Chattanooga FC hosts Tennessee Tempo in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, April 1 at 6:00 p.m. at Finley Stadium.
Chattanooga FC's 2026 U.S. Open Cup campaign continues Wednesday night when it hosts Tennessee Tempo for an in-state Second Round matchup.
The Boys in Blue took down UPSL Premier Division side Kalonji Pro-Profile in a comeback 2-1 win on March 18 to advance.
CFC is the only MLS NEXT Pro side left standing in the 2026 edition of the U.S. Open Cup.
What's at stake
With victory on Wednesday evening, CFC would advance to the Round of 32 and face an MLS side. The draw for the Round of 32 and Round of 16, which will determine matchups and hosts for both rounds, will be aired live the following morning on CBS Sports Golazo Network’s “Morning Footy” at 9 a.m. ET. on April 2.
Know the Opponent
Tennessee Tempo is one of seven Open Division clubs left in the competition. The club, based in Murfreesboro, competes in the UPSL Premier Division and progressed to the Second Round by defeating USL League One side Red Wolves 1-0. The result was the club's first victory in the Open Cup. Tempo qualified for the competition as an Open Division/Amateur club and 2025 UPSL Spring champion. The club has won six of the past eight conference championships.
Coached by Gift Ndam, Tempo have started the 2026 Spring UPSL season with one win and one draw. Harrison Watts and Chijoke Otuonye lead the team with two goals this season. Forward Geoffrey Oyirwoth scored the winning goal off an assist from the experienced Kwadwo Poku in the First Round against Red Wolves.
The two teams met once before during the club's 2025 preseason campaign (photo above) with CFC coming out 5-1 winners in a closed-door match at Finley Stadium.
Coach's Corner
"We've watched them [Tempo] and studied them, and they're a good team," said Interim Head Coach Richard Dixon. "They're very aggressive in the back and have wide players that like to get up and down the line. They have quality throughout the team that we need to make sure we're ready for, but for us the objective is to go in and be on the front foot while also working on our defensive structure."
Dixon also spoke on the impact of both Alexes early on this season.
"Alex McGrath has been a machine in the last few games, and that's all based on the ten months of hard work he's put in to get back on the field. Alex Krehl has been a great addition for us. He's an atypical No9 because he loves to press and go all the time while also being great with the ball at his feet."
Facts and stats
Chattanooga FC's overall U.S. Open Cup record is 7W-7L-6D (3 advancing, 3 failing to advance).
The furthest the club has advanced in the competition is the third round.
Match info
Venue: Finley Stadium | Chattanooga, Tennessee
Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, April 1
Broadcast: Paramount+ | Talent: Josh Appel (Play-by-play) and Marion Crowder (Analyst)
Referees
Head Referee: Kyle Johnston
Assistant Referee 1: Alexandru Focea
Assistant Referee 2: Rebecca Luther
4th Official: Lila Remache
