Chattanooga FC Women will kick off the 2024 WPSL season against Nashville Rhythm FC this Friday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m. ET at Finley Stadium.
In last season’s matchup between the two sides, Nashville went up 2-0 in the first half. Despite the rainy weather, CFCW stormed back to tie the game 2-2. For the second year in a row, CFCW and Nashville will face off in the first game of the season.
New signings will be the ones to watch for the Sky Blues, with Angela Gatto, an All-American defender, looking to lead the backline. Reigning University of Charleston Freshman of the Year Juliette Lucas, and Guyanese international Annalisa Vincent will headline the attack.
Coaches Corner
Head coach Tom Halsall previewed the matchup against Nashville Rhythm.
“Nashville are good. I know the coach really well. I’ve coached against him collegiately. They always have a good team. But we’ve got a good team this year. We’ve got girls who are here and ready to play and win.”
On the squad looking ahead to the first matchup:
“We’ve got a wide range of players from all different levels across the country and the world. Bringing everyone together creates a cool culture and the technical ability and mindset of the girls we have is very, very exciting, and I think it’s going to set us apart.”
Know the Opponent
Nashville Rhythm FC have already played their first game of the season, a 4-0 victory against Atlanta Fire United. NRFC are coming off three consecutive first-place finishes in the WPSL Southeastern Conference.
Forward Angeline Kieh scored a hat-trick in the contest against AFU, and leads the conference in goals. Emma Brown also netted a goal, and the Japanese trio of Sachiko Gamo, Wakaba Kogure and Miku Kayama each had an assist.
NRFC went undefeated in 2023 until the WPSL Regional Championship, where they lost 5-4 to the Charlotte Eagles.
Match info
Venue: Finley Stadium | Chattanooga, Tennessee
Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. ET, Friday, May 24
Tickets: Season Tickets | Single match
Broadcast: Chattanooga FC YouTube | Talent: Gabriel Schray and Madison Crews