1. The New-Look Red Wolves need to mesh early
While the team finished in the top three last year in goals scored per game, General Manager Sean McDaniel and Head Coach Jimmy Obleda saw plenty of room to improve the roster this offseason, resigning only 7 players from the teams 2020 campaign. Chattanooga has brought in an arsenal of new talent including players with Liga MX, USL Championship, and US Youth National Team experience. With the goals of strengthening the offense and rebuilding the backline, Chattanooga did just that this offseason.
Obleda and McDaniel bolstered all aspects of the roster. Adding the likes of USL Championship standouts Rafa Mentzingen and Blake Freischkneickht and Colombian striker Juan Galindrez to the high powered offense. Also adding Liga MX and USL Championship standout Jose Carrera-Garcia as well as young talent in the likes of Jimmie Villalobos, Josue Espana to the midfield. Bringing in former USL Championship Center Back Daniel Navarro, Paraguayan Center Back Jorge Luna and former US Youth National Team prospect Jonathan Esparza to join returners Jonathan Ricketts, Ricky Ruiz and Jason Ramos on the backline.
While Chattanooga led a successful preseason campaign going 2-1 in their three match preseason all against USL Championship teams, tomorrow will mark the first time the 11 new signings and 7 returners step on the pitch for a regular season match. There’s little question of the team’s individual talent considering the caliber of new signings and returners, but against an opponent like North Texas SC, Chattanooga’s starters will need to mesh early.
2. What North Texas will we see?
Those who have followed the league from its first season know that North Texas SC has been two different beasts in the 2019 and 2020. Their 2019 campaign was dominant. Having the likes of Bryan Reynolds (Who was sold recently to Seria A’s Roma), Ricardo Pepi (Now a FC Dallas starter), Arturo Rodrigues (Now a member of USL Championship’s Phoenix Rising) combined with a variety of FC Dallas MLS players joining the squad for stints throughout the season, North Texas was a force to be reckoned with, ultimately ending the Inaugural USL League One season at the top of the table and winning the League Final. But in 2020 we saw a different beast. While North Texas SC still put on a strong campaign with its promising youth talent, we saw a massive decline in their tendency to roster FC Dallas players with the squad, rarely having one even available for selection throughout the shortened season. Heading into this weekend’s match, especially after their substantial 0-4 loss to Greenville, we can’t help but wonder, how much of the FC Dallas first team will we see on the pitch?
3. Sit back and enjoy the show
Chattanooga’s Head Coach Jimmy Obleda is known for his electric, high offense style of play having made the Red Wolves arguably the most entertaining team in USL League One last year. After bringing in plenty of quick, technical, talented players this offseason, it appears that Chattanooga’s entertaining style will only become more apparent. Combine that with an opponent like North Texas who’s roster is loaded with some of the most talented young players in the country, it’s a safe assumption that this will be a fun game to watch.
How To Watch
Chattanooga will take on North Texas SC at Globe Life Park this Saturday at 8:30PM ET. The Match, along will all Red Wolves USL League One Matches will be streamed live on ESPN+
