All the storylines, clinch scenarios, quotes and stats you need ahead of a monumental match as CFC looks to seal playoff berth at Finley Stadium with the visit of New York Red Bulls II on Sunday afternoon.
Chattanooga FC hosts New York Red Bulls II for the very first time with a chance to seal a playoff place in the club's inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro.
Chattanooga FC is on the verge of making history.
With a win on Sunday afternoon on MLS NEXT Pro Decision Day against New York Red Bulls II, the club will clinch a playoff spot in its inaugural season competing in the league.
CFC will have momentum from an emphatic 5-1 win in Toronto last weekend in what was the club's first-ever match outside of the United States.
Here are the following scenarios in which Chattanooga FC can clinch a playoff spot:
- Chattanooga win
OR
- Chattanooga shootout win + Chicago loss + Carolina 1 or fewer points
OR
- Chattanooga shootout win + Chicago loss + Columbus 2 or fewer points
OR
- Chattanooga shootout win + Carolina 1 or fewer points + Columbus 2 or fewer points
OR
- Chattanooga shootout loss + Carolina loss + Columbus 1 or fewer points
Coach's Corner
Interim Head Coach Chris Nugent got off to a flying start in Toronto and will lead the club once again in its regular season finale at home on Sunday.
Nugent gave insight into his and the team's mentality heading into the match.
"Anytime you have a good result it's a bit easier coming into training the next few days," said Nugent. "We'll continue to keep the high spirits of the guys, everyone will be positive coming into it, even the guys who didn't get a chance to get on the field or travel with us. We have a good group of guys who are happy to see each other succeed, so that will help. It's a big game. Essentially it's just the playoffs starting a week early for us. Although, last week was probably a playoff game, too, as we knew we had to win to give us a chance this week. The guys always want to win every game, so we need to continue with that mentality. It's that stage of the season where you do have to win, and the guys know that. They want to part of that anyway. These are the kinds of important games you want to be part of in your career."
He also previewed the matchup with New York Red Bulls II.
"It's about getting clarity as a team on what we want to do in different phases of the game and what we feel can be successful against this opponent. We need to stick to our identity, or at least get back closer to it. We need to use our positive emotions right now and being back home again in front of the crowd, that's huge for us as well. With no travel and a good week of training, being at home—all those things are positive factors that we can build on. Everyone knows this is the big stage and big moment that we talk about and hopefully we can create a few more in the coming weeks.
"We figured out pretty early that there are no easy games in the league. All teams are organized and have a plan. Red Bull will be slightly different than other teams in how they want to defend and attack. They're clearly well organized, they have that plan that they're good at executing, they've got some really good players who can hurt you if you don't have the right organization or preparation. It's going to be a tough game. Players will continue to play regardless of the score or what's at stake, so it doesn't make anything easier for us in that way. We'll need to be prepared to implement our style."
Know the Opponent
Sunday's match will be the first-ever meeting between Chattanooga FC and New York Red Bulls II in MLS NEXT Pro action.
New York Red Bulls II were eliminated from playoff contention at the conclusion of Matchweek 29, however, the New Jersey-based side will be determined to finish the 2024 season on a high note.
Led by head coach and former New York Red Bulls center-back and Uganda national team captain Ibrahim Sekagya, New York Red Bulls II will enter Sunday on a two-match winning streak with 2-0 and 3-1 home wins over Toronto FC II and New England Revolution II respectively.
New York currently sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with 39 points accrued from 27 matches played and an overall record of 10W-12L-5D-4SOW.
Forward Roald Mitchell leads the team with eight goals on the season, while Mohammed Sofo has provided the most assists for the club with six.
Head-to-head comparison, 2024 season statistics (CFC/RBNY)
Points: 43/39
Standings in Eastern Conference: 9th/11th
Goals scored: 44/55
Goals conceded: 41/60
Shots conceded: 376/326
Shots: 319/404
Shots on target: 133/149
Clear-cut chances: 22/30
Corner kicks: 104/128
Crosses from open play: 148/236
Goals from outside penalty area: 5/6
Goals from counterattack: 6/7
Headed goals: 8/7
Penalty kicks: 3/10
Converted penalty kicks: 2/9
Shots off the goal frame: 8/10
Goals by substitutes: 5/5
Passes from open play: 11,828/9,405
Successful long passes from open play: 399/296
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: Fiesta CFC!
There are a multitude of events happening at the stadium on Sunday to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Gates open at 11:30am at Finley Stadium, with food trucks, decorations, dancing, karaoke, mask-making and much more!
CFC has also released the La Lotería Collection, a shirt that represents six Hispanic Heritage countries in a tribute to unity and diversity. Fans can pre-order the shirts here.
The club is also celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with custom posters of each of the countries represented as part of the La Lotería Collection: Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, and Spain.
The 100 fans at the stadium on Sunday will receive the limited edition posters.
Match info
Venue: Finley Stadium | Chattanooga, Tennessee
Kick-off: 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday October 6
Broadcast: Apple TV - MLS Season Pass | Talent: Jack Edwards
Audio stream: CFC on Mixlr | Talent: Gabriel Schray
MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs Explained
On Wednesday, MLS NEXT Pro released information regarding decision day, the pick-your-opponent selection show, playoff format and schedule.
