Huntsville may still get a home playoff game. Photo: Courtesy of HCFC
The Huntsville City Football Club will make its MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs debut Sunday in Chattanooga.
Why it matters: The club is vying for the championship just a couple years after its inception as the club continues to grow its reputation.
What they're saying: "It's going to be an electric atmosphere at Finley Field on Sunday evening," Chad Emerson, HCFC managing director, tells Axios.
"This is sudden death soccer."
How it works: Huntsville is the 5 seed, playing 4-seed Chattanooga in the Eastern Conference side of the 16-team playoff, and if they win, will play the second round next Sunday, Oct. 26.
If HCFC wins and two of the top-three seeded teams lose, that game will be in Huntsville at Wicks Family Field, Emerson said.
Catch up quick: Sunday's match was almost set for the home field, after Huntsville won its last two, but HCFC needed Atlanta to beat Chattanooga.
Connected by the Tennessee River and separated by just 90 minutes, the Rocket City and the Scenic City make for natural rivals, Emerson said.
"We're going to bring our astronaut orange to really rep the city as much as possible," he said. "The guys are ready."
Zoom in: "A whole caravan" is making the trip, including the Huntsvillains and the Huntsville Hecklers with their drums and flags, Emerson said.
A watch party is set for Yellowhammer Brewing, but for anyone who can't make it there or to Chattanooga, he notes that MLS NEXT Pro will air the game on its free-to-watch YouTube channel.
