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FOXBOROUGH, MASS. (May 16, 2021) – The Red Wolves were on the road for a second game in a row Sunday evening as Coach Obleda and his squad looked to keep the momentum high following an away win and clean sheet in Arlington against North Texas SC. Although the Red Wolves fell behind in the first half, a determined fightback capped off by debutant Josue España scoring 2 goals in 7 minutes was enough to earn a gritty and all-important point on the road at Gillette Stadium. 

Coach Obleda’s Red Wolves started the match in Foxborough Sunday with an unchanged lineup from the game against North Texas SC the week prior. The squad wanted to build on a disciplined, high energy performance on the road where points can at times be hard to come by. The unchanged starting eleven once again began the match with a ravenous energy in all areas of the pitch. Defender Jonathan Esparza spearheaded much of the first half attacking moves, getting up the pitch well and playing dangerous crosses into the box creating chances for the Red Wolves. The squad’s game plan seemed to be working well as the press was making life difficult for New England Revolution II. 

Despite the strong start, the squad was unfortunate in the 36th minute, as several comedic bounces took the ball unluckily into the net to put New England II in the lead. The Red Wolves’ misery was compounded as the second goal came early in the second half for the Revolution. Noel Buck scored his first professional goal to put New England 2-0 up at Gillette Stadium. However, Coach Obleda would show his tactical prowess in the 56th minute bringing on Josue España and Marky Hernandez in an attempt to change the game. His trust in a talented bench paid off as España got on the end of a mistimed volley from Ricketts to beat Joe Rice, making it 2-1. Then, just seven minutes later, the tenacious Red Wolves’ heart and effort paid off.

Substitutes combined as Hernandez beat multiple defenders and played a beautiful ball into the box, which after a beautifully placed header from Chattanooga’s own Jonathan Ricketts found Josue España’s right foot, placing the shot beautifully into the bottom left-hand corner evening the tally at 2-2.

Tenacious defending at the end of the second half would secure a point for the Red Wolves to bring back to Chattanooga. Two brilliant goals from debutant Josue España earned him Man of the Match honors, and Ricketts wouldn’t be too far behind with an excellent goal line clearance and two assists on the night. After travelling to famous venues such as Globe Life Park and Gillette stadium back-to-back weekends, the squad will be looking forward to the squad’s home debut at CHI Memorial Stadium, Tennessee’s first soccer specific professional stadium.

Chattanooga’s team heads home for their 2021 Home Opener against Fort Lauderdale CF kicks off at 7p.m. Saturday evening at CHI Memorial Stadium in 5 days time.

TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Monday the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 6 of the 2021 regular season, with  two Chattanooga players on the this week’s 11. Chattanooga local and former Dalton Red Wolves player, Jonathan Ricketts was named to the team as well as Josue España who made his Chattanooga debut with a brace. 

D – Jonathan Ricketts, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Ricketts picked up the assist on both Chattanooga goals marking his first assist of his professional career. He created four chances in total, and won six duels as well to cap off a solid all-around performance. 

M – Josue España, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: España scored both of Chattanooga’s goals as the team came from two behind to earn a point on the road against the Revolution II on Sunday night.

Catch Ricketts and España in action this Saturday night at CHI Memorial Stadium for Chattanooga’s 2021 Home Opener!

​​​The Red Wolves opened their 2021 campaign in sterling fashion on the road against North Texas, where Coach Obleda and the squad walked away with 3 points and a clean sheet despite not having multiple key players available for the match. The squad did really well in their high intensity pressing, making North Texas uncomfortable by bringing a superior physicality into the match.

Jason Ramos, who played in a deep lying midfield role as compared to his normal center back role, did excellently, protecting the backline and keeping up midfield pressure. José Carrera García partnered well with Jimmie Villalobos as well and the three combined to put in a barnstorming midfield performance that was just as dangerous going forward as it was tracking back in defense. 

Jackson Dietrich and Blake Frischknecht made a great impact off the bench as well in their debut appearances, following standout performances from the front three of Ricardo Ruiz, Juan Galindrez, and Ronaldo Pineda. Keeping the midfield linked to the attackers up top was a big part of what worked in Globe Life Park, and Coach Obleda will want more of the same from his high-octane attack. 

Coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat to Union Omaha, Clint Peay and his squad will look to bounce back with a home win at Gillette Stadium. The Revolution II have conceded 4 goals so far this campaign but standout goalkeeper Joe Rice made his debut last time match and conceded a goal in the 84th minute after a solid game, snapping a 412-minute personal shutout streak. 

New England plays a very traditional 4-4-2, in stark contrast to Chattanooga’s high intensity 4-4-3, which should provide a great clash of styles on Sunday. Having conceded late after battling hard in their last match, it will be a tough test of the Red Wolves’ attacking talent to break through the determined New England backline and its leader Sean O’Hearn who had a standout performance in the loss as well.

It will be a tough battle in the midfield on both sides of the pitch, as the Red Wolves’ high-octane attack and press comes up against a deep and experienced midfield that only boasted more depth against Omaha as 2 academy prospects debuted. Ryan Spaulding will anchor the Revolution midfield and will look to slow down Jimmie Villalobos and Jose Carrera Garcia. 

It will be important for the Red Wolves to keep the momentum going in Gillette Stadium as the squad looks to make it 2 in a row to start the season. Goal scorer Ricky Ruiz will look to bag another goal against sure handed goalkeeper Joe Rice, while New England’s lone goal scorer this season Ryan Sierakowski will look to undo the surehanded and confident Sebastian Mora-Mora assuming he gets the start . 

Finally, the Red Wolves will look to hometown star Jonathan Ricketts to have another confident performance, providing stability on the back line and almost becoming the story of the match against North Texas as he drilled a long-range effort just shy of the bottom corner. Revolution II counterpart Sean O’Hearn will look to do the same for a backline that has been vulnerable at times this season and will have a tough test against a deep and talented Red Wolves attack.

Coach Obleda and Co. face off against New England Revolution II at 8:30 eastern Sunday night in Gillette Stadium.

ARLINGTON, TX. (May 8, 2021) – The Red Wolves travelled to Arlington to face North Texas SC on Friday evening, marking the squad’s regular season opener. Obleda and the squad have high expectations for the season and made a crucial first step digging out a 1-0 win in Arlington thanks to a sensationally worked goal finished by Jimmie Villalobos.

Chattanooga showed their quality in the first half, retaining the ball well while maintaining swift movement and a tenacious press when a turnover occurred. The match was cagey and physical in the midfield as Jason Ramos, playing in a defensive midfield role behind Villalobos and Carrera-Garcia, did very well to keep North Texas uncomfortable. In addition, the Red Wolves’ backline led by hometown star Jonathan Ricketts was great, keeping a clean sheet for the first time this season at the first opportunity.

Chattanooga’s attacking three linked together well and the match’s deadlock was broken just after the half-hour mark as Jimmie Villalobos found the Red Wolves the breakthrough. Ricky Ruiz, who had a sensational first half, played a great pass to Juan Galindrez who laid it off to Villalobos who had no problem placing a beautiful strike into the bottom corner.

The second half was a difficult one, as the Red Wolves dug deep to maintain their lead. The introduction of Blake Frischknecht changed the game as his physicality and skill on the ball was difficult for North Texas to deal with, and despite good impact from Obleda’s 2 other substitutions Jackson Dietrich and Marky Hernandez, it was Sebastian Mora-Mora who came up with an enormous man of the match performance. He made several key saves late including a huge stop in stoppage time to secure the win. 

Mora-Mora’s late game heroics combined with some resolute and brave play from the Red Wolves would mean 3 points coming back to Chattanooga with Obleda and his squad. When asked about what went well regarding the squad’s performance, Head Coach Jimmy Obleda emphasized that, “The overall commitment from the group was what worked. Tactically we had some ideas of what we wanted to accomplish in our press and where we wanted them to play.” He went onto reiterate that, “It was the whole teams’ effort and commitment to doing what needed to be done to get the result. I think that was the key to this last game’s success.”

In addition to the 3 points, two Red Wolves players received team of the week honors from USL League One for their performances, goal scorer Jimmie Villalobos and dynamic midfielder Jose Carrera Garcia. The Team of the Week selections described Carrera Garcia’s performance as, “An all-action display,” and made the note that the Villalobos goal, “Helped the Red Wolves become the first team in nearly two years to beat North Texas SC.” The win, 3 points and TOTW honors for Villalobos and Carrera Garcia should provide the squad with confidence moving forward in the season.

 “We haven’t won anything; we just won a game,” said Obleda regarding the win, “It’s still a long road ahead but for this group and everything we’re working for. It’s a great little step into many steps that we’re going to take this season to make a run for the championship.” Coach Obleda and the squad will look to take another step towards their playoff aspirations as they travel to Boston to face New England Revolution II at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, May 16 at 8:30.

TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Monday the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 5 of the 2021 regular season, with two of Chattanooga’s players named to the 11 after the Red Wolves handed 2019 Champions North Texas SC their first home lose in nearly 2 years.

M – José Carrera García, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: It was an all-action display from the Chattanooga midfielder in his debut for the club. Carrera Garcia completed 86 percent of his passes (the best of any player to play 45 minutes or more), won the most duels of any player with five, completed two dribbles and created one chance on the night.

F – Jimmie Villalobos, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Villalobos’ 32nd-minute strike proved to be the match-winner for Chattanooga, helping the Red Wolves become the first team in nearly two years to beat North Texas SC away from home.

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+

Chattanooga, TN. (April 26th, 2021) – Fans are invited to attend the Chattanooga Red Wolves Kit Reveal Celebration at Miller Plaza (850 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402) on Friday, April 30th. Gates open at 5:30pm. Be there as the Red Wolves and Front Kit Sponsor Transcard come together in celebration to reveal the all-new 2021 Season Home and Away kits. Transcard will then be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for their brand new building across the street in Miller Park at 7:30pm. 

“Transcard is proud to be part of the Chattanooga community.  And we are honored to support the Chattanooga Red Wolves,” says Transcard President Chris Fuller, “ The team represents the spirit, drive, and diversity of our community. Transcard looks forward to joining our neighbors in cheering on the Red Wolves as they take the pitch at CHI Memorial Stadium this season.”

Fans will be able to enjoy music by local band Behold the Brave and food and drinks for purchase from Bitter Alibi. It is an exciting time to be able to gather fans safely again and Red Wolves are grateful for the partners involved to make this event possible. “The 2021 Kit Reveal signifies the official launch of our season so being able to finally celebrate with our fans is something we have all been waiting for,” says Red Wolves President and GM, Sean McDaniel, “We are extremely grateful for the partnership we have with Transcard and can’t wait to kick off our home opener on May 22 in CHI Memorial Stadium.”

In accordance with state and local health & safety protocols as well as River City Company guidelines, fans are encouraged to adhere to socially distanced protocols. “Downtown Chattanooga is home to many great parks and outdoor spaces, which during COVID-19, are perfect venues for events like the Red Wolves Kit Reveal Celebration. In Miller Plaza, we encourage our guests to wear a mask and practice social distancing in the large open space. Combined with other CDC safety measures, we are able to safely host events in this space,” stated Dawn Hjelseth, Vice President of Marketing and Communication at River City Company.

RED WOLVES KIT REVEAL CELEBRATION
WHEN: Friday, April 30. | 5:30-7:00 PM
WHERE: Miller Plaza (850 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402)
WHAT:

• 2021 Home and Away Kit Reveal
• Entertainment by Behold the Brave
• Food and drinks by Bitter Alibi

ADMISSION: Free for all attendees
 

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. – The United Soccer League announced today the 37 clubs that will compete in the 2021 Academy Cup, presented by Puma, which will take place at the Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex in Tampa, Fla. on May 28-31, 2021. The USL Academy Cup features some of the country’s most elite youth players from the U-13 and U-17 age groups and will build on the success of the first two regional events held prior to the pandemic. Among the 74 teams competing, the Red Wolves will have two teams competing in the 2008 and 2004 age group.

“We are excited about the opportunity our players have to play in this event each year against other professional academies and top talent from the US,” said Academy EVP Derek Greene. “This is another way for our players to develop, to be seen, and to compete at the highest level in the country.” 

The cup competition will see academy teams from clubs in all three senior divisions of the USL represented, with clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two as well as representation from MLS clubs all competing against one another to represent a growing footprint that reaches 22 states across the country. These events will be designed to better identify and accelerate the development of elite youth players with the potential to reach the professional ranks. In addition, a U-17 Girls Division will be included at this year’s event, after the USL announced a complementary women’s pathway to the overall Academy platform in 2019. This new female-specific age group will serve to further enhance the mission of USL to provide proven pathways for all players, especially with the continued growth of the women’s game at the senior team levels. 

“The USL Academy Cup is a prime example of the great work being done by our clubs and their youth affiliates to develop youth soccer across the country,” said Liam O’Connell, Technical Director of the USL. “We are incredibly excited to see our teams take the pitch this year at the cup and to witness our clubs continue to make an impact in youth soccer and the development of youth players across the American soccer landscape.”

“The USL Academy Cup is a prime example of the great work being done by our clubs and their youth affiliates to develop youth soccer across the country,” said Liam O’Connell, Technical Director of the USL. “We are incredibly excited to see our teams take the pitch this year at the cup and to witness our clubs continue to make an impact in youth soccer and the development of youth players across the American soccer landscape.”

In just over 2 years of existence, the Red Wolves Academy has achieved a top 100 ranking out of all academies in the US, admittance into ECNL, one of the top youth leagues in the country, placed over 40 young men and women into collegiate soccer programs and as recently as two weeks ago had its first player sign a professional contract with the Red Wolves Professional team. 

For more information on the Chattanooga Red Wolves Academy visit http://chattredwolvesyouth.com/. For more information on USL Academy Cup conference alignment and to stay up to date on the competition structure, schedule release, and more, visit www.usl-academy.com/academy-cup.  

CHATTANOOGA, TN. (Apr. 10, 2021) – The Red Wolves kicked off preseason Saturday afternoon against Atlanta United II at CHI Memorial Stadium. Atlanta United II participates in the USL Championship making it a great chance for Jimmy Obleda and his squad to make a statement of intent regarding the 2021 season. “This was actually our first tough week of training. We couldn’t be happier,” says Obleda, “we take so many positives, just the mentality, the attitude, just that culture that we’re trying to personify who we are.” The Red Wolves did just that in a grind it out and scrappy welcome back to soccer in Chattanooga.

The match started with both sides finding their feet, but Chattanooga showed well against an Atlanta squad that featured three first team players. Chattanooga Local, Jonathan Ricketts put on a strong performance, winning plenty of 50/50 tackles and looking composed and in control of the Red Wolves’ back four. While the first half ended scoreless, Chattanooga’s offense created plenty of opportunities. Ronaldo Pineda was instrumental in the attack, getting close to opening the scoring several times in the first 45 minutes. Atlanta also created a handful of opportunities, most notably off a set piece, but it was the Red Wolves shining in the first half and taking the confidence with them into halftime.

“Right now, our goal is to build into may 8th when we kick off our regular season. We’re building up player fitness, we’re building up their ability to play longer at a higher tempo,” says Obleda as he prepares the team for a full 90 minutes. “We’re also working on the small things, like defending better, there were a couple of times we were in the final third and we kind of rushed it and we didn’t step on it as well, things we need to work on.”

The second half began with 10 substitutions from Jimmy Obleda, including Chattanooga’s first ever Academy signee Christian Zaragoza, who made his debut with the team at only 17 years old. 

“Cristian had his debut today,” says Obleda. “He’s going to make a professional debut at some point in this season, he’s a good player and he’s our type of player. It’s in his DNA, he’s a Red Wolf and he understands what it means to wear this badge. Couldn’t be happier for this young man.”

With Chattanooga’s starters out, the second half brought an entirely different feel to the game however, as Atlanta United II controlled the game for long stretches of the second half. However, even with practically an entirely new squad on the field and a lack of possession, Obleda’s back line held firm. Sebastian Mora-Mora played a huge part in that effort when he came on in the second half, making several solid stops and looking in control of his 6-yard box. Fantastic fight and spirit culminated in a breakthrough for the Red Wolves in the 85th minute as a cross was played into the box and thundered into the bottom right corner via a powerful header.

The header gave the Red Wolves a 1-0 victory to begin the campaign. “We’re just starting out, we didn’t win the championship today,” said Obleda to the squad at the end of the game. “It’s just like I told them before the game, you don’t win the championship today, you take one little step to the ultimate goal of getting to the championship. With humility and hard work and perseverance and dealing with all the stuff that comes, we’re going to get there.” An impressive win over a very talented MLS affiliated club should leave the club riding high into the next preseason match in Birmingham against the Legion on April 13th at 2:30.

The eleven new faces on the roster will welcome the chance to gel with the 8 men back from last season, and they will all welcome the chance to get back to match fitness. “I think the biggest thing for us is to keep building that fitness and the soccer will come. I think this is going to be a very talented group,” says Obleda confidently about the squad. 

CHATTANOOGA, TN. (Apr. 7, 2021) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed former Las Vegas Lights FC forward Blake Frischknecht to its 2021 roster, pending league and federation approval.

The 25-year-old comes to the Red Wolves with four years of USL Championship and collegiate soccer experience. Frischknecht began his career at Brigham Young University before taking two years off in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. Upon returning home, Blake transferred to Utah Valley University where he completed his collegiate career.

Frischknecht then joined the professional ranks with Las Vegas Lights FC, for which he recorded three goals and three assists in 10 appearances during the shortened 2020 USL Championship season.

“I’m super excited to join the Red Wolves. I’ve always admired the organization from afar and have been able to see what they’ve built out here in Chattanooga,” said Frischknecht. “I’m very excited to join the group and get to work.”

“I think I can speak for the team, coaching staff, the front office, and the city of Chattanooga, that we want to win the league. That is why we’re all here and I think we all know and believe that is a real possibility and that’s our expectation to perform at a high level and to compete for a championship.”

Red Wolves GM & President Sean McDaniel has had his eye on Blake for quite some time.

“Blake was brought in because we know he is a proven goalscorer and this is something that we’ve needed for the team really since our beginning,” said McDaniel. “To get someone who is able to finish consistently for us was important to Coach [Jimmy] Obleda and I when we started putting the roster together as soon as the season ended last year. We wanted Blake early, we’ve wanted him for quite some time. We’re very happy to be able to land him now.”

The Red Wolves are looking forward to the consistency Frischknecht brings to the field. He joins newcomers Jorge Luna, Rafa Mentzingen, Josue Espana, Jose Carrera Garcia, Jimmie Villalobos, Jackson Dieterich, Jonathan Esparza, Sebastian Capozucchi, Daniel Navarro, Juan Galindrez, Sebastian Mora-Mora and returners Ualefi Dos Reis, Ami Pineda, Ronaldo Pineda, Marky Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Jonathan Ricketts, Jason Ramos and Tim Trilk.

The Red Wolves take the field this Saturday April 10th at noon against Atlanta United II. The match is open exclusively to season ticket holders. Make sure to get your season tickets if you haven’t yet!