News

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Feb. 2, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Tim Murray. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Murray was born and raised in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Collegiately, Murray played for the Providence College Friars and holds the Providence College record for most career shutouts. He helped the Friars reach the NCAA Tournament in 2006 and 2007. He was featured in 60 games, and compiled a staggering 201 saves. Murray signed his first professional contract in 2010 with Major League Soccer team New England Revolution. After two seasons with the Revolution, Murray spent one season with the Carolina Railhawks – present day North Carolina FC. After catching the attention of scouts abroad, the goalkeeper made the move to Ekenäs SC in Finland where he made 26 appearances for the club. The following year Murray transferred to Ekenäs Idrottsförening and made 27 appearances during their 2016 season. A big move in 2017 to FC Honka of the Veikkausliiga, Finnish First Division, saw the goalkeeper shine from 2017-2021. Murray was named Veikkausliiga Goalkeeper of the Year in 2020.

Murray’s international experience is a huge addition to the Red Wolves. “I’ve spent the last 7 years abroad developing as a person and a player,” said Murray. “I’m looking forward to coming back to the US to play. After speaking with coach Obleda, it sounds like the Red Wolves will be a great fit.  Not only the style of the play, but the ambitions of the club and the support of the fans will make it a great place to be.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to work with the rest of the team this season,” said Murray. “We want to push ourselves in training every day to constantly get better as a team, which we’ll need to do in order to reach the ultimate goal of winning the championship.”

Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda, is very happy with the signing of Tim Murray. “He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and success from playing in Europe,” said Obleda. “We believe that he’s going to further allow us to improve in our game model and the identity that we want and the way we want to play. I couldn’t be happier with bringing someone of the level of Tim to be our goalkeeper for the 2022 season.”

“Strengthening our goalkeeping was one of the top priorities going into 2022,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “Signing a veteran keeper with the experience that Tim Murray  gives us has enabled us to continue the succession of the strong keepers the Red Wolves have rostered since our inception.”

Murray is the eighth confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining newcomers Aaron Lombardi, Josue Cartagena, Pedro Hernandez, Jonny Guadarrama, Carlos Avilez, DJ Benton, Jorge Paez and returning players Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

Stay up to date with all Red Wolves news on our website https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com and on social media @ChattRedWolves via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 27, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of left-back Aaron Lombardi. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Lombardi and his family are from Rosario, Argentina and migrated to the US when he was six years old, and grew up in Southern California. The 26-year-old played for the LA Galaxy Academy, collegiately at the University of San Francisco, and most recently overseas in Italy. His time in Italy was spent playing with Serie D clubs Fossacesia, ASD Lanciano 1920, and Olympia Agnonese. 

Lombardi is excited for this new stage in his career. “I am very thankful to the organization for giving me this opportunity to continue doing what I love,” said Lombardi. “I’m very excited to get started working with coach Obleda because after speaking with him the first time I instantly knew I would fit right in with the way he wants his team to play. I’m looking forward to training and playing with this very talented group of guys that had a good run last year and I know are hungry to do even better this season.”

“My personal goals are to get many assists and to help the defense keep as many clean sheets as possible. Regarding goals with the team it’s pretty simple, bring the championship back to this city. I’m sure this is what everyone wants.”

Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda, has been keeping an eye on Lombardi since his college days. “He has a great attitude. He’s a left-footed player that can play in a variety of ways, very versatile, very comfortable with the ball at his feet,” said Obleda. “We’re looking at him on the left side being able to give us the soccer and the quality that we look from our outside backs and creating chances and scoring chances for us. He’s a great young man who is going to be another piece of the puzzle in building a successful 2022 team.”

Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel, admires Lombardi’s international experience. “Aaron fulfills a big need in the back for us. His experience in Italy should give us a level of defensive security that we need this season. We really like what he brings to the Club”

Lombardi is the seventh confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining newcomers Josue Cartagena, Pedro Hernandez, Jonny Guadarrama, Carlos Avilez, DJ Benton, Jorge Paez and returning players Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

Stay up to date with all Red Wolves news on our website https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com and on social media @ChattRedWolves via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 25, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Josue Cartagena. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Cartagena was born and raised in Panorama City, California and played college soccer for College of the Canyons, Taft College, and California State University, Dominguez Hills. Cartagena transferred to Cal State, Dominguez Hills his junior year and made 30 appearances for the Toros over two seasons. Most recently as a captain of the Toros, Cartagena landed a spot on the California Collegiate Athletic Association’s all-conference team – earning first team honors. The midfielder played all but one game and logged an impressive 1,251 minutes of playing time to close out his senior year.

Cartagena is excited to sign his first professional contract. “It feels great starting a new chapter in my life as a professional football player,” said the young midfielder. “It’s something you work hard for day in and day out. To be able to sign my first professional contract with the Chattanooga Red Wolves is the perfect way to start my career.”

“It means a lot to me to work alongside great players and the staff. [Red Wolves] have created an environment that has set high standards and goals for the upcoming season. I’m excited to get to work and give my all to contribute to the team, win games, and ultimately the championship.”

Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda, has seen Cartagena’s career flourish at Cal State. “He’s a young player who we see being able to come in and contribute right away to what we do here at the Red Wolves,” said Obleda. “Great vision, great ability to defend, very good with the ball at his feet and his ability to win the ball and distribute the ball to his teammates. Really looking forward to having him on the team. We’re excited the most about his work rate and his mentality of wanting to do well. Very happy with the signing of Josue Cartagena.”

For Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel, Cartagena’s work ethic is what sets him apart from the competition. “One of our main objectives at the Red Wolves invitational combine in early December last year was to find young players that are ready to move seamlessly from a collegiate playing background to a new professional career,” said McDaniel. “Josue demonstrated all the characteristics we were looking for in an emerging pro and we expect to see quite a bit of him this season.”

Cartagena is the sixth confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining newcomers Pedro Hernandez, Jonny Guadarrama, Carlos Avilez, DJ Benton, Jorge Paez and returning players Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

Stay up to date with all Red Wolves news on our website https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com and on social media @ChattRedWolves via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 21, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of first-year-pro Pedro Hernandez. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Hernandez was ​​born in Walnut Creek, California and began his collegiate soccer career in 2017 at California State, Monterey Bay as a right midfielder. Throughout 4 seasons with the Otters, Hernandez made 56 appearances and scored 16 goals – setting a career record of 10 goals and 6 assists in 17 games during the 2021 season. In 2019 the midfielder recorded his first career hat trick and third in school history. 

Hernandez says that signing his first professional contract is a dream come true. “My hard work and sacrifice is finally starting to pay off, but the journey has only just begun. There’s tons more work to do,” said Hernandez. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to sign with the Chattanooga Red Wolves. Their style of play, culture, and unity is what will pave the way to success. Our group’s desire to win is greater than the fear of failure. With that mentality we are ready for anything.”

Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda, identified Hernandez at the Red Wolves open combine in December. “He is a crafty young man that we are very excited to bring in this year. He has all the attributes that we look for in a winger, on top of it he scores goals. That’s not easy to find,” said Obleda. “We’re looking forward to great things from Pedro this year as we add him to our attacking group.”

“Pedro looks to be one of the more exciting and dynamic players on the Red Wolves roster,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “When Coach Obleda and I sat down to discuss filling in roster gaps for 2022 it was clear we needed a high-energy, durable flank player. Pedro fits that role and we have high hopes for a breakout season for him.”

Hernandez is the fifth confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining newcomers Jonny Guadarrama, Carlos Avilez, DJ Benton, Jorge Paez and returning players Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

Stay up to date with all Red Wolves news on our website https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com and on social media @ChattRedWolves via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 19, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of former Park City Red Wolves defender, Jonny Guadarrama. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Guadarrama was born and raised in Logan, Utah. The 22-year-old left back began his collegiate soccer career in 2017 with the Salt Lake City Community College Bruins where he made 19 appearances over 2 seasons. He then transferred to the University of Montevallo where he played 16 games for an impressive total of 1,198 minutes during the 2021 season. Guadarrama’s summers were spent shining for the Park City Red Wolves – Chattanooga Red Wolves’ USL League Two affiliate. His addition to Chattanooga marks the sixth Dalton, Georgia or Park City, Utah player to ink a deal with the first team. The left back played a key role in leading the Park City Red Wolves to their best ever year in USL League Two, winning the Mountain Division and ultimately reaching the national quarterfinals.

“Joining Chattanooga from Park City means a lot, it’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve from the first summer I joined Park City and I’m super excited to get started and give everything I got for the fans and win championships,” said Guadarrama. “The only goal for 2022 is to win everything and to bring Chattanooga it’s first USL championship.”

Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda, is ready to see the Park City Red Wolves product in action. “Jonny is a young man that we identified at our combine in December, he played with our Park City Red Wolves team this last season and did very well. At the combine he did not disappoint. We see his energy at left-back attacking forward, it’s something we’ve encouraged our players to do. He identifies with what we’re looking for from him. We’re looking for him to make his debut this year and really contribute to what the team is doing.”

Read Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel, is proud of the Red Wolves talent pipeline. “The thing that makes Jonny’s signing so special for the Club is it shows the true Path-to-Pro within the Red Wolves family. Jonny’s performance for our USL League 2 team in Park City, UT is what really made this an easy selection for the first team. We were able to scout him throughout an entire League 2 season which made him a natural fit for Chattanooga.”

Guadarrama is the fourth confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining newcomers Carlos Avilez, DJ Benton, Jorge Paez and returning players Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

Stay up to date with all Red Wolves news on our website https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com and on social media @ChattRedWolves via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 17, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of former North Texas SC and South Georgia Tormenta goalkeeper, Carlos Avilez. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Avilez was born and raised in Dallas, Texas to Mexican parents. The young goalkeeper prides himself in his Mexican heritage and dual citizenship, giving him the opportunity to appear for both United States and Mexico National teams throughout his youth career having played for the United States U15 & U16 teams as well as the Mexican U18 team. Most recently, Avilez was selected as a member of the Mexican National Youth training camp squad.

The 23-year-old joined the FC Dallas academy at 12 years old and began his professional career in 2019 with North Texas SC. His first professional season saw him make 32 appearances and subsequently won the USL League One title that year. Avilez then continued his career in Statesboro with South Georgia Tormenta for the 2021 season before joining the Red Wolves.

“I’m ready to give it my all for the crest and for those amazing fans at CHI Memorial Stadium,” said Avilez. “Their style of play, the fans, the group of players that the team has and the amazing project that the team is building is something that I can’t wait to be a part of.”

“The goals are set clearly from the coaching staff and the club itself, and that is to win the championship. That’s the main goal and I’m here to give it my all for that goal and to accomplish it at the end of the season. My mind and full focus is on the team right now, God and my work will determine my future.”

Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda, admires the experience Avilez has acquired throughout his career. “Carlos is a great addition to the team. He’s a goalkeeper that we’ve watched since 2019. He’s a young man that has been a solid presence everywhere he has been. Given his age, he has a great level of experience, has been on youth national teams, and won a championship with North Texas SC. He’s the kind of goalkeeper that we like, not only good at saving shots and defending the goal, but also able to play and help us start attacks with the ball at his feet. We are looking forward to him doing great things with us this year.”

“We’ve watched Carlos’ career in League One since his days with the FC Dallas organization as well as his history with the US and Mexico youth national teams,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “It’s good to announce him as one of the Red Wolves goalkeepers this season. We have high expectations for him and are glad he’s with us in 2022.”

Avilez is the third confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining newcomers DJ Benton, Jorge Paez and returning players Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

Stay up to date with all Red Wolves news on our website https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com and on social media @ChattRedWolves via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 14, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of former North Texas SC Defender, Devin “DJ” Benton. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

The 22-year-old defender was born in Birmingham, Alabama where he played collegiately for the University of Alabama at Birmingham for two and a half years. Before his time playing college soccer, Benton spent time playing for the Atlanta United Academy in 2017, and captained his team for the Houston Dynamo Academy in 2018. Benton signed his first professional contract with North Texas SC in August of 2021.

“It means everything to me to wear the Red Wolves crest and be able to represent a city full of culture and passion for this club and the game of football too,” said newly signed defender, DJ Benton. “My goal for this season is to help the team get even further than they did last season and bring a championship trophy to the city. I am super grateful for the opportunity given to me by the club and I look forward to working hard for the loyal fans that help make this organization possible.”

Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda, witnessed Benton’s performance first-hand last season. “DJ Benton is a young man that we saw quite frequently last year when we played against North Texas SC. He’s a young man that I regarded highly all last season,” said Obleda. “He’s a versatile player that can play defensively out on the right and play centrally, it’s what we’re looking for in a defender. He comes from a pedigree soccer family and we are looking forward to having with us this season.”

Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel, is confident Benton will be a great addition to the defense. “We’ve watched DJ’s young career for a while now and feel very good about the trajectory he’s on,” said McDaniel. “He gives us versatility in the back which should give us the depth we need to succeed for such a long season.”

Benton is the second confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining newcomer Jorge Paez and returning players Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

Stay up to date with all Red Wolves news on our website https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com and on social media @ChattRedWolves via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan 12, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Jorge Paez to a one year contract deal with a second year option. Transaction pending league and federation approval

“Joining the Red Wolves this season means a lot to me. It’s a club that I’ve had my eye on and I’m very excited to join the team. I will give it my all to succeed and achieve the team’s goals,” said Red Wolves newcomer, Jorge Paez. “I consider myself a winner and this season my goal is to become USL League One Champions and have an incredible season with the team.”

The 26-year-old Venezuelan native began his soccer career in 2013 with Academia Emeritense FC in his hometown of Mérida, Venezuela. At the end of his first season, Paez joined Zamora FC of the Venezuelan Primera División, Venezuela’s top division. During his time with Zamora FC, the club was crowned league champions twice and won the Copa Venezuela once. Paez also spent time with Monroe College stateside in New York where the team went on a runner-up championship run. Before joining the Red Wolves, Paez was previously with Portuguesa FC of the Venezuela Primera División for one season where he recorded 5 goals and 3 assists and earned Player of the Month honors for May 2021. Paez prides himself as a versatile attacking midfielder that can also run the ball down the wing.

“I was able to witness how the fans supported the club last season and am excited to experience their cheers and support in just a few short months,” said Paez. “This year we will fight to be champions and bring that joy of winning to the people of Chattanooga that they deserve.”

Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel, sees Paez as a key addition to the 2022 roster. “One of the goals the Club had last year was to create the strongest midfield in the country and I felt like we did that. The addition of Jorge Paez adds a level that raises the standard even higher in 2022,” said McDaniel. “He’s a true professional and brings experience to the team that will continue raising our championship expectations even higher.”

For Head Coach Jimmy Obleda, the signing of Paez has been a goal of the club for a while. “Jorge Paez is a special player that I have been following for some time. He’s a young man who brings something different, some special to the league,” said Obleda. “He’s a dynamic attacking midfielder that can play out wide. He fits our personality and our DNA. A young man that is hungry to do well with the Chattanooga Red Wolves. I couldn’t be happier to bring Jorge after the great year he had with his club last year. We’re hoping he continues that with us this year in USL League One.”

Paez is the first confirmed new member of the 2022 squad – joining returning players and new teammates Ualefi, Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

Stay up to date with all Red Wolves news on our website https://www.chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com and on social media @ChattRedWolves via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Jan. 7, 2022) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have re-signed midfielder, Ualefi Dos Reis, for his fourth season with the club. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Ualefi, the longest tenured member of the club, has been with the Red Wolves since it’s inaugural 2019 season. The veteran midfielder has made 55 appearances, the most of any Red Wolves player in club history. In 2021, Ualefi played in 18 matches for a total of 869 minutes of play time. His passing was immaculate in the midfield, recording 374 successful passes with an accuracy of 88.4%. 

​​”Unlike 2020, I finished the season without injury and I will start the pre-season from the day I arrive in town, it will be a different year,” said Ualefi on his vision for 2022. “ I want to be, if not all, as much of the minutes as possible on the field.  And the collective objective, which I think is bigger than any individual goal, I want to end the season as a champion and we’ll fight for that.  One game at a time, but the vision we already have, during the season we have to deal with the process until we reach the vision that we already have, which is to be champions.”

“Last season as a team we did very well, we really had a group that was united from the first day we met until the last day we were together,” said Ualefi. “For this year I don’t expect anything different, that we can raise a family and help each other reach the highest level possible to achieve our goals.”

“As I have said since I arrived in 2019, you are part of the family we are creating, we leave things behind for us to unite you and your city, we are representing chattanooga and we want to honor you who support us wherever we go,” said Ualefi to the Red Wolves supporters. “Last year the atmosphere was amazing and we hope this year is even better. We are counting on you and in whatever you need, we are here to serve you. God bless you all and see you soon.”

“Ualefi is a staple of the club. A young man that has been with the Red Wolves since day one. We’re happy to have him continue his career,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “We’re hoping this year he continues to give us the presence and the soccer IQ that we ask from our number six and also the leadership on the field and off the field. In the locker room he is an elder statesman, someone who the younger guys look up to, someone who understands what our culture is about and what we’re trying to do. I couldn’t be happier with him and happy that he is continuing his career with us.”

It really is an honor to welcome back a player that has meant so much to the Club,” said Red Wolves President & GM, Sean McDaniel. “Ualefi has literally been here since day one and I can’t think of any player that represents our team and our city better than Wally. We can’t wait to see what 2022 holds for him.”

Ualefi is the tenth confirmed member for the Red Wolves 2022 squad alongside Jimmie Villalobos, Daniel Navarro, Josue España, Jorge Luna, Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.