Chattanooga FC Women is one of four teams left in the nation as it prepares to compete in the WPSL Championship semifinals for the first time in club history.
Chattanooga FC Women looks to continue making history as it travels to the WPSL Championships to face California Storm on Friday, July 18 at Neal Patterson Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. Friday night’s kick-off is slated for 8:15 p.m. CT/9:15 p.m. ET.
Chattanooga was crowned WPSL South Region Champions for the first time in club history when they defeated LA Krewe Rush in a 4-0 shutout on Sunday, July 13 at RavenTek Park, sealing their spot in the WPSL Championships for the first time in club history.
Chattanooga FC Women Head Coach Juan Hernandez spoke about the team’s mentality and approach to its first-ever WPSL National Semifinal match.
“We're approaching this weekend’s National Semifinal with a mindset focused on togetherness and execution of our strengths,” said Hernandez. “The team is ready to embrace this earned challenge and opportunity. Our mentality is all about staying locked in on the details and playing our game. The focus this week is on recovery and preparation by scouting the opponent and emphasizing staying composed under pressure, bringing high energy from the start, and trusting the work we've put in all season. At the end of the day, it comes down to competing with confidence and playing for each other.”
Hernandez also talked about being one of only four teams in the WPSL Championships and what that means to the team, club, and community.
“Being one of the final four teams left in the country is a huge honor and it means everything to our club, our athletes, and our community,” said Hernandez. “It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and belief that’s been building over the course of the season. But the reality is that while it is a great accomplishment, we want to keep going and we want to achieve the already established goal of being a national champion.
“For the athletes, it’s validation of all the early mornings, late nights, sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of getting better every day. It shows that their commitment, adaptability and resilience have paid off and now they have a chance to compete on one of the biggest stages.
“For the club, it represents a milestone. It shows that we’re not just competing, we’re contending. It puts us on the national map and sets a standard for future teams. Having academy athletes involved in this achievement shows the strength of the club as a whole and the development that is occurring within our system.
“And for the community, it’s a source of pride. Our friends, families, and Chattahooligans have been with us every step of the way. To be able to represent them at this level means a lot. We carry their energy with us every time we step on the field, and we are looking forward to celebrating together at the end of the tournament.”
California Storm earned its spot in the WPSL Championships as the West Region Champion after a 2-0 win over So Cal Union FC last Sunday.
Chattanooga will want to embrace this new opportunity and keep the energy high when it faces California Storm. The winner of Friday’s matchup will advance to the WPSL Championship Final match and play either St. Croix Legacy or Sporting CT on Sunday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m. CT/8:00 p.m. ET.
What to watch for
- Chattanooga FC Women is advancing to the WPSL Championship for the first time in club history
- CFCW has conceded just six goals in 10 matches played during the 2025 season
- 2025 CFC goalkeeper Maddie Smith won the 2024 WPSL Championship with Friday’s semifinal opponent California Storm
- Multiple CFC Academy products have made an impact in CFC’s historic playoff run
Know the opponent
California Storm is led by Co-Head Coaches Sissi and David Robertson.
The club is on a four-match win streak and has posted a 9W-1L-0D record in its 2025 campaign.
Lauren Hunter leads California with five goals on the season, followed by Sarah Foley with four goals.
California has won two of the last three WPSL Championships and is looking to be the first WPSL team to become repeat national champions after winning the 2024 WPSL Championship.
Match info
Venue: Neal Patterson Stadium | Stillwater, Okla.
Kick-off: 8:15 p.m. CT/9:15 p.m. ET
Broadcast: National Soccer Network
Watch party
The club will be hosting an official watch party at Cheers Collective member Buffalo Wild Wings Downtown for the Chattanooga FC Women WPSL Championship Semifinal! All fans in attendance who wear CFC gear will get 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
