James made appearances for the US U-15 national team before spending four successful seasons at Campbell University and his first professional season with Lexington Sporting Club in USL League One.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Feb. 27, 2024) — Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) today announced it has signed winger Jalen James to a one-year deal with a club option for a year extension, pending league and federation approval.
The former US U-15 national team member spent his first professional season with Lexington Sporting Club in USL League One, making 20 total appearances.
The Texas native was brought up in the esteemed FC Dallas Academy, one of the elite youth academies in the country. James was a two-time State Cup champion.
James played in four full successful seasons with Campbell University and scored 20 goals and provided eight assists in 60 career matches for the Fighting Camels. He was a two-time All-Big South performer, won five league trophies and appeared in two NCAA College Cups.
The 23-year-old has been with Chattanooga FC for the 2024 preseason campaign and recently started and scored in the friendly against UMA FC at Finley Stadium.
"We watched him over the course of two weeks and we felt like he would fit into what we're doing", said Head Coach and Sporting Director Rod Underwood. "He provides a different look for us, which is important, too. We're happy to have him and we're looking forward to working with him. He'll be an important player for us over the course of the season. He can play on the right or left wing primarily. He came in right away and he was consistent. He started to express himself and show his personal abilities, and he's learning how to fit into the way we want to do things but still expressing his ability at the same time."
Born in Grand Prairie, Texas, James graduated from Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas.
"It’s truly a blessing to be joining Chattanooga Football Club this season," said James. "I’m excited to get the season started and make the fans proud.
"I believe a supportive community is a key aspect in a team’s success. Knowing that the fans are going to support us every step of the way helps the team grow stronger and more resilient."
James will wear the number 71 jersey.
Chattanooga FC will compete in MLS NEXT Pro for the first time beginning in 2024. Fans can explore all ticketing options at ChattanoogaFC.com.
PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Jalen James
Position: Winger
Height: 5-10
Birthdate: May 10, 2000
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas
Citizenship: USA
2024 Chattanooga FC roster (as of February 27, 2024)
Goalkeepers (3): Jean Antoine, Jon Burke, +Michael Barrueta
Defenders (8): Joseph Perez, Anatolie Prepelita, +Jesse Williams, +Milo Garvanian, +Robert Screen, +Duvan Viafara, +Farid Sar-Sar, +Logan Brown
Midfielders (4): Luis Garcia Sosa, Alex McGrath, +Andres Jimenez Aranzazu, +Callum Watson
Forwards (5): Taylor Gray, Damian Rodriguez, Jesus Ibarra, +Mehdi Ouamri, +Jalen James
+ Indicates new signing for the 2024 season
For more information about Chattanooga FC, visit ChattanoogaFC.com and follow on X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, or Facebook.
ABOUT CHATTANOOGA FOOTBALL CLUB
Chattanooga Football Club was founded in 2009. The CFC Men's team will compete in MLS NEXT Pro starting in 2024. CFC Women is a summer amateur team that competes in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Chattanooga Football Club became the first soccer club to offer true ownership to the fans in 2019 with 3,200+ investors from Chattanooga, all 50 states, and 31 countries. CFC plays all home games at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.
ABOUT MLS NEXT Pro
Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro will celebrate its third season in 2024 with 29 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and two independent, Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Cleveland and Jacksonville Armada FC. The majority of MLS NEXT Pro’s matches are broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.
