CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 30, 2024) — Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) today announced it has signed goalkeeper Michael Barrueta to a two-year deal, pending federation approval.
The 21-year-old is a Chattanooga native and spent time with Chattanooga FC as part of his youth development.
Barrueta joined the Dalton State University Roadrunners in the 2021/2022 season and started all 18 matches and was named to the SSAC second team all-conference and all-freshman team. He started in 19 matches during his sophomore season and was named an NAIA first team all-American and won the SSAC Golden Glove award. Barrueta will continue with his studies at Dalton State University where he is pursuing a degree in health and wellness with a concentration in exercise science.
Barrueta also spent time with the Atlanta United Academy U-13 side in 2016/2017, making him part of the Major League Soccer club's first-ever crop of academy players. During that season, he primarily played as a center-back.
Barrueta's father, David, played professionally as a goalkeeper with the New England Revolution of MLS, Maryland Bays of the APSL, Baltimore Bays of the USL and the Atlanta Ruckus of the A-League.
“Michael’s trained with us since I’ve been here,” said Head Coach and Sporting Director Rod Underwood. “He’s a good person, so that’s really important for us. He really wanted to begin his professional career with us and this is his hometown, so it’s a special opportunity for him and we really feel like it’s a great place for him to start and we’re really looking forward to that.”
Barrueta expressed his excitement on joining his hometown club for the organization’s inaugural season competing in MLS NEXT Pro.
“I’m very excited to be joining such an historic club with the best fans in the country,” said Barrueta. “I think it’s very important that CFC has such a close relationship with the community. As a player inspiring others or working with people throughout the community will only benefit Chattanooga.”
He will join 2022 NISA Golden Glove winner Jean Antoine and returner Jon Burke, and work closely with new Director of Goalkeeping Juan Carlos Garzon.
Chattanooga FC will compete in MLS NEXT Pro for the first time beginning in 2024. Fans can explore all ticketing options here.
Player Profile
Name: Michael Barrueta
Pronunciation: Michael Bah-rue-eta
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Birthdate: January 11, 2003 (21)
Birthplace: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Citizenship: United States
2024 Chattanooga FC roster (as of January 30, 2024)
+New signing for 2024
Goalkeepers (3): Jean Antoine, Jon Burke, +Michael Barrueta
Defenders (7): Joseph Perez, Anatolie Prepelita, +Jesse Williams, +Milo Garvanian, +Robert Screen, +Duvan Viafara, +Farid Sar-Sar
Midfielders (5): Richard Dixon, Luis Garcia Sosa, Alex McGrath, +Andres Jimenez Aranzazu, +Callum Watson
Forwards (3): Taylor Gray, Damian Rodriguez, Jesus Ibarra
