Chattanooga FC has quietly become one of the hottest teams in MLS NEXT Pro, and the Boys in Blue will look to keep that momentum rolling when they travel to face Carolina Core FC in the latest edition of the Battle of the Independents on Sunday, July 12.
Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. ET at Truist Point in High Point, North Carolina, with the match streaming live on MLSNEXTPro.com.
For soccer fans across the Southeast—including those following the region’s thriving clubs from Atlanta—this matchup carries added significance as Chattanooga continues to establish itself as one of the league’s most consistent independent teams.
Chattanooga Riding a Five-Match Unbeaten Streak
Confidence is high inside the Chattanooga camp.
The club enters Sunday’s contest unbeaten in its last five matches, collecting 12 of a possible 15 points while climbing into fourth place in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference and second in the Southeast Division.
Chattanooga owns an impressive 8-5-4 record (3 shootout wins) and sits on 31 points, firmly positioning itself in the race for postseason soccer.
Their latest victory came on Independence Day in front of a record-setting regular season crowd at Erlanger Park, where Alex Krehl scored the lone goal in a memorable 1-0 victory over Inter Miami CF II.
Alex Krehl Continues Golden Boot Chase
One player continues to lead Chattanooga’s charge.
Forward Alex Krehl has been one of MLS NEXT Pro’s most dangerous attackers throughout the season and enters the weekend tied for second in the league’s Golden Boot race with 10 goals.
Krehl also proved to be the difference-maker the last time these clubs met, scoring the decisive second-half goal in Chattanooga’s 1-0 victory over Carolina Core FC on May 24.
The rivals will meet one final time during the regular season on August 29 at Fort Finley, but first Chattanooga will attempt to complete the season sweep on the road.
Dixon Credits Team Chemistry for Recent Success
Interim Head Coach Richard Dixon believes the club’s recent surge has been fueled by a healthy blend of experienced leaders and talented newcomers.
According to Dixon, strong communication between players and coaches has helped Chattanooga consistently execute its game plans while creating an environment built on collaboration.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match, Dixon expects a much-improved Carolina Core side following recent changes to its coaching staff.
“We know they’ve become more organized and are playing with greater intensity,” Dixon said. “They’re a talented team with a clear identity, so we’ll need to be fully prepared.”
Carolina Core Looking to Turn the Corner
Since Chattanooga’s victory in May, Carolina Core FC has undergone changes on the sidelines.
Interim Head Coach Jake Davis replaced Donovan Ricketts and has worked to reshape the team’s style of play after arriving from Canadian Premier League club Cavalry FC, where he served as head of goalkeeping and head of analysis.
Despite the changes, Carolina Core enters the weekend after a 3-1 loss to CT United FC and currently sits 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 3-9-6 record (2 shootout wins) and 17 points.
Leading the Foxes offensively is Arnaud Tattevin, who has scored seven goals in 14 appearances, while Thomas Raimbault leads the club with four assists.
Playing at home could provide Carolina Core with extra motivation as it looks to reverse its fortunes against one of the conference’s hottest teams.
Match Information
Match: Carolina Core FC vs. Chattanooga FC
Competition: MLS NEXT Pro
Date: Sunday, July 12
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Truist Point – High Point, North Carolina
Watch: MLSNEXTPro.com
What This Means
Chattanooga FC has transformed itself into a legitimate playoff contender over the past month, and another victory would further strengthen its position near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
For Atlanta-area soccer fans who closely follow the Southeast soccer landscape, Chattanooga’s rise has become one of the region’s best stories this season. Sunday’s Battle of the Independents offers another opportunity for the Boys in Blue to prove they belong among MLS NEXT Pro’s elite.
Community Spotlight: Building Something That Lasts
Chattanooga’s recent success hasn’t happened by accident. The Boys in Blue have combined consistency, communication and preparation to put together a five-match unbeaten streak and climb into the upper portion of the Eastern Conference. With another difficult road test ahead, the club will need that same attention to detail to keep its momentum going.
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Call to Action
Can Chattanooga FC extend its unbeaten streak to six matches and complete another victory over Carolina Core FC? Share your predictions in the comments and continue following AtlantaSoccer.News for the latest MLS NEXT Pro, Atlanta United, Chattanooga FC, and Southeast soccer coverage.
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Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.