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What does it mean to be a member of the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history?

It’s a privilege to be part of this club—the plan we have in place to make this team the best team in the league and all the history we will make this year gives us a lot to look forward to. It really means a lot for me to be a part of this organization.

How would you describe your style of play?

I’d say I’m a shifty player and very calm on the ball.

When did you know soccer was what you wanted to pursue? Did you always want to be a professional footballer?

I knew I wanted to be a professional soccer player because it’s what I’ve enjoyed doing most since I was four years old. Soccer has always been everything to me, and I really don’t think I can go without playing. Honestly ever since I started playing, I knew that I wanted the sport to be my career.

Is there an iconic player that you’ve looked up to throughout your career?

Lionel Messi. 

Why Chattanooga? What made this move the right one for you at this point in your career?

I decided to come to Chattanooga because of the vision and the plan they have for this club. I know they have the right mindset to make this a great environment for me to become a better player. I think at this point in my career I can develop and mature more as a player here with the Red Wolves. 

With 2019 being USL League One’s debut season, what are you most excited about? What are your expectations for the 2019 season?

I’m really excited to see all the fans come out and support us. I know this is a soccer city, and for us to be successful we need a lot of people cheering us on. I’m confident we will do good things for the club and the city and have the ability bring a trophy back home this season.

How was your first week of preseason?

My first week of preseason has been great. We have a great group of top-notch, talented guys, and I’m really enjoying myself.

What’s your first impression of Coach Hankinson’s coaching style?

Coach Hank has a clear picture of what he wants our team to do, and I can tell he’s a great coach with a winning mentality. He has the experience to help us to develop as players.

First impression of the Red Wolves roster?

We have a lot of older, experienced guys who have been leaders for the clubs they’ve played for previously. This is a tremendous asset that will help lead our team to win a trophy.

You spent last season with USL Championship’s Orange County SC—describe that experience. What did you enjoy most?

My experience last year at OC was a little bumpy with lots of ups and downs, but it only made me become a better person both on and off the field. That being said, it was a very special season because I made it to a USL final in my second year of being a pro.

Are you excited to be staying in the USL? What makes USL competition different?  

I’m super excited to stay in the USL—it’s great competition, in and out every single day, from training to games. Everyone works really hard to get to where they want to be.

You were active in the U.S. Youth National Team Program from U-14-U-20—what was that like? How did it impact your development as a player?

Competing in the National Team Program impacted me as a player because of the level of competition. You’re competing against the best In the country, so you know day in and day out you have to work hard and give 100%. Everyone there is very talented—getting into good habits and learning how to play different roles as a player are crucial. 

Not many people know that you were the first American invited to train in the Nike Academy in England—describe the feeling when you got the invitation.

I was very fortunate because it wasn’t easy to be chosen to go to England for the Nike academy due to the level of competition. It’s something I can’t even explain because I would have never thought I would get an opportunity like that.

What are you most looking forward to about living in Chattanooga?

I’m looking forward to checking out the hiking trails and local scenery—I really enjoy the outdoors.

Favorite pregame song?

“Nonstop” by Drake.

Favorite historic soccer moment?

My favorite historic soccer moment is when Zidane head butted Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup—who could forget that? 

Ami joined the Chattanooga Red Wolves roster earlier this month. Keep up with Ami on Instagram and Twitter. 

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC opens home preseason play Saturday, Feb. 23 against USL Championship side Atlanta United 2, operated by 2018 MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United. Kick off time for the match is set for 1 p.m. at Chattanooga Christian School’s David Stanton Field.

According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, this match will be a big test for the USL League One team.

“Saturday’s match will enable us to see the progress we’ve made since last Wednesday’s matchup against Birmingham Legion FC and will be a great test to see how we continue to develop as a unit throughout this first stretch of preseason training,” said Hankinson.

Saturday’s match marks the end of the team’s third week of preseason training, which began on Feb. 1. Defender Andrew Moullin signed with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC last month ahead of the club’s League One debut after spending the 2018 season with Atlanta United 2. While there, he appeared in 24 matches, totaling 1,963 minutes played. According to Moullin, there’s an excitement that stems from facing teams in higher divisions.

“The guys are ready to get back on the field and play in a game day atmosphere,” said Moullin. “Last week’s closed scrimmage against Legion FC was our first time performing together and it definitely showed us what we need to work on and gaps we need to fill. Playing against clubs in higher divisions is always vital to the growth of a team, and I think Saturday’s match will be an exciting one to watch.” 

Gates open at 12 p.m. on Saturday.  Season Ticket Holders receive free admission into the match. General admission tickets are now available for $10. Onsite parking will be available for $5 and will open at 11:30 a.m. For tickets, visit www.chattredwolves.com/tickets.

The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time.

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Feb. 21, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has announced Chick-fil-A Chattanooga as the official 2019 Family Section sponsor for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season.

“We are really happy to have our Chattanooga-area Chick-fil-a restaurants as our family section sponsor for our debut season,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC President and General Manager Sean McDaniel. “This partnership aligns seamlessly with our mission at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC—to create a family-friendly experience that everyone can enjoy.”

Chick-fil-A Chattanooga has nine restaurants in the greater Chattanooga area. According to Chick-fil-A Brainerd Village Operator Nick Goebeler, this opportunity with the Red Wolves provides the group another avenue to connect with the local community.  

“Our team is thrilled to be a part of this new venture with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC,” said Goebeler. “We are excited to partner with the Red Wolves and bring the Chick-fil-A brand to life for fans this season in our restaurants and at David Stanton Field.”

The Red Wolves’ Family Section will officially be named the “Chick-fil-A Family Section” and will be decked out in Chick-fil-A branding at every home match. In addition, the restaurant will be available to fans as a food vendor for the season. Customers can download the Chick-fil-A One®  App in the app store to earn treats, order ahead and much more at their local Chattanooga-area Chick-fil-A. Attendance at a home game in April at David Stanton Field unlocks the ability to claim an offer for a free Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich when customers log in or sign up with the Chick-fil-A® App.

The team opens home preseason play Saturday, Feb. 23 as it faces USL Championship side Atlanta United 2, operated by 2018 MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United. The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time. For ticket information, visit www.chattredwolves.com/tickets. 

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The United Soccer League and ESPN have reached a landmark agreement that will continue the multi-level growth of professional soccer in the U.S. and bring every game of USL League One’s inaugural 2019 season to ESPN+, the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is one of 10 teams competing in USL League One, the new United States Soccer Federation-sanctioned Division III league. The Red Wolves’ regular season kicks off in Dallas on Saturday, March 30 against North Texas SC and finishes against Toronto FC II at home Saturday, Oct. 5. 

“This is a big moment for League One,” said League One Senior Vice President Steven Short. “Placing the league side-by-side with some of the best professional soccer in North America and the rest of the world on ESPN+ will create major visibility to League One’s inaugural season. It will allow us to showcase the best of what this league will have to offer for fans across the United States.”

The addition of League One’s 2019 regular season and postseason schedules to the platform, results in more than 700 games across the USL Championship and League One on ESPN+ in the 2019 season. The games will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production, broadcast and distribution facilities with VISTA WorldLink in south Florida.

Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has already surpassed two million subscribers and established itself as a must-have for soccer fans in the U.S. It offers hundreds of top-level soccer matches from around the world, including Major League Soccer, UEFA Nations League, Italy’s Serie A, England’s FA Cup and English Football League Championship and League 1, the Dutch Eredivisie, Australia’s A-League and more.

The United Soccer League will enter its fourth full season of media rights agreement with ESPN in 2019, with contests from the USL Championship having aired regularly on ESPN’s platforms since the start of the 2016 campaign. Last November the USL Cup aired on ESPN2 for the first time as Louisville City FC claimed its second consecutive championship with victory against Phoenix Rising FC.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has announced a three-year partnership with East Ridge Futbol Club (ERFC). The USL League One club will aid in coaching education, player development, fundraising and more. 

ERFC, whose sole focus is providing a top-notch recreational program for young players, was founded in 2011 by the city of East Ridge. The 501c3 nonprofit evolved from East Ridge Soccer Association (ERSA) and is a member of Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA). ERFC serves approximately 2,500 players every year, offering both outdoor and indoor recreational leagues.

“East Ridge Futbol Club has done a fantastic job of establishing a strong recreational program for players in our community,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC President and General Manager Sean McDaniel. “We are excited to support the association in providing vital development opportunities through coaching clinics, player interactions and more.”

As a part of the partnership, every player jersey in ERFC’s programs will feature the official Chattanooga Red Wolves SC crest. In addition, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson will lead coaching clinics focusing on coaching education and techniques for the association’s coaching staff. The Red Wolves SC roster will be of assistance, as well, making appearances at training sessions to interact with ERFC players. Both Hankinson and the players will help assess players within the program and identify those ready to make a move to academy play.

According to East Ridge Futbol Club President Jon Hooper, the partnership between the organizations is a tremendous asset to the ERFC’s coaches and youth players.

“Through this partnership, we are able to provide our coaches and players additional opportunities to further soccer education and development,” said Hooper. “Our mission is to develop programs that excite, challenge and educate all players to perform at their greatest potential, and we believe Chattanooga Red Wolves SC will help us continue to do just that.”

Beginning in the 2019 season, the organization will have one dedicated Chattanooga Red Wolves SC match night per season, on which all players wearing an ERFC jersey will be granted free admission. The fundraising portion of the agreement allows teams from ERFC to directly benefit from Red Wolves SC ticket sales.

ERFC is holding spring soccer sign-ups Feb. 16 and 23 at Camp Jordan Arena. The association is also hosting a free coach and player camp on Monday, March 4 at 6 p.m. for ages U6-19. For more information on East Ridge Futbol Club, visit www.eastridgeparksandrec.com.

The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time.

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (February 11, 2019) – Chattanooga Red Wolves announced today the addition of David Barrueta to the club’s technical staff as assistant and goalkeeping coach for the 2019 season. Barrueta joins Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson and brings nearly 30 years of coaching experience to the USL League One team.

According to Hankinson, hiring the right person for the job was a top priority for the CRWSC staff.

“We carefully vetted a couple of different candidates for this position,” said Hankinson. “David has the experience, the leadership and a shared vision for Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. We’re happy to have him join the team.”

Barrueta has been working with goalkeepers and players of all ages in the Greater Chattanooga area since 2005. He has previously served as both head coach and assistant coach at local schools and at universities including Sewanee, Yale University, Longwood University and Mercer University.

He is a 1990 graduate of Rutgers University (New Brunswick) where his team earned a NCAA Division I national ranking of #1 and two Final Fours, including a loss in the National Championship to UCLA in 1990. He finished a collegiate career with 40 shutouts, All Northeast Conference selection (Loyola College 1987), All Atlantic 10 Conference selection (Rutgers University) and All NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Region selection (Rutgers University). In 2015, he and his 1990 team were inducted into Rutgers University Athletics Hall of Fame.

He finished his playing career professionally with A-League’s Atlanta Ruckus (second division) in 1996 after being released from MLS’s New England Revolution during pre-season. He also was a member of USL’s Baltimore Bays (third division) and APSL’s Maryland Bays (first division).

“I am thrilled to join the Red Wolves technical staff,” said Barrueta. “Both Tim and Sean have put together an impressive roster with talented, high-caliber players. This will be a fun season for our fans and the growing soccer community in Chattanooga.”

Preseason began Feb. 1 for the team in preparation for the first home exhibition match as the Red Wolves face USL Championship side Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time.

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Feb. 13, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed midfielder Amirgy “Ami” Pineda to its USL League One team. Pineda will join the club for its inaugural season from USL Championship’s Orange County SC, pending league and federation approval.

A native of Santa Ana, Calif., Pineda signed his first professional contract with Orange County SC ahead of the 2017 season. While with Orange County SC, Pineda made 22 appearances and tallied one goal and three assists across both regular seasons and USL Cup Playoffs.

According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, Pineda’s experience falls in line the team’s trend of signing players with next level experience.

“Ami is a midfielder with strong technical ability,” said Hankinson. “His experience with the U-20 USA National Team and his last season with USL Championship’s Orange County SC makes him a quality player addition to our roster.”

Prior to his stint with Orange County SC, Pineda spent time with LA Galaxy Academy and was active in the U.S. National Team Program from U-14-U-20. Pineda was present in the Orange County youth soccer scene as a member of the Fullerton Rangers, winning two national championships with the club. Additionally, he was the first American invited to train in the Nike Academy in England.

“I feel very grateful to be joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s debut in League One,” said Pineda. “Coach Hankinson has put together an impressive roster, and I can’t wait to be a part of all of the accomplishments we will reach this year. Let’s bring a championship to Chattanooga.”

Pineda joins the Red Wolves roster as the 18th player signing for the club and the 12th with USL Championship experience.

The team is set to take on USL Championship side Atlanta United 2 for the first home preseason match on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time.

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC unveiled the club’s official 2019 match kits last Saturday, Feb. 9 at FreightWaves’ Freight Alley. The event, exclusive to season ticket holders and sponsors, featured an open bar sponsored by OddStory and J.W. Kelly, eats provided by FoodWorks, DJ Dutty Laundry and more. 

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC inked a multi-year agreement with Adidas to provide the team’s uniforms and equipment. The Athletic Shop, Chattanooga’s oldest local sporting goods store, is the club’s Adidas distributor. 

Juan Mare, Conor Doyle and Alex Mangels revealed the kits to party guests. According to CRWSC Goalkeeper Alex Mangels, the kits perfectly embody the club, its goals and players. 

“I think the kits look fantastic,” said Mangels. “They’re unique, clean and nicely capture the Red Wolves as a team. The guys are really excited to debut the kits for our first home preseason match on February 23.” 

CRWSC Forward Conor Doyle, agrees. 

“Both the home and away kits look awesome,” said Doyle. “I think the guys were just as excited as our fans to see the jerseys for the first time ourselves.” 

In December, the Red Wolves announced local software company TransCard as the club’s primary kit sponsor under a three-year deal. 

The Red Wolves will debut the home jersey on the pitch on Saturday, Feb 23 at 11 a.m. as they face USL Championship side Atlanta United 2 at David Stanton Field for the team’s first home preseason match. For tickets, visit chattredwolves.com/tickets. 

The red home jersey is available to purchase. Fans can visit shop.chattredwolves.com to buy. 

$89.95 

Sizes YM-XXL available. 

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has announced a partnership with Chattanooga-based OddStory Brewing Company (OBC). As a part of the partnership, the local brewery is introducing Red Wolves Irish Red Ale, crafted and brewed specifically with the Red Wolves SC brand and Chattanooga’s growing soccer community in mind.  

“Our team couldn’t be happier to have OddStory on board as a partner for our inaugural season,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC President and General Manager Sean McDaniel. “From the start, we have sought community-minded partners. OddStory’s mission to unite through providing a quality product aligns perfectly with our vision to do just that on the pitch. I can’t wait for Chattanooga to see and taste Red Wolves Irish Red Ale.”

OBC started as an idea formed around offering a quality product, working hard and engaging the local Chattanooga-area community. Father and son duo Bryan and Jay Boyd actively began the venture in 2013, ultimately opening OBC’s doors in December 2016. OBC offers eighteen taps of in-house beers inside its East MLK Boulevard taproom and supplies over one hundred locations with craft beers ranging from ales, to lagers, sours, and barrel aged variations. Community is at OBC’s core, as the business partners with numerous local non-profit organizations to assist in raising awareness and funds.

“OBC is excited to be involved with the Red Wolves and Chattanooga’s vibrant sports community, including a continually growing soccer base,” said OBC Owner Bryan Boyd. “Our family has enjoyed soccer for many years, and we look forward to the opportunity to be supportive locally.”

In addition to Red Wolves Irish Red Ale, OBC will partner with Red Wolves SC on various community events, watch parties and meet and greets. The official draft release of Red Wolves Irish Red Ale in the OBC taproom is set for Saturday, Feb. 23—the same day as the team’s first preseason exhibition match against USL Championship side Atlanta United 2. Guests of the Red Wolves’ official 2019 Kit Reveal event on Saturday, Feb. 9 will receive a sneak peek of the brew.

The Red Wolves will make their debut in USL League One play on March 30, 2019 as the club travels to Dallas, Texas to face North Texas SC, a League One club operated by MLS side FC Dallas. The Red Wolves will face Forward Madison FC for the club’s inaugural opening night the following week on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time.

For more information on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, visit www.chattredwolves.com or follow the team on social media: @ChattRedWolves on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

For more information on OBC, visit www.oddstorybrewing.co or follow the brewery on social media: @oddstorybrewingco on Facebook and Instagram and @oddstorybrewing on Twitter.