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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 always great to be a part of a new team, there are a lot of unknowns for everyone, but I think that’s a great thing—a blank canvas, and all of us from the owner to the players are trying to make a piece of art.  

How would you describe your style of play?

I have always said I want fans to form their own opinion of me rather than me talk about myself, but I would say that I’m a one-touch passer who loves a tackle.

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

At eight years old I knew I wanted to be a pro because I wanted to play for Arsenal Football Club (best Club in the world).

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

I study the game a lot. Thierry Henry was my idol growing up—he was a legend—but now I take pieces out of a lot of different players’ games.

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

Number one reason is because I saw the standard of players the club was bringing in, and I knew they were building a team that could compete in the championship, nevermind League One. So I wanted to be a part of it. 

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 most excited about working with this level of talent and experience—players who have played in some very big games, players who have played at very high levels. Secondly I’m looking forward to the fans and the city. I’ve heard a lot about Chattanooga supporters and the city as a whole. My expectations are always high for myself and those I associate with, so I believe a championship is well within our means.

How are you prepping for your time here?

Hard work. I’ve always worked hard and been ready for whatever season comes around. I work with people in Norcross Georgia called Toca (see on my IG) as well as do my own gym work.

You spent last season with USL Championship’s Atlanta United 2—describe that experience. What did you enjoy most?

The atmosphere around the training ground, going to see games and seeing 75,000 fans. Training with the best players in the country, watching guys who have played in the Serie A, the best players to have played in the MLS, the facilities etc. I could go on all day but it’s a great club and to have played 24 times in the championship and gain that experience is incredible. 

Are you excited to be staying in the USL?

Yes, I never like leaving a certain place until I believe I have shown my best there. Although I believe I had a good season last season with ATL, I believe I have more to show and I’m excited to be able to do that up the road.

Aside from rostering with Atlanta United 2, you also spent a season with San Antonio FC—in your opinion, what makes USL competition different?

There are clubs that are built to win the league and their are clubs built to develop young players. Neither is bad or good, just different. At San Antonio it was win at all costs. We only lost four games all season and had a great team of experienced pros. At ATL2, it was all about developing guys for the first team and making sure they had what they needed to win the MLS and future trophies. 

We have to ask—were you able to attend the MLS cup final? If not, where did you watch/how did you celebrate?

I did not go to the final. I watched it from home with my family and was screaming my head off the whole game. I have friends on both sides but seeing the club you played for all season win the biggest trophy of the year was great and very very well-deserved. They are steps above other MLS clubs at the moment. ATL is the new standard. 

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

It’s a new city, new types of people, new places. I love moving around and changing scenery. Also, it’s not Minnesota cold so I’m happy about that.

If you could play any position on the field (aside from your primary), where would you play? Why?

Forward, nothing better than scoring a goal. I also fancy myself a great finisher and my movement is unbelievable.

Favorite pregame song?

Anything Travis Scott

Favorite historic soccer moment?

Keane Vs. Vieira in the tunnel 2005. 

Andrew is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season. Keep up with Andrew on Instagram and Twitter.  

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 18, 2019) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed goalkeeper Alex Mangels to its USL League One team. Mangels will join the club for its inaugural season from USL Championship’s Portland Timbers 2, pending league and federation approval.

The California native joined USL Championship’s Portland Timbers 2, operated by MLS side Portland Timbers, ahead of the 2018 season. He appeared in 15 matches, totaling 1,350 minutes played. He finished the season with six clean sheets and helped the club to its first trip to the USL Playoffs.

According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, adding Mangels brings experience and depth to the roster.

“Alex has a lot of Championship-level match minutes under his belt,” said Hankinson. “He does a great job of commanding his box, making big time saves and isn’t afraid to make contact. I have no doubt that he has the ability to be a standout between the posts this season.”

Prior to joining Portland Timbers 2, Mangels rostered with NASL side San Francisco Deltas for the 2017 season, winning the championship in the club’s inaugural year. He made his professional debut the year prior, signing with USL Championship’s Tulsa Roughnecks in 2016. There, Mangels made 17 appearances, totaled 1,500 minutes played and led the league in save percentage (.782).

“I am really looking forward to this new chapter in my career,” said Mangels. “Being involved with the inaugural year of a club is special, and it’s exciting to be a part of that in Chattanooga. I can’t wait to get settled into the city and hit the ground running.”

Mangels joins the Red Wolves roster as the fifteenth player signing for the club. Other signees include Richard Dixon, Andrew Moullin and Éamon Zayed. 

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.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit www.chattredwolves.com.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 17, 2019) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC announced Kevin Friedman as director of game day operations for its USL League One team. Friedman is responsible for general game day operations, stadium management, opponent liaison and ensuring all USL League One requirements are met for match events.

According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC President and General Manager Sean McDaniel, Friedman will be vital to the success of the club’s game day experience. 

“Adding Kevin to our team allows us to put the game day logistics into place in preparation for the season,” said McDaniel. “Kevin has knowledge of the game and extensive experience in the operational side of matches, so I have no doubt that with his help Red Wolves game days will be enjoyable for all involved.”

As director of game day operations, Friedman will oversee all game day programming, for preseason, regular season and playoff matches, including but not limited to supervising operations staff for every home match, security, facility prep, coordinating arrivals and care of visiting team and referees and more.

With an undergrad in Sports Ministry and a master’s degree in Sports Administration, Friedman is well-versed in the sports administration & operations scene, having played and coached collegiately at Belhaven College in Jackson, MS, as well as spent time with the equipment department for Major League Soccer’s (MLS) D.C. United. He has over 15 years of operations and event management experience.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Front Office,” said Friedman. “I’m looking forward to coordinating the game day logistics for the Red Wolves’ Inaugural Season and giving fans, staff and the team a fun, exciting and smooth experience at every match.”

Originally from Memphis, TN, he has lived in Chattanooga with his wife and one-year-old son for eight years. 

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.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit chattredwolves.com. 

The youngest members of the community have brought the Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club mascot to life through artwork.  

Last October, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC asked elementary and middle school students throughout the greater Chattanooga region to participate in the “Draw Your Mascot” competition. Throughout the semester, students submitted artwork that best represented Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, taking into account the club’s mission and vision, as well as the red wolf animal itself.  

The club received more than 400 submissions from the contest and three designs were selected with top honors. 

Woody Tate, a fifth grader at Big Ridge Elementary, took home first place for his rendition of the mascot. His Big Ridge classmate, Chapman Mathis, took home second place, and Sophia Turpin, a fourth grader at Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS), took home third. 

According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Director of Community Relations Terri Lee, choosing just three winners proved to be a difficult task for the Red Wolves Front Office. 

“Each submission was fantastic, so choosing just three winners out of 400+ entries was really tough,” said Lee. “The youngest members of our community have so much talent and creativity, and it was really a no-brainer for us to source their help in designing our official mascot. Community is at our core here at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, and this was a fun way to engage our younger audience.”

The Red Wolves plan to take design aspects from the three winners and incorporate them into the official design. The mascot will be revealed at the club’s inaugural opening night versus Forward Madison on April 6. Kickoff is 7 p.m. local time.

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.

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. (Jan. 14, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed midfielder Andrew Moullin to its USL League One team. Moullin will join the club for its inaugural season from USL Championship’s Atlanta United 2, pending league and federation approval.

The 24-year-old Minnesota native joined Atlanta United 2, operated by MLS side and 2018 Cup Champions Atlanta United, ahead of the 2018 season. He appeared in 24 matches, totaling 1,963 minutes played. He began his professional career the year prior, rostering with USL Championship’s San Antonio FC for the 2017 season.

“With Andrew, we continue the trend of adding championship-level experience to our roster,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson. “His versatility and ability to play multiple positions will allow us to cover spots and change up our formation to best secure results.” 

Collegiately, Moullin played at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) where he spent four seasons. During his time with the Cougars, he made 72 appearances, added three goals and eight assists and earned multiple All-MVC (Missouri Valley Conference) honors. During his collegiate career, Moullin also played with USL League Two sides Reading United AC and Lehigh Valley United. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my professional career playing in front of fans in a city that is so passionate about the game,” said Moullin. “I’m looking forward to representing Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the team’s League One debut.”

Moullin joins the Red Wolves roster as the fourteenth player signing for the club. Other signees include Richard Dixon, Colin Falvey and Steven Beattie.  

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.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit www.chattredwolves.com. 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 11, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has announced MPL Construction & Architecture as the official 2019 training kit sponsor of its USL League One team for the club’s inaugural season. 

“We are proud to add MPL Construction as a sponsor,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC President and General Manager Sean McDaniel. “It’s important to us to have well-respected, forward-thinking companies support our club. Matt and Ethan Wood are from Chattanooga and have seen the growth of soccer firsthand over the last ten years. We couldn’t be happier to have them as a part of the Chattanooga Red Wolves family.” 

MPL Construction & Architecture Company has been a trusted local design build contractor since its inception in 1972. Owned by general contractors Matt and Ethan Wood  (brothers), MPL is proud to represent Butler Manufacturing™ in the Chattanooga area.   Butler® is the largest manufacturer of pre-engineered buildings in the world. MPL specializes in a wide range of projects with services that include design consultation, reconstruction and complete construction management. MPL clients include Astec Industries, Card Monroe, Heatec, ADM, Boyd Buchanan School, ServePro, Hunter Oil, Lee Smith, Chattanooga Tractor and The Woodbridge Group.

“Our team couldn’t be more excited to join this new venture with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC,” said MPL Construction & Architecture Owner and CFO Matt Wood. “We are tremendous fans of the game and what the Red Wolves organization is building. There are exciting things ahead for this partnership and the Chattanooga community.” 

MPL’s logo will be featured across the front of the training kits worn by Chattanooga Red Wolves SC players for every practice session. In addition, the logo will appear at David Stanton Field, the Red Wolves’ home turf for the 2019 season. 

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.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit chattredwolves.com. 

About MPL Construction & Architecture

MPL Construction & Architecture Company has been a design build contractor since 1972.  In 2006 they brought in an in-house architect to manage the design phase of the construction more closely. Matt and Ethan are active general contractors that will be on-site during construction of your project and will be readily available to you during all phases of design and construction. For more information, visit mplconstruction.com. 

About USL League One

USL League One is shaping the future of the game in the United States, uniting passionate fans in new markets with the thrill of a proven professional soccer experience. League One submitted its sanctioning application to the U.S. Soccer Federation on August 14. South Georgia Tormenta FC, FC Tucson, Greenville Triumph SC, a Madison-based team, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Toronto FC II, Orlando City B and the Richmond Kickers have been revealed as teams set to compete in the inaugural 2019 season. The remaining teams will be announced in the coming weeks as well as the league’s official competition structure.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 9, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed defender Leo Folla to its USL League One team. Folla will join the club for its 2019 Inaugural Season, pending league and federation approval.

A native of New York, N.Y., Folla joins the Red Wolves after a stint with Härnösands FF of Sweden’s Division 2 Norrland. According to Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, the young defender shows a lot of promise as a member of the Red Wolves back line. 

“Leo is a calm and technical center-back,” said Hankinson. “He is poised on the ball and excels at building out of the defense, delivering passes and finding his midfielders.” 

Prior to his stint with Härnösands FF, Folla had a decorated college career. Transferring to Brooklyn’s St. Francis College after spending his freshman year at University of Albany, Folla started in 53 matches in his three years with the Terriers. He added five goals and two assists and won two Northeast Conference Regular Season Titles and two Northeast Conference Championships. In 2017, he garnered Northeast Conference All-Team selection and captained his team to the championship. In addition, during his collegiate career, Folla spent four seasons with USL League Two’s FA Euro New York. 

“I look forward to joining such an ambitious club and having a successful inaugural season with Chattanooga,” said Folla. “The club is moving in the right direction, and I’m ecstatic to continue my career development here.” 

He joins the Red Wolves roster as the thirteenth player signing for the club. Other signees include Sito Seoane, Colin Falvey and Steven Beattie.  

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.

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit www.chattredwolves.com. 

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

It means a lot to me to be on the first roster and part of history. It’s giving me extra motivation to work hard and leave good memories.

How would you describe your style of play?

My playing style is about having good control and possession of the game—giving confidence to the rest of the defense, holding the ball when needed and playing vertical into the attack. 

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 player when I began playing with my local academy at seven years old.

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

Yes—for me that was former Italian professional footballer, Gianluca Zambrotta.

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

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a promising new team with big ambitions and a lot of opportunity. I’ve wanted to come to the United States to compete, and things fell into place for me to do so. Chattanooga will be a great fit. 

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 excited to show the fans good games and positive results. My expectation for us as a team is to come out of this first season on top. I know it won’t be easy, but I’ve seen my teammates resumes, and I think it will be possible. 

How are you prepping for your time here?

I’m preparing my focus to be only on soccer, and of course spending time with my family before my move to Chattanooga.

You have competed in two UEFA Champions League qualifying matches and in one Europa League qualifying match. What was it like participating in those events?

This competition is the biggest competition in Europe, so for me it was an unbelievable feeling and experience. Overall, our team had good results—we almost made it to group stage but ultimately fell short.

You’ve rostered with four Albanian Superliga teams throughout your career—describe what competition is like in that division.

It’s a really high level of competition—this may not be familiar for some people, but you can take a look at the results of Albanian teams playing in Champions League and Europa League competitions every year. 

What did you enjoy most about playing in your native Albania?

I always enjoyed when we had games with our direct rival team FC Skenderbeu and of course when we had good results. We had very passionate fans who would cheer our names the entire game.

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

It’s simple: the fans. I can’t wait to give them good results and competitive games. 

What is your favorite thing about your native Albania?

My favorite thing is traditional Albanian Food, which I’m sure I will be missing soon haha! It’s all made from scratch and fresh. Very good. 

Vangjel is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season. Keep up with Vangjel on Instagram.  

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 3, 2018) – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has announced a three-year partnership with local youth soccer organization Redoubt Soccer Association, focusing on coaching and player education, fundraising and more. 

Redoubt, whose mission is to elevate the quality of recreation and ensure a positive influence to make a difference in the future of the children in the local area, has been a staple in the Chattanooga Soccer Community since its inception in 1987. The nonprofit offers recreational and division three soccer programs for youth ages three-18. 

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and for what’s to come,” said Chattanooga Red Wolves SC President and General Manager Sean McDaniel. “Redoubt is recognized as a respected pillar within our community and has always been a champion for the recreational and select sectors of local soccer.”

As a part of the partnership, every player jersey in Redoubt’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 and player education clinics with assistance from Red Wolves SC professional players, covering all aspects of the game—both on and off the pitch. 

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is delivering fundraising efforts as a piece of the agreement, allowing teams from Redoubt to directly benefit from Red Wolves SC ticket sales. According to Amanda Finlay, Redoubt Soccer Association President, the partnership provides a tremendous platform for Redoubt to make a larger impact within the community. 

“As an organization we are thrilled to be partnering with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC,” said Finlay. “Through this partnership, we plan to elevate our passion for the game and create more opportunities for families and young players within the Chattanooga community.” 

Beginning in the 2019 season, the organization will have one dedicated Chattanooga Red Wolves SC match night per season, on which all players wearing a Redoubt jersey will be granted free admission. 

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 Redoubt Soccer Association, visit www.redoubtsoccer.com. 

About Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 

Founded in 2018, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC is a professional soccer club in Chattanooga, Tenn. The USL League One founding member is led by business executive Robert (Bob) Martino and coached by Tim Hankinson. The club has plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,500-seat soccer-specific stadium in Chattanooga for the 2020 season and will play its inaugural season at David Stanton Field at Chattanooga Christian School while the stadium is being built. For more information, visit www.chattredwolves.com. 

About Redoubt Soccer Association

Redoubt Soccer Association is one of Chattanooga’s largest recreational soccer clubs. For over thirty years Redoubt has worked to promote youth soccer in Chattanooga by providing a safe environment for players and families to learn the laws, fundamentals, and skills required to excel at the game of soccer. For more information, visit www.redoubtsoccer.com.