Chattanooga FC faces off against Inter Miami CF II in the first-ever soccer match at Erlanger Park on Saturday, July 4, presented by Erlanger. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Chattanooga FC looks to kick off a new month and extend its four-match unbeaten streak into July.
Last Saturday at home against Chicago Fire FC II saw Chattanooga remain unbeaten in the month of June with a 2-2 draw and 4-1 shootout win to secure an extra point. Captain Alex McGrath scored his fifth goal of the campaign while Damien Barker John bagged his sixth on the year.
After bringing home nine points in the month of June with a 1W-0L-3D (3 SOW) record, CFC has maintained its sixth place standing in the Eastern Conference and sits third in the Southeast.
The Boys in Blues' 7-5-4 overall record has seen them total 28 points on the season as they head into Saturday, which will be the first competitive match the club has hosted at a venue outside of Finley Stadium.
CFC last faced Inter Miami CF II on the road on May 8 in a 2-1 road win thanks to Tate Robertson and Farid Sar-Sar converting their penalty spot-kicks late in the match. Chattanooga is slated to finish out its regular season series against Miami on the road to close out the month on July 31.
Coach's corner
Interim Head Coach Richard Dixon spoke with media ahead of the historic match at Erlanger Park.
"It was a really good experience for the guys [training at Erlanger Park ahead of the match]," said Dixon. "We wanted to make sure we get two solid days in. We wanted to have a good feel of how the ball rolls, the traction and everything like that, but also a good sense of the atmosphere. Lastly, just to be on grass is a big deal, so we really enjoyed it today.
"We're excited for the athletes to be in a more intimate environment than what they're used to. We know it will be a really good crowd, where everyone's close to the field. It's significant to have this game on a special holiday."
Matchday happenings
- Lookouts night: Chattanooga FC will be playing at Erlanger Park in partnership with the Chattanooga Lookouts. Join us for this marquee event as we celebrate the country's 250th anniversary!
- Post-match fireworks: Stick around after the final whistle for a post-match fireworks show!
- Run the bases: After the fireworks show, fans are welcome to join us on the pitch for kids run the bases!
Know the opponent
Inter Miami CF II is still searching for its first regulation win after a 1-0 loss at FC Cincinnati 2 last Sunday. Miami now sits 16th in the Eastern Conference standings and eighth in the Southeast behind a 0W-10L-4T (1 SOW) record with a total of five points.
Forward Idoh Zelter-Zubida leads the team with seven goals scored, flanked by Mateo Saja who has notched four on the year so far.
Saturday will be the second of four-staight away matches for Inter Miami II, and the club holds a 0-6-2 record on the road.
Match info
Venue: Erlanger Park | Chattanooga, Tenn.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, July 4
Broadcast: MLSNEXTPro.com / OneFootball TV | Talent: Jake Griffith
Team uniforms for Saturday's match
Referees
Head Referee: Lauren Aldrich
Assistant Referee 1: Jonathan Smith
Assistant Referee 2: Tyler Samburgh
4th Official: Kyle Johnston
