Chattanooga announces first roster updates
Ten players currently under contract for 2026
CHATTANOOGA FOOTBALL CLUB yesterday announced their first roster updates as the club heads into its offseason. After getting knocked out of the MLS Next Pro Playoffs at home by Huntsville City 2-0 on October 19 the club has begun evaluating its roster and contract options as it aims to improve again in 2026.
The most eye-catching pieces of news were the departure of the club’s record goalscorer Markus Naglestad and the retention of captain Alex McGrath.
34-year-old Naglestad first joined CFC in 2021. Between then and end-2023 during the club’s time in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), he notched 58 goals. Initially not retained for 2024 when the club moved to MLS Next Pro, he was eventually re-signed in August 2024 and made six appearances that year, providing one assist and converting two penalties in shootouts. He signed with Chattanooga for the recently concluded 2025 season and made 19 appearances scoring two goals, including an extra-time winner over Corpus Christi in the first round of the Open Cup. In total; Naglestad made 116 appearances for Chattanooga FC. He scored 60 goals and contributed 18 assists.
The Norwegian striker will be fondly remembered by the CFC faithful, not just for his goals, but for his easy-going and jovial personality. Having been a fixture of the club since its early professional days, he, along with Alex McGrath, in many ways personifies this phase of the club’s story and his departure is something of an end of an era.
Speaking of McGrath, his retention was the other major announcement in this roster update. Him staying in 2026 will be met with a lot of joy in the Scenic City. Chattanooga’s captain is one of the club’s leading appearance makers (98) and was expected to hit the century mark in 2025 before an injury in March ended his season most prematurely. The Englishman played in 27 league games in the club’s inaugural MLS Next Pro season, starting 24. He scored seven goals and provided five assists as he firmly established himself as this team’s leader following the retirements of Juan Hernandez and Richard Dixon.
This year he only made four appearances, notching one assist before his injury. When we spoke to him back in July, he mused on his situation for 2026 saying he was “hoping that things can get sorted for next season. Obviously, I’m out of contract currently at the end of this year, but optimistic that things are going to get figured out. I should be back next pre-season and have a full pre-season to work everything back to hopefully full fitness and being better than I was when I got injured. That’s the plan and that’s always the motivation that keeps you going at the minute, even if things aren’t perfect all the time. Hopefully things figure themselves out and get back on track going into next season. So that’s all I’m looking forward to”. His retention will not only cause a sigh of relief in the McGrath household, but in countless others in Chattanooga.
Departees
The other announced departures are those of goalkeeper J.P. Philpot (0 games in 2025), defenders Logan Brown (16 games), Ethan Dudley (19 games) and Robert Screen (14 games), midfielders Nick Mendonca (27 games) and Callum Watson (28 games, 1 assist), and forward Minjae Kwak (17 games, 1 goal, 1 assist). The club declined contract options for Philpot, Mendonca, and Kwak, while the contracts for Brown, Dudley, Screen, Watson, and Nalestad were not renewed after expiring. Gavin Turner’s (13 games, 1 goal, 1 assist) loan from D.C. United expires at the end of the year.
The average number of games played by departing players in 2025 was 17. In total, departing players contributed two goals and three assists.
Returness
In addition to McGrath, contract options for 2026 were exercised for defenders Nathan Koehler (28 games, 3 goals), Tate Robertson (30 games, 9 goals, 10 assists) and Farid Sar-Sar (31 games, 1 goal), midfielders Steeve Louis Jean (23 games, 1 goal) and Daniel Mangarov (31 games, 9 goals, 5 assists), and forward Keegan Ancelin (29 games, 3 goals, 2 assists). Midfielder Luke Husakiwsky (8 games, 2 goals) and forward Anthony García (7 games) have signed with the club through the 2026 season. Darwin Ortiz (7 games) remains under contract with a club option for a further year in 2027.
The average number of games played by returning players in 2025 was 20. In total, returning players contributed 28 goals and 18 assists.
Pending
Ongoing discussions are taking place with goalkeepers Eldin Jakupović (31 games) and Michael Barrueta (0 games), defender Milo Garvanian (30 games, 2 goals, 3 assists), and forwards Ameziane Sid Mohand (5 games), Peter Plougmand (13 games, 4 goals, 2 assists) and Yuval Cohen (7 games, 1 goal).
Defender Mike Bleeker (2 games) and forwards Colin Thomas (14 games, 1 assist), Jalen James (14 games, 2 goals), and Xavier Rimpel (7 games) have been invited to participate in the club’s 2026 preseason.
The average number of games played by pending players in 2025 was 12. In total, pending players contributed nine goals and six assists. Jakupović kept 11 clean sheets.
As it stands
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (3): Nathan Koehler, Tate Robertson, Farid Sar-Sar
Midfielders (5): Luke Husakiwsky, Steeve Louis Jean, Daniel Mangarov, Alex McGrath, Darwin Ortiz
Forwards (2): Keegan Ancelin, Anthony García
Club statement
“Becoming the first independent club to host a playoff game and winning our first MLS NEXT Pro division championship are achievements that reflect the incredible commitment of our players, staff, and supporters,” said CFC’s Sporting Director Sebastian Giraldo. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in this historic season—they’ve raised the standard for what Chattanooga FC can be. As we make our roster decisions, our goal is to honor that work by continuing to build a team that embodies our values and progresses us to greater heights.”
In its press release, the club stated that “everyone at Chattanooga Football Club would like to thank all departing players for their significant contributions to the club and community”.
This is a developing story and this srticle will be updated as more announcements are made.
Can't wait to see Alex and Peter back on the pitch again! We're a better team when they play.