CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Three members of the University of West Alabama men’s soccer team are headed for the most prestigious American soccer tournament, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup as members of the Chattanooga Football Club.

Thibault Charmey, Evan Beutler, and Clay Green will play this summer with Chattanooga Football Club, a National Premier Soccer League team. Chattanooga FC earned a spot in the Open Cup, for a second time, by securing the 2012 Southeast Championship and the 2012 NPSL finalist spot.

Green tried out for Chattanooga FC because he saw it as “a good opportunity to play at a very high level and train with great players.” He expects his summer with the Club to be “a challenge, but a great learning experience.” Chattanooga FC was interested in Green because he has earned several honors, including ESPN All-Star, 2012 All-Gulf South Conference First Team, as well as being named to the All-GSC Tournament Team.

Beutler said he is looking forward to playing for Chattanooga FC because he wants to improve his game and because he has heard about The Chattahooligans, the Club’s super fans.

“I’ve heard about the dedication and enthusiasm of The Chattahooligans,” Beutler said. “Every player wants fans like that.”

Charmey, an international player from France, has also heard about The Chattahooligans.

“They are the best fans in the NPSL,” Charmey said. “They scream and sing for 90 minutes.”

Charmey said he is looking forward to playing for Chattanooga FC because they are ranked number one in the nation, according to a recent pre-season poll.

All three players credited UWA Head Coach Matthew Thorne for encouraging them to try-out for Chattanooga FC. Charmey says Thorne is supportive of his players in all areas of life. Green says that Thorne encourages his players to constantly strive for improvement and meet new challenges.

Chattanooga FC opens the 2013 season May 11 against Rocket City United at Finley Stadium. Open Cup play will begin on May 14.

For schedule details visit http://www.chattanoogafc.com.