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CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 28, 2021) – Last week the Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation held its first ever Toys For Those in Need campaign at CHI Memorial Stadium to help create a better Christmas experience for families in need. The two-part event featured a Community Christmas Party with Santa that was open to the public, which included a toy drive benefiting the Toys For Those in Need campaign.  Later that week, the Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation then held a private Breakfast with Santa event for families in need, hand picked by the foundation and local agencies to whom the gifts were distributed.

The inaugural campaign was massively successful, raising over $15,000 in gifts and meals between toy donations from the general public and donations from Red Wolves owner Bob Martino, and other supporters. The event was able to help nearly 50 families through providing Christmas gifts and or Christmas Eve dinners.

For the families attending the event it helped add another bright moment to their Christmas experience this year. “We have really been struggling since COVID, and this year’s Christmas was going to be just the same as it always been,” said attendee J. Smith. “It’s always been hard for me as a single mother, knowing that I can’t provide Christmas to my children like other families but since COVID, it’s just been so much harder. But, this year was different.  My kids got to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, and they got to meet the staff who made us feel real comfortable and other families at the event. The presents were really heartfelt, it was like whoever bought it really put their heart into all the presents. It was just a real blessing, we’ll never forget this Christmas.”

For those who helped put on the event, it was a heart-warming experience. “The most rewarding part, by far, was getting to meet and know the families that we had spent so much time preparing for,” says CHI Memorial Stadium Director Caroline McWhorter. “It’s our privilege to be able to serve our community and walk beside people in their time of need, especially during the holidays. What an incredible opportunity to be a part of it; we appreciate Bob Martino, and all of our donors for making this possible.”

The community rallied around the Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation to help make the Toys For Those In Need campaign a success. Local supporters included members of the Red Wolves Academy, Catoosa Children’s Fund – Gail, Catoosa County Schools, Chambliss Center, Boys & Girls Club, The Bethlehem Center, Hamilton County Schools, ASA Engineering, Reagan Outdoors, First Bank, Jack’s Family Restaurant, Dunkin Doughnuts, ServPro, Holy Smoke, Dos Bros, Jonathan’s Grille, and Buddy’s BBQ.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. Day 22, 2021) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on midfielder, Jimmie Villalobos, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Villalobos solidified himself as a key player in the midfield for the Red Wolves. The midfielder was featured in 27 matches last season, playing a total of 1,992 minutes. Villalobos scored two goals, had one assist, 4 successful crosses and 21 key passes. 574 successful passes came off the foot of Villalobos. Defensively, he won 18 tackles, cleared the ball 15 times, blocked 2 shots, and intercepted 17 passes.

“My goal is to win a championship and give the fans what they have been waiting for back to Chattanooga,” said Villalobos on his goals for next season.  I hope to accomplish a good chemistry and relationship with the team that’s coming back. A good culture is always important and that’s one of my main objectives towards this 2022 season.”

“My first year with the club was amazing just by hearing the fans at CHI Memorial Stadium on game days,” said Villalobos. “ It was a great atmosphere and a professional environment where I felt like home. Starting from the staff all the way to the players, it was a well deserved second year as a professional.” 

“A massive thank you to each and every one of our fans for making these last few months amazing. Have faith in us and just know that without you guys we wouldn’t be where we are today. We are bringing the 2022 season to another level and you guys are part of it. I can’t wait to hear you guys cheer us on, Dale Lobos!”

“Having Jimmie come back for the 2022 season was a priority for us,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “He’s a player that we had been looking at for years. Having him last year, he ended up being everything we thought he would be. He gave us the soccer and the goals that we needed at important moments. He gave us the quality that we were looking for. He’s a young man that I’ve known for a while and we’re looking for 2022 to be another even better year for him. He has an attitude and is an incredible person and teammate. I couldn’t be happier for him to come back and lead our midfield with Carrera-García next season.” 

“Jimmie’s return continues maintaining the top midfield in League One,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “He was rarely dispossessed and his clutch goals in big games can’t be forgotten. We are a stronger team when Jimmie is on the field.”

Villalobos is the ninth confirmed member for the Red Wolves 2022 squad alongside 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.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 21, 2021) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on defender, Daniel Navarro, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

The anchor of the Red Wolves defensive line, Navarro was featured in 24 matches in 2021 totaling 2,125 minutes of play time. Making the lives of opponent offenses difficult, Navarro won 16 tackles, 50 clearances, 10 blocks, and 42 interceptions. 1,389 passes, sixth-most league wide, came off the foot of Navarro with an 85.5% accuracy.

“Last season was amazing! The fans and the atmosphere created in our stadium pushed us to win and to break records,” said Daniel Navarro. “With all of that, I am pretty sure in 2022 we’re going to be able to do even bigger things, entertain the fans with quality soccer, win games, and hopefully become USL League One champions!”

“Daniel was an important piece to the defensive success we had last season,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “When he was on the field we didn’t only have a great defender but someone that gave us the football we needed to start playing.  When he went down with an injury in the middle of the season we lost more than a defender, we lost a leader and player with a great presence. Having him back for this next season is huge because it allows us to have one of the best center backs in the league with us. I am looking forward to having him anchoring our back line for the 2022 season.”

“Daniel was probably the most underrated player we had last season but with the highest impact defensively,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “He was so consistent and solid in his play that he became one of the best center backs in League One. His return signals stability in an area of the field that is typically very elusive’

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 20, 2021) – ​​The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on forward, Josue España, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

España played a total of 24 games for the Red Wolves in the 2021 season, amounting to 1,232 minutes of play time. The forward scored 3 key goals early in the year and made 328 successful passes.

“My goal for 2022 is to improve both on and off the field to train and play consistently, giving my team and the fans everything I have on the field,” said España on his outlook for the upcoming season.

“My first year with the club was challenging and very rewarding,” said España on his first year with the Red Wolves. “I got to grow and advance with an amazing group of players and coaching staff.

“Thank you to our fans for your endless support, rain or shine no matter the distance, win or lose you guys always cheered us on. We see you, we hear you and this 2022 season is for you. We are going all the way!”

“Josue España, a young man that started the season really well for us. He scored some important goals for us in some difficult games and situations,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “He’s really a different type of player that we need for 2022. Now we see him playing more of a central role this next year, not so wide out, being more dangerous in the central positions. We’re looking for him to be that explosive and technical player that he has always been. We are very happy to have him. He’s another guy that contributed to our 2021 success and we’re looking for him to do the same for next season.”

“Josue was one our first early signings in 2021 and we haven’t looked back,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “He’s so important to everything we do both on and off the field. His professional demeanor and focus on the game is the best example for all professional players.”

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 20, 2021) – ​​The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on forward, Josue España, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

España played a total of 24 games for the Red Wolves in the 2021 season, amounting to 1,232 minutes of play time. The forward scored 3 key goals early in the year and made 328 successful passes.

“My goal for 2022 is to improve both on and off the field to train and play consistently, giving my team and the fans everything I have on the field,” said España on his outlook for the upcoming season.

“My first year with the club was challenging and very rewarding,” said España on his first year with the Red Wolves. “I got to grow and advance with an amazing group of players and coaching staff.

“Thank you to our fans for your endless support, rain or shine no matter the distance, win or lose you guys always cheered us on. We see you, we hear you and this 2022 season is for you. We are going all the way!”

“Josue España, a young man that started the season really well for us. He scored some important goals for us in some difficult games and situations,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “He’s really a different type of player that we need for 2022. Now we see him playing more of a central role this next year, not so wide out, being more dangerous in the central positions. We’re looking for him to be that explosive and technical player that he has always been. We are very happy to have him. He’s another guy that contributed to our 2021 success and we’re looking for him to do the same for next season.”

“Josue was one our first early signings in 2021 and we haven’t looked back,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “He’s so important to everything we do both on and off the field. His professional demeanor and focus on the game is the best example for all professional players.”

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 20, 2021) – ​​The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on forward, Josue España, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

España played a total of 24 games for the Red Wolves in the 2021 season, amounting to 1,232 minutes of play time. The forward scored 3 key goals early in the year and made 328 successful passes.

“My goal for 2022 is to improve both on and off the field to train and play consistently, giving my team and the fans everything I have on the field,” said España on his outlook for the upcoming season.

“My first year with the club was challenging and very rewarding,” said España on his first year with the Red Wolves. “I got to grow and advance with an amazing group of players and coaching staff.

“Thank you to our fans for your endless support, rain or shine no matter the distance, win or lose you guys always cheered us on. We see you, we hear you and this 2022 season is for you. We are going all the way!”

“Josue España, a young man that started the season really well for us. He scored some important goals for us in some difficult games and situations,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “He’s really a different type of player that we need for 2022. Now we see him playing more of a central role this next year, not so wide out, being more dangerous in the central positions. We’re looking for him to be that explosive and technical player that he has always been. We are very happy to have him. He’s another guy that contributed to our 2021 success and we’re looking for him to do the same for next season.”

“Josue was one our first early signings in 2021 and we haven’t looked back,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “He’s so important to everything we do both on and off the field. His professional demeanor and focus on the game is the best example for all professional players.”

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 17, 2021) –  ​​The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on defender, Jorge Luna, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Luna recorded a total of 560 minutes of playtime in 8 games in 2021. A key piece to the strong Red Wolves back line, Luna won 5 tackles, cleared the ball 12 times, intercepted 9 passes and blocked 4 shots. Living the defender dream, Luna also netted one goal in a 3-2 win over North Carolina FC.

“My goal for next season is to finish what we couldn’t this past season, we were one step away from the final and we have that thirst for revenge.” said Luna as he looks forward to the new season.

“It was a great first season with the club. I adapted to a new style of soccer, and it was very positive despite not having played as much as I expected due to injuries. This new year will be much better without a doubt, both for me and the team,” said Luna. “We have the best supporters in the league and they demonstrate it every game. I hope they keep supporting us to their fullest from the stands and we will leave it all on the field so they can go home happy. For us, they are the 12th player on the field!”

“Luna is another player that we didn’t feel we got everything out of him in 2021 due to injury. We know that he can give so much more with his quality and the years of experience he brings to the team,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “Over 100 games played in the first division, we hope that can transcend here to 2022. He is a great leader on and off the field and in the locker room. He is someone that brings a level of professionalism and seriousness that we need for us to continue to be who we are. We are excited to get him in early, last year we didn’t get him until a week before preseason. Very, very excited for him to play and be one of our starting center backs for 2022.”

“We brought Jorge into camp last season with high expectations to lead our defensive efforts,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “Although he had an early season injury that kept him off the field, we still have the same hopes that he will guide our back line towards a Championship. Our defensive success in 2022 will be built in Jorge’s strengths.”

Luna is the sixth confirmed member for the Red Wolves 2022 squad alongside Sebastian Capozucchi, Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 16, 2021) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on defender, Sebastian Capozucchi, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

Capozucchi recorded a total of 1,284 minutes over 17 games in 2021. A titan on the back line of the Red Wolves defense, the defender was responsible for winning 16 tackles, 20 clearances, 7 blocks, and 18 interceptions. 448 successful passes came off the foot of Capozucchi with an 83.6% passing accuracy. 

“The only goal for 2022 is to take it all and bring the first trophy to this beautiful city and community,” said Capozucchi. “We already got a little taste in 2021, now it’s time to adjust and try to execute again.” 

“For the fans I want to say thank you for an unbelievable 2021 season your unconditional support was essential. You guys were that extra push that we needed to finish every single game strong,” said Capozucchi. “For 2022 all I can ask is for everyone to come out again and keep showing us that support. I’ll leave my skin for you guys in the field and I also promise you a lot more cardiac moments !! VAMOS LOBOSSSSS! Let’s DEFEND THE DEN.”

“Capozucchi brings and epitomizes the attitude, the heart, and the grit that we pride ourselves in. He is a young man that is constantly raising the standard and level of play and competitiveness in everyone around him,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “We’re looking at him on building off of 2021 and helping us solidify the defensive line and keep building on what we were defensively in 2021. We are hoping that in 2022 we will have one of the best defenses in USL League One.” 

“One of the best characteristics of Capozucchi is the enthusiasm he brings to the team each and every day,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “The passion he carries for the club and the city is something the Red Wolves will continue building our culture around.”

Capozucchi is the fifth confirmed member for the Red Wolves 2022 squad alongside Rey Ortíz, Rafa Mentzingen, Juan Galindrez, and José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 15, 2022) – ​​The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on midfielder, Rey Ortíz, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

An integral part of the midfield, Ortíz made 17 appearances for the club in 2021 amassing 869 minutes of play time throughout the season. Ortíz was responsible for 164 successful passes, 19 key passes, two assists and one goal.

“The goal for 2022 is to be in the championship and win it,” said Ortíz looking forward to the new year. 

“First year here was great, broke an amazing record and was great to host at home, also it was amazing to see the amount of supporters come together to cheer us on,” said Ortíz on his first year with the club. “Let’s do it again next year but bigger and louder ⚡”

“We’re very happy to have Rey Ortíz back. Rey Ortíz started to find his groove towards the end of the season, we’re hoping that continues through 2022,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Oleda. “The young man has a lot of great upsides, a young man that is very different from many in USL League One. Technical, quick, has a great change of rhythm that we’re looking for him to exploit this year. We’re looking for him to continue to build off of 2021 and continue to contribute and keep us moving in a positive direction towards the championship.”

“Rey is someone we have been focusing on for quite some time,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “And even though he joined us a little late in 2021 he came on very strong for us as we made our playoff run. Having Rey as a part of the squad the entire 2022 season is going to be important for us.”

Ortíz is the fourth confirmed member for the Red Wolves 2022 squad alongside Rafa Mentzingen, top-scorer, Juan Galindrez, and captain, José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 15, 2022) – ​​The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on midfielder, Rey Ortíz, for the upcoming season. Transaction pending league and federation approval.

An integral part of the midfield, Ortíz made 17 appearances for the club in 2021 amassing 869 minutes of play time throughout the season. Ortíz was responsible for 164 successful passes, 19 key passes, two assists and one goal.

“The goal for 2022 is to be in the championship and win it,” said Ortíz looking forward to the new year. 

“First year here was great, broke an amazing record and was great to host at home, also it was amazing to see the amount of supporters come together to cheer us on,” said Ortíz on his first year with the club. “Let’s do it again next year but bigger and louder ⚡”

“We’re very happy to have Rey Ortíz back. Rey Ortíz started to find his groove towards the end of the season, we’re hoping that continues through 2022,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Oleda. “The young man has a lot of great upsides, a young man that is very different from many in USL League One. Technical, quick, has a great change of rhythm that we’re looking for him to exploit this year. We’re looking for him to continue to build off of 2021 and continue to contribute and keep us moving in a positive direction towards the championship.”

“Rey is someone we have been focusing on for quite some time,” said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “And even though he joined us a little late in 2021 he came on very strong for us as we made our playoff run. Having Rey as a part of the squad the entire 2022 season is going to be important for us.”

Ortíz is the fourth confirmed member for the Red Wolves 2022 squad alongside Rafa Mentzingen, top-scorer, Juan Galindrez, and captain, José Carrera-García. More player announcements to follow throughout the week.