Match Preview: Toronto FC II vs. Chattanooga FC

CFC humbled their hosts 5-1 the last time they met in Toronto

Game details

Match: Toronto FC II v Chattanooga FC

Date: Friday, May 9th, 2025. 19:00 (Eastern)

Venue: York Lions Stadium, York Lions Stadium, ON. Capacity: 4,000

How to watch: YouTube

Tickets: In-person only at York Lions Stadium. All Tickets are General Admission for $10.

Toronto FC II is set to host Chattanooga FC on Friday night in what promises to be a intriguing MLS Next Pro matchup. The game kicks off at 7:00 PM ET, with Toronto currently sitting in 6th place with a 3-2-2 record, while Chattanooga leads the league in 1st place (5-2-1). Chattanooga will look to extend its strong form and maintain its top spot, earning its first win in three matches, while Toronto aims to turn its season around with a statement performance at home where it has only won once so far this year.

Interestingly, both sides are coming off home ties followed by 9-8 penalty shootout defeats.

The History

Toronto FC II and Chattanooga FC first met last August when they played out a 1–1 draw in regulation time at Finley Stadium, with Toronto’s Markus Cimermančič and Chattanooga’s Taylor Gray each finding the net. Chattanooga ultimately triumphed 5–3 in the penalty shootout. Markus Cimermančič is now with Toronto’s first team, while Gray is now with South Georgia Tormenta in USL League One.

Their second meeting in September took place three days after CFC Head Coach Rod Underwood’s departure. The game was more one-sided, as Chattanooga FC delivered a commanding 5–1 victory at York Lions Stadium. Juan Ibarra opened the scoring in the 35th minute, assisted by Mehdi Ouamri, and the team continued to dominate with goals from Milo Garvanian (assisted by Ibarra), Alex McGrath (assisted by Luis Garcia), and a Taylor Gray double (assisted by Ibarra and Garvanian). Cimermančič scored for Toronto in a game that highlighted the contrast between Chattanooga’s well-organized, high-pressing style and Toronto FC II’s more possession-oriented approach.

Report cards and lineups

Toronto

Toronto has had a mixed start to its MLS Next Pro season, currently holding a record of 3 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws (11 points). It opened the season with a promising 1–0 win over FC Cincinnati 2, showcasing a strong defensive performance and a goal from Nathaniel Edwards. However, inconsistency has plagued the team since, with fluctuating lineups and defensive lapses contributing to dropped points. Although Toronto II has only won one game at home, it is also unbeaten at home after three matches played. Their most recent outing—a thrilling 3–3 draw against New England Revolution II—ended in a narrow 9–8 penalty shootout loss.

Head Coach Gianni Cimini knows his charges well, having led this side for over three years now after spending a decade coaching within the TFC Academy.

Forward Dékwon Barrow leads the team in goals scored (2), and netted when he came off the bench against New England last weekend, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start. Midfield pairing of Malik Henry and Hassan Ayari both have two assists to their name. Reid Fisher saw red against New England last Sunday, so will be suspended. I expect Ythallo Ryckelm Rodrigues de Olivera to replace him in defense. Otherwise, I expect to see Cimini put out roughly the same selection as the one that tied a strong Revs II side.

Chattanooga

CFC had a record of five wins, one loss, and one tie in league play prior to its draw with Philadelphia last Saturday. Chris Nugent, their Head Coach, hasn’t been afraid to experiment with formation and selections, and last week surprised many by starting all three of his center forwards up-front together for the first time. After last week’s game, in-spite of the resulting PK loss, he remained upbeat about how they’d played and especially how they’d responded from the previous week’s hammering by Columbus Crew 2.

It’s hard not know what formation Nugent will opt for on Friday. He’s often spoken about picking the right squad and setup for each game, leading one to believe he’ll continue tinkering with the lineup each weekend. Goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović picks himself, as does stand-in captain Farid Sar-Sar. Elsewhere in defense it’ll likely be Nathan Koehler and one of Logan Brown or Ethan Dudley.

Last weekend Tate Robertson, who played a blinder, and Daniel Mangarov played out wide. Unless one of Ibarra, Garvanian, or Kwak Minjae replaces them, they’ll start out wide again in some fashion. Callum Watson and Nick Mendonca are consistent selections.

It’ll be interesting to see how Nugent lines up his team up front. Will he opt for one, two or three forwards?

Analysis and Predictions

Given the current form and standings, Chattanooga enters the Friday matchup against as the clear favorite. Sitting at the top of the MLS Next Pro table, they’ve demonstrated consistency, tactical discipline, and attacking depth throughout the season. In contrast, Toronto FC II, ranked 6th, has struggled to find rhythm and results. While Toronto will have the home-field advantage at York Lions Stadium, my prediction leans toward a 2–1 victory for CFC, continuing its strong campaign.