News

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. 14, 2021) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on midfielder, Rafa Mentzingen, for the upcoming season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Mentzingen, one of the paciest players in the USL, was featured 17 times for the Red Wolves in the 2021 season recording a total of 885 minutes. The midfielder overcame a series of injuries in the early season to become a key part of the midfield upon recovery with 116 completed passes, five successful crosses, and one goal.

“​​My goals for 2022 are to bring the USL league one trophy to Chattanooga, first and foremost. Second is to be able to contribute more with goals and assists,” said Mentzingen on his outlook for 2022.

“My first year in Chattanooga started with some setbacks due to injury but ended on a very high note,” said Mentzingen. “The fans were unbelievable all throughout the season and I can’t wait for our first home game in 2022. I would like to tell our faithful fans that 2022 will be a special year and I can’t wait to hear and feel their support pushing us forward next season.” 

“We’re very happy to have Rafa back. We know that 2022 is going to be the breakout year for him,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “Rafa is an exceptional person, an exceptional professional, and this year we are looking forward to him being the exceptional soccer player to the level we know he can be and is going to be. We are very happy to have him back, he’s a special player and definitely an exceptional person to keep us moving forward to where we want to be by the end of the year.”

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 9th, 2021) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on 2021 top scorer, Juan Galindrez, for the upcoming season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Galindrez made a name for himself at CHI Memorial Stadium after scoring dramatic last-minute goals. The Red Wolves top scorer, and fifth in the league, netted 10 regular season goals and one postseason goal. Making a total of 29 appearances, Galindrez recorded a total of 1,316 minutes played.

“My goals for this season are to be the top scorer of the team and the league. I hope that with the team we can accomplish the ultimate goal of winning the championship,” said Galindrez on his goals for 2022. “We set a high bar last season and I hope everyone is ready to surpass it.”

“It was a magnificent season that was just short of the ultimate glory,” said Galindrez on his first year with the club. “That doesn’t take away from our incredible 15-game unbeaten streak, reaching the playoff semifinal, and always fighting with heart and determination to walk away with a win for all of the people that supported us along the way.”

“I ask our fans to please follow us into 2022 and to not leave anyone behind,” said Galindrez. “Invite everyone you can to follow us into the new season because you too are part of the team, the 12th man. From me you will get my full professionalism on and off the field. Dale Lobos.”

“Juan Galindrez brings goals, he brings goals to the team. He brought the goals that were significant this last year and allowed us to be where we finished the season. He’s a guy that’s very exciting, athletic, strong, and dynamic for his positioning. He’s very good inside the box. We hope that this year he will be even better,” said Red Wolves Head Coach, Jimmy Obleda. “After a year with us and USL League One we hope that he will be more comfortable. What we’re expecting out of him is double the goals he had last year (11) and the top-scoring title because he’s that kind of player. He’s a great guy to have in the locker room, a value that was very important to us as we were building the team. On and off the field he has been top class for us and we’re looking forward to that in 2022; that he brings the same energy, personality and smile that he always does and double the goals he made this previous season.”

“When we signed Juan we had high hopes for his goal-scoring production and he didn’t disappoint,’ said Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “He scored some great and very dramatic game winners last season which contributed to the cardiac Red Wolves lore that now exists. We are glad to have Juan back with us so he can pick up where he left off.”

Galindrez is the second announced member for the Red Wolves 2022 team alongside captain, José Carrera-García; more player announcements to follow.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 7th, 2021) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on 2021 Captain, José Carrera-García, for the upcoming season. Pending league and federation approval.

Carrera-García played 29 games in the 2021 season, recording a staggering 2,662 minutes of play time. The versatile midfielder went on to score 2 goals with 11 shots on target, and 2 assists. Defensively, Carrera-García had 12 clearances, won 22 tackles, and intercepted the ball 37 times. An impressive 1,568 passes, the third most in the league, came off the foot of the captain with an 87% accuracy, successfully connecting 1,364 passes.

“There is only one goal for 2022. To win the championship. Since I arrived at the club I said that was my #1 goal,” says Carrera-García on what he hopes to accomplish this season.

“My first year at the club was amazing. 15 game unbeaten streak, first year making playoffs, first time ever hosting a playoffs game,” on his first season in Chattanooga. “The fans were amazing. All those things were important and we know we are so close to our main goal.”

“I am happy to be back one more year, thank you for the love and support that always gives us the extra push,” says the captain to the Red Wolves supporters. “This city, this club, and these fans deserve a championship and with all their support we know this year will be the year for us. Thank you and see you guys soon.”

“When we signed José Carrera-García last season we were bringing him in not just because he is a great soccer player but also because he’s a great leader,” says Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “On the field, in the locker room and in the community, José continues to cement his significance in the Scenic City and the Red Wolves”

“Carrera epitomizes everything that we are and want to become as a club. It was a no-brainer to bring him back for a second year,” says Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. “He’s a winner, he’s an amazing person, and has an amazing mentality. He’s an amazing soccer player. We’re super excited to have him back, he’s our man.”

“What we look from him is the continued leadership heading into 2022. Setting the bar high in professionalism and everything we want to accomplish.” says Obleda. “As far as getting into the playoffs again and hopefully being in the finals and winning a championship, that’s what we aspire to do. That is what we have spoken about since day one and he brings that attitude and mentality to every training and every game.”

Carrera-García is the first announced member for the Red Wolves 2022 team; more player announcements to follow.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 7th, 2021) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on 2021 Captain, José Carrera-García, for the upcoming season. Pending league and federation approval.

Carrera-García played 29 games in the 2021 season, recording a staggering 2,662 minutes of play time. The versatile midfielder went on to score 2 goals with 11 shots on target, and 2 assists. Defensively, Carrera-García had 12 clearances, won 22 tackles, and intercepted the ball 37 times. An impressive 1,568 passes, the third most in the league, came off the foot of the captain with an 87% accuracy, successfully connecting 1,364 passes.

“There is only one goal for 2022. To win the championship. Since I arrived at the club I said that was my #1 goal,” says Carrera-García on what he hopes to accomplish this season.

“My first year at the club was amazing. 15 game unbeaten streak, first year making playoffs, first time ever hosting a playoffs game,” on his first season in Chattanooga. “The fans were amazing. All those things were important and we know we are so close to our main goal.”

“I am happy to be back one more year, thank you for the love and support that always gives us the extra push,” says the captain to the Red Wolves supporters. “This city, this club, and these fans deserve a championship and with all their support we know this year will be the year for us. Thank you and see you guys soon.”

“When we signed José Carrera-García last season we were bringing him in not just because he is a great soccer player but also because he’s a great leader,” says Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “On the field, in the locker room and in the community, José continues to cement his significance in the Scenic City and the Red Wolves”

“Carrera epitomizes everything that we are and want to become as a club. It was a no-brainer to bring him back for a second year,” says Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. “He’s a winner, he’s an amazing person, and has an amazing mentality. He’s an amazing soccer player. We’re super excited to have him back, he’s our man.”

“What we look from him is the continued leadership heading into 2022. Setting the bar high in professionalism and everything we want to accomplish.” says Obleda. “As far as getting into the playoffs again and hopefully being in the finals and winning a championship, that’s what we aspire to do. That is what we have spoken about since day one and he brings that attitude and mentality to every training and every game.”

Carrera-García is the first announced member for the Red Wolves 2022 team; more player announcements to follow.

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (Dec. 7th, 2021) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have exercised the 2022 option on 2021 Captain, José Carrera-García, for the upcoming season. Pending league and federation approval.

Carrera-García played 29 games in the 2021 season, recording a staggering 2,662 minutes of play time. The versatile midfielder went on to score 2 goals with 11 shots on target, and 2 assists. Defensively, Carrera-García had 12 clearances, won 22 tackles, and intercepted the ball 37 times. An impressive 1,568 passes, the third most in the league, came off the foot of the captain with an 87% accuracy, successfully connecting 1,364 passes.

“There is only one goal for 2022. To win the championship. Since I arrived at the club I said that was my #1 goal,” says Carrera-García on what he hopes to accomplish this season.

“My first year at the club was amazing. 15 game unbeaten streak, first year making playoffs, first time ever hosting a playoffs game,” on his first season in Chattanooga. “The fans were amazing. All those things were important and we know we are so close to our main goal.”

“I am happy to be back one more year, thank you for the love and support that always gives us the extra push,” says the captain to the Red Wolves supporters. “This city, this club, and these fans deserve a championship and with all their support we know this year will be the year for us. Thank you and see you guys soon.”

“When we signed José Carrera-García last season we were bringing him in not just because he is a great soccer player but also because he’s a great leader,” says Red Wolves GM & President, Sean McDaniel. “On the field, in the locker room and in the community, José continues to cement his significance in the Scenic City and the Red Wolves”

“Carrera epitomizes everything that we are and want to become as a club. It was a no-brainer to bring him back for a second year,” says Head Coach Jimmy Obleda. “He’s a winner, he’s an amazing person, and has an amazing mentality. He’s an amazing soccer player. We’re super excited to have him back, he’s our man.”

“What we look from him is the continued leadership heading into 2022. Setting the bar high in professionalism and everything we want to accomplish.” says Obleda. “As far as getting into the playoffs again and hopefully being in the finals and winning a championship, that’s what we aspire to do. That is what we have spoken about since day one and he brings that attitude and mentality to every training and every game.”

Carrera-García is the first announced member for the Red Wolves 2022 team; more player announcements to follow.

USL League One honored its leading performers from this year’s regular season campaign on Wednesday with the announcement of the 2021 USL League One All-League Teams. Chattanooga Red Wolves Midfielder, Ricky Ruiz, and Defender, Jason Ramos, were named to the First Team. Each earned First Team honors for the first time. Ricky Ruiz was named to the 2020 All-League Second Team selection.

Eleven of the league’s clubs were represented overall. The 2021 USL League One All-League Team was voted on by club management.

The finalists for the 2021 USL League One Awards will be announced on Thursday, with the Award Winners to be announced next week during the build-up to the 2021 USL League One Final.

D – Jason Ramos, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Ramos had a standout year in the center of the Red Wolves’ defense as he ranked second among outfield players with 211 recoveries and also notched 87 clearances, 25 interceptions and 32 tackles won. Ramos was also solid on the ball, completing 1,275 of 1,537 passes (83 percent) during the regular season. 

M – Ricky Ruiz, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: Ruiz tied the League One record with 10 assists in the regular season and also led the league with 59 key passes as he earned his first All-League First Team selection and second overall. The 25-year-old also won 55.6 percent of duels, completed 74 percent of passes overall, and ranked 11th in Goals Added at +5.96.

The Red Wolves hosted North Texas SC on Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the USL League  One Playoffs, the club’s first appearance. The match started brilliantly for the Red Wolves in the  7th minute, as Jonathan Ricketts put in a dangerous cross that was knocked into goal by a North  Texas defender, the club’s first ever postseason goal to go 1-0 up inside 10 minutes.  

The remainder of the first half would be played at a rapid pace on both ends, with both sides  instituting a high press with explosive play. In the 27th minute, North Texas would see a straight  red for Lucas for a high elbow on Juan Galindrez. The red card gave the Red Wolves more control in the match and allowed the home side to cruise to a 1-0 HT lead.  

The second half would continue the pace of play from the first half, with electric football on both ends of the pitch. Down a man, North Texas would receive a lifeline in the 68thh minute as Kamungo pounced on a loose pass to tie the match at 1-1. The Red Wolves would control the  remaining 20 minutes but be left begging at the death as Rey Ortiz saw a beautiful effort go  inches over.  

The Red Wolves would come out of the gate flying in the second half, as Galindrez and Navarro  hit the woodwork. With chances flying, the end of the first period of stoppage time would have  a sour note as Rey Ortiz received a questionable second yellow on an impeded throw in.  However, the Cardiac Red Wolves would not be denied, and Juan Galindrez would bundle in the  winner in the 113th minute with pandemonium ensuing in CHI Memorial Stadium.  

The 2,017 supporters in attendance brought the noise all night long, and the Red Wolves  defended the den for the club’s first playoff victory. The Red Wolves will now travel to  Greenville next weekend, to take Greenville Triumph SC in the USL League One Semifinal. 

USL League One announced on Monday its first official awards for 2021 with Richmond Kickers forward Emiliano Terzaghi claiming his second consecutive League One Golden Boot award. Union Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu, earned his first League One Golden Glove award. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC midfielder maestro Ricky Ruiz earned the Assists Champion award after an impressive season.

A California native, Ruiz equaled League One’s single-season record with 10 assists during the regular season this campaign, matching the total set by former North Texas SC midfielder Arturo Rodriguez in the 2019 regular season. The 24-year-old has spent the past two seasons with the Red Wolves after previously competing in USL League Two during and after his college career at the University of California – Riverside, and in addition to his first-place finish in assists ranked tied for first place in Chances Created with 58.

The 2021 USL League One Golden Boot, Golden Glove and Assists Champion are the opening three awards that will be presented by the league this year. League One’s Most Valuable Player, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and the USL League One All-League Teams will be announced later this month.

The Red Wolves head to Greenville to take on the defending champions Greenville Triumph at Legacy Early College. The last time out for Obleda and the side saw a 1-2 defeat in their regular season finale at CHI Memorial Stadium, with a late Juan Galindrez goal proving to not be enough to kick start a rally following a pair of Paul Rothrock goals for Toronto. 

It was a game that the Red Wolves dominated, holding 71% possession, and creating 10 chances throughout the course of the match. While there is encouragement to be found in the Red Wolves vicious press and ability to retain possession, Greenville now becomes a must win game in the hunt for a top-two finish that comes with home field advantage and an all-important first round bye. 

The Triumph have turned their season around in roundabout fashion following an eight-game winless streak that began at the beginning of July and didn’t end until the end of August. Now John Harkes has his side in fantastic form, unbeaten in their last seven games while securing 17 out of a possible 21 points during that stretch.

The last time out the Triumph secured an important three points at home against playoff rivals New England thanks to a 57th minute goal from Allen Gavilanes. The Triumph controlled the game while only holding 45% of the ball, outshooting New England 20-2 and creating 16 chances to New England’s 1. A good showing from the Triumph was enough to see off a rather toothless New England side, and now have a chance to move into second place with a victory against the Red Wolves. 

The all-important match between Greenville and the Red Wolves all but decides who will take home second place in the league, with playoff implications that will affect the rest of the top 6. 

The Triumph hold the sixth best home record in the league at six wins, four draws, and three losses. On the other side, the Red Wolves hold the league’s fourth best away record with four wins, five draws, and three losses. In the all-time head-to-head series, Greenville holds the advantage with four wins and two draws with only two losses. 

The match features two of the top five leading goal scorers in USL League One as well, Mario Lomis has netted 13 for the Triumph while Juan Galindrez has 10 in the campaign. Ricky Ruiz still leads the league with nine assists, and in chances created with a remarkable tally of 53 in the 2021 campaign. For the Triumph, Allen Gavilanes leads the way with 3 assists this season. 

The Biggest match of the 2021 campaign kicks off at 7 PM EST on Saturday, October 23 on ESPN+, as the Red Wolves travel to Greenville looking to secure a top two finish in USL League One.