UPSL: Match Preview - Cleveland United FC v Chattanooga FC U20

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Match: Cleveland United FC v Chattanooga FC U20 

Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026. 18:00 (Eastern)

Venue: Bear Stadium, Cleveland, TN.

Capacity: 7,000

Tickets: $7 - Tickets.ClevelandUtdFC.com

CLEVELAND, Tn --- It's a derby in the USPL Division 1 Georgia North this Saturday evening as Chattanooga FC U20s travel the 30 miles or so up I-75 to take on newcomers Cleveland United FC. The Conference’s two top scoring teams meet and it's a clash between the side with the best home crowd in the league versus the best side on the field so far. This should be a cracker!

Cleveland United (6th place / P:4 W:1 D:1 L:2 GF:14 GA:15 GD:-1) has made a solid enough start to life in its first ever season. With four points from a possible 12; they’ve earned good results away to North Georgia United (9-4) and The Strongest (2-2). What they’d like, though, is a home win, or even a tie. Yet to score points at Bear Stadium, Cleveland will be desperate to land a big scalp this weekend against the conference pace-setters. Spearheaded by Benji Plesnicar and with captain Ryan Prince Chouyouti at the helm; can they find the combination (and luck) to unlock a big win?

Chattanooga U20 (1st place / P:4 W:4 D:0 L:0 GF:19 GA:4 GD:+15) have made a blistering start to the 2026 Spring season. Not only have they won all four of their games so far, but it's the manner in which they’ve done so. With a simply monstrous 19 goals in those games, they’ve put away Atlanta Ignite (6-0), Dalton United (6-3), and Lithonia City (6-1). The opening day 1-0 away win over LSA Mustangs pales in comparison. Quite simply, this is the team to beat and as we reach the mid-point of the season, have almost certainly guaranteed themselves a playoff spot. And with Jaime Roman’s boot; they’ll be aiming to make it five-from-five this Saturday.

This will be the first time these two sides have met and this derby (Chattanooga and Cleveland’s city centers are only separated by 35 miles) has no name yet. As we come onto the midway point of the Spring season fans can expect goals in this bout between the Georgia North Conference’s two highest scoring sides.

The match kicks off at 6pm Eastern and we’re to expect thunderstorms and potential showers in the hours leading up to the game, so be sure to bring a raincoat.

Checking in on Cleveland:

Head Coach Thomas Bayliss and his charges at Cleveland United are in the middle of their first season together as a team, and indeed as a club. After a successful pre-season which saw them run Premier Division outfit Scenic City close and hammer KY-TN’s Tango FC, they had a sobering opening game in the regular season, losing 6-1 at home to Georgia Athletic. But captain Ryan Prince Chouyouti’s goal wasn’t the only high point of the game. A crowd of 257, outstanding for UPSL, were there to support their hometown team at Bear Stadium, continuing a trend begun in the offseason. CUFC rebounded in style, earning a 9-4 win away to North Georgia United in Dalton the following week. Along with Chouyouti’s second of the season; Jose Dietz and Ivis Almendarez added their names to the scoresheet, as did Benji Plesnicar who scored four goals that evening. Despite more strong home support, on April 11th Mableton visited Bear Stadium and went home 3-2 winners, with Plesnicar and Chouyouti again the scorers for the home team. Cleveland’s last outing saw them earn a solid 2-2 draw away at mid-table rivals Club The Strongest in Gwinnett. The usual suspects of Chouyouti and Plesnicar were again the goalscorers and Nazar Kovalchuk was named man-of-the-match. Tougher news was that goalkeeper Will Hicks suffered an injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

Four points from four games is a healthy look for a brand-new team, but boy would Bayliss and his players, and the community of Cleveland, love a first home win.

Bayliss, who previously spoke with the National Soccer Network after his appointment back in February, is a North Carolina-native who now lives in nearby Athens, TN. A graduate of Mars Hill, he played there for four years, earning Top 10 and Top 25 in the South in Division II. He later coached in the Cleveland area at Cleveland Middle School and Walker Valley. I spoke with him this week in advance of the game to ask about the season so far, his expectations for Saturday, and for the rest of the Spring campaign.

Tom, this is your first season in charge—and the club’s first season overall. You’re currently sixth as we approach the midpoint. What are your overall thoughts on the campaign so far?

Bayliss: “It was a rough start in the first game, honestly. We were still trying to figure out the right personnel, and even now we’re still sorting through some of that. With the coaching transition [from previous Head Coach Adam Christensen who stepped down in February], there were player changes and some departures, so it was about finding the right guys and getting them in. That first game, we had players out of position and not quite the full squad we would’ve liked. But since then, especially over the next three games, we bounced back and started playing well. Players are now in the positions they need to be in, doing what they need to do. We’ve also been a bit unlucky at times—created a lot of chances that just haven’t hit the back of the net. We scored nine in the second game, probably could’ve saved a few for later.”

How have the players adapted to the style of play you’re trying to implement?

Bayliss: “For some of them, it’s new to play within a system that expects you to be in certain places at certain times. That’s a big adjustment if you’re used to more free play or ad‑libbing. I don’t want to take away their freedom or creativity, but we do want structure in how we approach each opponent. Every week, the goal is to win, and Saturday is no different—but we’re still developing. The further we get into understanding and refining the system, the results will come as a by‑product of that work.”

Has the level of competition been more or less than what you expected coming into the season?

Bayliss: “Being out of the game coaching‑wise for a bit, and not being very familiar with UPSL, but I wouldn’t say I’ve been shocked. In terms of organization, a lot of teams try to play quick and direct—looking for early balls over the top. We want to play a little bit differently. Overall, it’s been about what I expected. No big surprises.”

Benji Plesnicar has six goals on the season and was recently named to the UPSL Division 1 Georgia Team of the Week. He’s my player to watch for CUFC this weekend. I asked Coach Bayliss how important Plesnicar has been for the team.

Bayliss: “Yeah, I really like Benji—a lot. He’s a really crafty player. In the first game, I actually played him as a 6. Not ideal for him, but it was what we needed at the time. After watching him in training and getting a better sense of the squad, I knew I wanted him higher up the pitch with more freedom. I don’t always give players a ton of freedom, especially defensively or in midfield—but up front, they get more license. In the second game, I told him, “You’re starting as an eight, but you’re free to do what you need to do. Use your talent and creativity.” He made me look smart. He scored four in the first half and could’ve had a fifth. Fascinating to watch.”

You face unbeaten Chattanooga this Saturday. What are you expecting from them?

Bayliss: “Obviously, they’re a talented squad. They’re well put together, and their coach has a really strong résumé. It’ll be a challenge. But that’s how I’m presenting it to my players—embrace the challenge. Go and do the unexpected. Upset them. I welcome that kind of test, and I enjoy the opportunity. Winning when you’re not expected to is a great feeling.”

It’s something of a derby match. Are you hoping for a big crowd?

Bayliss: “I’m sure the crowd would enjoy a home win. We’ve had some nice crowds so far, and for us it’s about community—building something people can come out and enjoy. Fans understand this is our first season and that we’re at the beginning of the journey. Building a fan base and creating loyal supporters takes time. It’s something we want, but it’s also something we have to earn.”

Finally, what are your hopes for the rest of the season?

Bayliss: “We’d love to be in the playoffs. We’ve had some unfortunate results—games where we’ve outperformed teams but ended up with ties or losses. We’ve given away a few unlucky penalties and made some mistakes that we need to clean up. It’s going to be tough at this point with our record, but I think we still have a chance to challenge for the top four. If we do, it won’t be a shock—but it would be a really pleasing achievement for a first‑year team at this level.”

I also wanted to catch up with co-Founder Albert Murza, to hear about how the club has been doing, including off the field, in its maiden journey.

Albert, we’re almost to the midpoint of CUFC’s maiden season. How have things gone?

Murza: “Overall, we feel really good about where things are. We’re growing and improving every week, both on and off the field. The support has been strong, attendance has been encouraging, and there’s a real sense that something meaningful is being built here. You can feel the momentum starting to build, and that’s been exciting for everyone involved.”

Crowds seem to be strong. Are they still over 200 per game?

Murza: “We’ve had great support overall. The last game came in just under that number, but we later realized there were several major events happening around Cleveland that day. That’s something we’ll keep in mind as we plan future scheduling. Regardless, the atmosphere was still strong, and we’re seeing more people talking about the club each week. That momentum is exciting for us.”

How happy are you with how Coach Bayliss has settled into the organization and the play on the field?

Murza: “Coach Bayliss has settled in extremely well. He’s brought a higher level of intensity and detail to training, and he’s able to identify and address things with players very quickly. The players have responded well to him, and you can see that growth continuing each week. We’re very excited to have him leading the group.”

With the visit of Chattanooga FC from just down I-75, are you hoping for a bumper crowd?

Murza: “We’re approaching it like any other match. It’s our first time facing them, so we’re focused on preparing well and putting together a strong performance. Of course, we’d love to see a great turnout, including fans making the trip from Chattanooga, but our priority is creating a great experience for the fans here in Cleveland.”

Anything else you want to share in advance of the game?

Murza: “We’re looking forward to another great night at Bear Stadium. The level of play continues to rise, and we believe it’s going to be an exciting match. We’d love to see more soccer fans come out and be part of what we’re building.”

Chattanooga:

Chattanooga is led by Head Coach John Miglarese, who also serves as Executive Director of the Chattanooga FC Foundation. From August 2022 to December 2024, he was with the St. Louis City FC organization in MLS, initially coaching their U21 side before becoming Head Coach of their MLS Next Pro side and assistant coach to the senior team. He came to Chattanooga in early 2025. After finishing in 4th place in the Fall (albeit only three points from top), CFC U20 are on a roll this spring, with four wins from four. The season started well, but modestly, with a good 1-0 away win at LSA Mustangs II. JJ Grimado scored the winner. They followed this up with a massive 6-0 win over Atlanta Ignite in late March, through a goal from Grimaldo, a brace from Ronin Blackhorse, and a hattrick courtesy of Jaime Roman. Roman scored another hattrick two weeks later in north Georgia, where Dalton United were dispatched 6-3. Rene Rodriguez and Blackhorse were scorers that day too. For a third game in-a-row, on April 18th, CFC U20 scored six goals. The win at home over Lithonia City came via goals from Blackhorse, Roman, Rodriguez, Daniel Gomez, and a double from Grimaldo. Clearly, this is the strongest team in the Conference right now and a tough assignment for any team, home or away.

I also spoke with Coach Miglarese this week in advance of the game to ask about how the season is going and the importance of the Chattanooga U20 side in the overall organization.

Coach, you’re first in Georgia North, four wins from four. Obvious question—but how has the season gone so far?

Miglarese: “The guys have really earned the results they’ve gotten. We push them hard during the week—training Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons—and try to create a really intense environment. We don’t talk much about the table; we focus on the process of getting them better every day. The weekend is their chance to go and show it. There’s a really clear identity in terms of how we want to play and what we’re trying to do. It’s been a lot of fun to coach this group. They’ve fully bought into it, they enjoy each other’s company, and that makes a big difference.”

Earlier this season, JJ Grimaldo, Rene Rodriguez and Luke Rosellini all received call-ups to train with the Chattanooga FC first team, demonstrating the value of having a UPSL side to CFC and its ability to prepare players for the men’s game. I asked Coach MIglarese how important this was for the club.

Miglarese: “Coming from an MLS background, you really see how big the jump is from U18s to the first team. This level sits in that halfway zone—you’re not quite with professionals day in, day out, but you’re learning the basic habits of being a pro. That includes the mental side, the technical side, and the physical side. Our job is to get them ready, to put a bit of armor on them. In a town like Chattanooga, it’s important to give young players opportunities. The average age of this group is about 17.8, so they’re young—and they’re playing against grown men. That’s great for their development. The beauty of UPSL is that they’re learning things you don’t always get in youth football: the differences, the physicality, the game within the game, the “dark arts.” In MLS environments, games can feel quite manicured. Here, they’re not.”

You finished fourth last year, just three points off first. What’s been the difference this spring?

Miglarese: “Last fall, the main goal was bringing the group together and making them competitive. Aiming for the playoffs was the target. We started well, then dropped off a bit. One big factor was depth. We didn’t have a large roster—there were games where we only had 13 players available. This year, we have more numbers and real depth. That allows us to rotate, and it creates pressure for places. We can also be more flexible tactically. If something needs changing in the 5th or 10th minute to impact the game, we can do that now. Last year, that just wasn’t always possible. Three guys have trained with the first team, and word gets out quickly. Players want this environment and this experience. They’ve taken knocks, learned from them, and the added depth has helped us be more successful.”

I’m keen to ask about the emergence of Jaime Roman. The forward has seven goals on the season so far, and was recently named to the UPSL Division 1 Georgia Team of the Week. He’s my player to watch for CFC U20s this Saturday. How important has he been?

Miglarese: “Jaime is a gifted player. He actually started in the Chattanooga FC Foundation's Operation Get Active (OGA) program, then bounced around a few different clubs. I saw him play for another team—he’s good friends with Rene [Rodriguez, another graduate of OGA] who helped us bring him in. He’s usually played as an 8, but we use him as a 9. He’s a real challenge for defenders: low centre of gravity, fearless. Even against players double his size, he’s not afraid to engage. It’s been brilliant watching his progression. He’s embraced the ugly side of the game too—counter‑pressing, transitions, pressing from the front. He takes responsibility, and that helps the whole group, alongside guys like René, Luke [Rosellini], and JJ [Grimaldo].”

What are you expecting from Cleveland United on Saturday?

Miglarese: “Honestly, we don’t really know. We’ve tried to get some film, and the guys know people who know people, so we’ve picked up a few insights—but there’s a lot you can’t be sure of. Some teams you can watch at home and set up specifically for. This one is more about focusing on us and working on our game. We know it’ll be solid, and no UPSL road game is ever easy. There are always variables—weather, bumpy fields, the grind of the game. But that’s good for the players. Learning to adapt, overcome adversity, and still get results is a huge part of their development.”

It’s something of a derby. Are you hoping to see some blue jerseys in the stands?

Miglarese: “Yeah, it would be awesome to see some support. In our last game in the fall, when we had to win, there were a lot of people out there backing us. That was really encouraging.”

Do you think you can keep winning and achieve an ‘Invincibles’ season?

Miglarese: “Nah. We’re not even looking at that. The goal is, from an outcome standpoint, to get promoted. Sure, we'd love to win the league, but we’re just looking at the next one”.

Analysis and Predictions:

For Cleveland United, it doesn’t get much harder than this. Chattanooga looks unstoppable so far and fields multiple players who offer a serious goal threat. But CUFC have assassins of their own in Chouyouti and Plesnicar and, with the exception of their opening day loss, have proven they’re a match for any team in the conference. With another strong crowd behind them (hopefully the weather doesn’t hinder turnout too much) they’ve as good a chance as any team in the conference of killing this giant. While CFC U20 will be strong favorites, I’ll be bold and go for a draw. 2-2 or 3-3. Expect goals!

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