Match Preview: Decatur FC vs. Chattanooga FC
CFC women aiming for a playoff spot
Match: Decatur FC v Chattanooga FC v Atlanta Fire United
Date: Friday, June 27th, 2025. 19:00 (Eastern)
Venue: Decatur High School Stadium, Decatur, GA. Capacity: 4,100
How to watch: National Soccer Network
Tickets: Decatur FC Website
Decatur FC and Chattanooga FC see out the Peachtree Division of the WPSL when they meet this evening at 7pm (Eastern). Decatur is the only club to have defeated CFC this season. A Dylan Driver strike and a Jordan Crocket own-goal were the difference in a 2-1 victory on June 3rd in Tennessee. Divisional top-scorer Reese McDermott got one back for CFC.
First place Decatur FC has already claimed the Peachtree Division crown, earning a perfect 7-0-0 record so far. Undoubtedly the strongest force in the division, they’re ranked 6th nationally of the 150 team WPSL. The team clinched the division with a 2-0 win over Georgia Impact on Friday, June 20, in front of over 2,000 fans.
Defender Jazmin Ferguson in the player to watch for Decatur. She was named the South defensive player of the week this week after she helped secure the team’s sixth win with a header in stoppage time before half-time a couple of weeks ago. She is a student at Louisiana State University where she transferred from East Carolina University in 2024. At LSU, Ferguson started in 20 games, played 1,550 minutes and scored two goals.
Second place Chattanooga FC still has a chance at a playoff spot but require a victory on Friday to guarantee it. They've beaten every team in the division, except Decatur and enjoy a 5-1-1 record. The Sky Blues are determined to ruin Decatur’s undefeated regular season and close out their campaign on 18 points.
CFC’s player to watch is Reese McDermott. Having arrived at the club from Colorado Storm, with whom she reached the final of the USL W League last season, scoring ten goals in 15 matches; she has netted eight in seven so far in 2025 and is the division’s leading goalscorer. Decatur’s Maggie Wadsworth trails her on six goals.
A big crowd is expected for Friday's match that's been dubbed the National Match of the Week for the WPSL. Decatur has enjoyed strong crowds all season, and CFC will be expected to bring a strong travelling contingent as usual. Decatur High School is located at 310 N. McDonough Street in downtown Decatur. For information about tickets, click here.
Analysis and Predictions
While this may seem like a dead rubber for Decatur, given they’ve already secured first place and a post-season shot; they’ll still be keen to end their season with a perfect record and in front of their strong local support (They’re averaging about 2,400 fans per home game). Don’t expect them to sleepwalk through this one.
For Chattanooga FC, a victory is needed to give them a shot at playoff soccer. They’ll be keen to come away with three points, likely thanks to their red-hot goalscorer McDermott. They’ll also bring a crowd with them to DeKalb County and will throw everything at the home side.
This will be a cracker! I’m going for a 2-1 win for Chattanooga FC who are on-form and have more to play for. Either way, be sure to tune in on the National Soccer Network if you can’t attend in person.
Late quick question. Did Decatur reject their playoff invite or something? I'm not sure why the division champs aren't going to the playoffs. But I've also noticed that to be somewhat of a trend among WPSL teams as it seems every year a handful of division/conference winners don't play in playoffs.