Semifinal showdown: CT United FC look to continue historic season

CT United FC started with high ambitions, but few may have predicted a flashy attack would lead it to a playoff berth in the club's first season. 

Pulling off a stunning upset at Altanta United 2 last week forces the conversation even further. 

CTU head coach Shavar Thomas led his squad to a seventh-place finish in the East with a 14W-12L-2T record. His team will next face fellow independent Chattanooga FC for a historitic semifinal clash (5 PM ET, Sunday | MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball).

Season series

The Coywolves have faced CFC one time this season, but it was a long time ago. They fell 4-2 at Finley Stadium on March 8, the second game of the 2026 season.

Player spotlight

Hungarian striker Barnabás Tanyi has enjoyed an excellent second half of the 2026 season. He's came into the playoffs hot, with five goals in his last six games and made the difference in last week's win in Atlanta. 

CT United has an outstanding supporting cast, too. Tanyi, Alex Monis, and Daniel D'Ippolito each have seven assists. Another to watch in the playoffs is Bryan Destin, who has eight goals in as many games since joining in the summer.