Chattanooga beat LAFC 2 to win MLS NEXT Pro Cup

Damien Barker John scored the only goal at Finley Stadium as Chattanooga became the first independent club to win the MLS NEXT Pro Cup.

2026-11-09 · MLS NEXT Pro

Chattanooga FC beat LAFC 2 1–0 on November 8 to win the MLS NEXT Pro Cup. Damien Barker John put the hosts ahead in the 31st minute with a shot from outside the box and was named the final’s most valuable player.

How the final turned

The hosts nearly added a second before halftime when Alex Krehl broke through, but LAFC 2 goalkeeper Ethan Scally kept the deficit at one. LAFC 2 pushed for an equalizer after the break. Marius Aiyenero found the net with an overhead kick in the 86th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

A first for Chattanooga

The title came in Chattanooga’s third MLS NEXT Pro season. The league reported 10,228 fans at Finley Stadium, a record for the final. Barker John finished the playoffs with two goals and one assist, tied with Krehl for the team’s most goal contributions.