 7th largest crowd to watch CFC at Finley Stadium.

Zero complaints about the weather. Image credit: Joe Johnstone

We wouldn’t pretend to be MLS experts at Protagonist, but, according to several sources, the first half lineup for Atlanta United was a first-team squad. For Chattanooga FC, all the expected starters made the lineup, with the exception of Taylor Gray, who picked up a knock in training (according to the announcing team). That roster included 2022 Golden Boot winner, Markus Naglestad, and new goal keeper Jean Antoine. Antoine won the 2022 Golden Glove award with Cal United Strikers, but signed with CFC in the offseason.

If Gray was missed, it didn’t show in the result. Within minutes of kickoff, Naglestad would score, after Atlanta goal keeper and former USMNT player Brad Guzan failed to control the ball in the box. Both teams traded goals, with Naglestad getting a second and Alex McGrath adding one of his own.McGrath’s goal came after a spectacular run and pass from young CFC star Damian Rodriguez. Luiz Araújo (2) and Machop Chol scored for Atlanta United. The second half was significantly less exciting as both clubs substituted full elevens into the game and the match would end 3-3.

For the CFC players, it was a big day. Jean Antione was thrilled with match and the result. “We went into this game to compete and make our city proud. It was amazing playing here in front of our amazing fans.” Markus Naglestad highlighted how memorable having success against an MLS side was for him. “You love to play against the best competition, so playing against a team like that with superstars at this level, it’s a lot of fun. That’s two goals I’ll take with me, and I’ll remember for a very long time.” Damian Rodriguez was also thrilled to shine against an MLS opponent. “It was a great experience being able to share the field with such good players. It felt amazing dribbling past the players and getting an assist. Something I’ll never forget.”

For the CFC fans in the crowd, the match will also be long-remembered. Ellie Gaudin, one of the capos for the CFC supporters group, Chattahooligans, spoke ecstatically about the experience. “It was absolutely so electric! There was so much energy and joy! It was an incredible crowd full of such amazing fans! It was truly incredible to see and be a part of!”

While the resulting scoreline was a draw, the day has to be seen as a massive positive for Chattanooga. Aside from the ticket sales, the CFC Store (@CFC_Store) twitter account celebrated after the match, thanking the fans “for the busiest sales day in CFC Merch Booth history!” The optics of the full stands, the team playing well against a preseason MLS squad, the professionalism of the broadcast and game day experience, all adds up to a big win for the club. In an offseason of NISA turmoil, CFC shone on the biggest stage it may play on all year.

- Dan Vaughn