CFC Will Feature New Style Under New Head Coach Rod Underwood

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) A new leader’s in charge at Chattanooga FC.

With the season opener just over a month away, the Boys in Blue are gearing up for a new game plan — under a new head coach in Rod Underwood

News 12’s Angela Moryan introduces us to the new face of the club.

Said team captain Juan Hernandez: “His ideas, his philosophy and the players that he’s bringing to do that, I believe they’re the right pieces.”

After a disappointing fall season last year, the Chattanooga FC believe they found the right man to right the ship — former Stumptown AC head coach Rod Underwood.

Reporter: “What attracted you about this job?”

Said Underwood: “The whole club, the whole vibe with the club. It’s a real club that really has a lot of support in the city and that has a vision and has a plan and really wants to influence the community and also do well on the field.”

With the coaching change comes some major team changes.

Said veteran CFC player Richard Dixon: “I think there’s a lot things that, a new culture, a new style of play, that I think is what myself and, speaking for the rest of the team, we’re most excited about. Keep the ball on the ground and play, and play, and play, until we can’t play anymore, and so that’s what he’s all about, and it’s been really good for the team.”

Said Hernandez: “For me, it’s really exciting, because I believe that my best attributes as a soccer player are related with his style.”

Said Dixon: “You should see us dominate the ball. That’s what coach is all about. That’s what the team’s going to be all about – dominating the ball everywhere, all over the pitch and scoring goals, winning games.”

Underwood brings five former players to Chattanooga with him. Those familiar faces are easing the transition.

Said CFC player Colin Springer: “It allows more leaders in the locker room to help instill the vision onto people that are still learning and getting them on board.”

Said Dixon: “For myself and the returners, we come in every day, and we learn something new. It’s a unique brand of football that a lot of guys haven’t played before. It’s a lot of details, so coming in and getting the little details together, it’s been refreshing and exciting.”

Said Hernandez: “It’s a style that’s going to be really fun for the fans. It’s a style that’s going to make people want to come watch us.”

CFC opens the season at home against Maryland March 26. Reporting in Chattanooga, I’m Angela Moryan.