The eyes of the MLS NEXT Pro world are on the Scenic City this week. As the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup enters its high-stakes Second Round, Chattanooga FC (CFC) finds itself in a unique and lonely position: they are the only club from their league still alive in the nation’s oldest tournament.
On Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m., the “Boys in Blue” welcome Murfreesboro-based Tennessee Tempo to Finley Stadium for an all-Tennessee clash with massive implications.
What’s on the Line?
This isn’t just about bragging rights in the 615 vs. 423. A win on Wednesday secures a spot in the Round of 32, where the big fish enter the pond.
- The Prize: Victory means CFC will be drawn against a Major League Soccer (MLS) side.
- The Draw: Fans won’t have to wait long to see who’s next. The Round of 32 draw airs live Thursday morning, April 2, at 9:00 a.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network’s “Morning Footy.”
Scouting the Opposition: Tennessee Tempo
Don’t let the “Amateur” tag fool you—Tennessee Tempo is a giant-killer. The UPSL Premier Division side arrives in Chattanooga fresh off a stunning 1-0 upset of the USL League One Red Wolves in the first round.
- The Danger Men: Geoffrey Oyirwoth provided the heroics in the opening round, assisted by the legendary Kwadwo Poku (a name many Atlanta soccer fans will remember from his clinical days with NYCFC and Miami FC).
- The Pedigree: Coached by Gift Ndam, Tempo has won six of the last eight conference championships. They are aggressive, disciplined, and have absolutely nothing to lose.
Coach’s Corner: Richard Dixon’s Tactical Focus
Interim Head Coach Richard Dixon isn’t taking the UPSL side lightly. “They’re very aggressive in the back and have wide players that like to get up and down the line,” Dixon noted.
He also highlighted the “Two Alexes” who have been the heartbeat of the CFC resurgence:
- Alex McGrath: Described by Dixon as a “machine,” McGrath’s work rate in the midfield has been a revelation following his return from injury.
- Alex Krehl: The “atypical No. 9” whose high-pressing energy allows Chattanooga to play on the front foot from the opening whistle.
Match Essentials: CFC vs. Tennessee Tempo
- Venue: Finley Stadium, Chattanooga, TN
- Kick-off: Wednesday, April 1 | 6:00 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: Paramount+ (Josh Appel and Marion Crowder on the call)
- The Record: CFC is looking to surpass their historical “Third Round” ceiling and make 2026 their deepest run in club history.
Related ASN Coverage
- The Path2Pro Tracker: Why the Rest of MLS NEXT Pro is Rooting for Chattanooga
- Finley Stadium Fortress: How Chattanooga’s 3,000+ Fans Anchor the Atmosphere
- Poku’s Return: A Look Back at the Midfielder’s Impact on Southeast Soccer
ASN Call to Action: As the last MLS NEXT Pro team standing, the pressure is on the Boys in Blue to represent the league. Can Chattanooga handle the “Tempo” from Murfreesboro and secure a date with an MLS giant? Drop your score predictions below! #CFC #BoysInBlue #USOC2026 #OpenCup #TennesseeSoccer #ChattanoogaFC #ASN
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.