Chattanooga Football Club Makes History!

Graphic courtesy of Chattanooga Football Club

In The Know with Gino… 

Chattanooga, we’ve got NATIONAL CHAMPIONS right here in the Scenic City!

History was made Sunday night at Finley Stadium as Chattanooga Football Club defeated LAFC 2, one to nothing, to capture the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup!

And this wasn’t just another championship. The Boys in Blue became the FIRST professional sports team in Chattanooga history to win a national championship!

More than 10,200 fans packed Finley Stadium, setting an MLS NEXT Pro Cup attendance record, and they got to witness something pretty special.

The game’s only goal came in the 31st minute when Damien Barker John delivered an incredible shot from outside the penalty area, putting Chattanooga ahead. That goal would ultimately seal the victory, earning Barker John the championship game’s MVP honors.

But here’s what makes this even more impressive.

Chattanooga FC also became the first independent club EVER to win the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, and they accomplished it in just their third season competing in the league!

And the road to the championship wasn’t easy. Just a week earlier, Chattanooga battled back from a two-goal deficit against Columbus Crew 2 to win the Eastern Conference Championship, three to two, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal!

Head coach Richard Dixon called Sunday’s championship a dream come true, reflecting on how the club grew from its grassroots beginnings into a national champion.

From a community-driven soccer club to the top of MLS NEXT Pro, what a moment for Chattanooga! Congratulations to the players, coaches, staff, and every member of the CFC faithful!

SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse