CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (MWSN) — Chattanooga FC is set to host Orlando City B in the third and final encounter of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season this Saturday evening at Finley Stadium. The match marks a crucial opportunity for Chattanooga to return to winning ways and solidify their position for a successful playoff run.
Chattanooga captain Alex McGrath encapsulated the team’s current mindset: “It’s always easier to say, but it’s one of those times where we just have to keep working hard and try and create our own luck again.” Despite recent struggles, the team showed promising signs of improvement in their last outing against Carolina Core, including better communication, togetherness, and higher-quality chances.
Chattanooga FC vs. Orlando City B
Finley Stadium – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Saturday, July 27th, 2024 – 7:03 p.m. ET
Head Coach Rod Underwood emphasized the importance of returning to core principles and building confidence. “We need to get in the game early, stay in the game early, and really keep Orlando out of their rhythm. I think that will give us a good shot,” he said. Chattanooga has the upper hand in the season series, having won both previous matches against Orlando in shootouts.
Orlando City B, coached by the youngest head coach in MLS NEXT Pro history, Manuel Goldberg, has shown resilience despite being winless in their last seven matches. Their last match saw them secure a dramatic 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls II, only to lose 8-7 in the shootout. Forward Shak Mohammed, Orlando’s leading scorer with seven goals, remains a key threat for Chattanooga’s defense.
Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
TV Talent (English): Josh Appel (play-by-play)
Radio: The Chattanooga Kickoff Radio Network
Radio Talent: Gabriel Schray (play-by-play)
Statistically, both teams are evenly matched. Chattanooga has scored 29 goals this season, just one less than Orlando’s 30. The Young Lions have conceded 27 goals compared to Chattanooga’s 26. Chattanooga boasts a significant advantage in passing, with 8,373 passes from open play against Orlando’s 6,080, and a higher number of successful long passes.
As both teams prepare for their final regular-season clash, Chattanooga aims to leverage their home advantage and previous successes against Orlando to secure vital points. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with the match available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as Chattanooga seeks to build momentum heading into the playoffs.
Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets online. A free radio broadcast will also be provided for fans to listen to radio play-by-play coverage of the match in realtime.
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