CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Chattanooga Red Wolves SC announced a series of signings as the club continues to strengthen its roster ahead of the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval. The new veterans come to the team with extensive USL experience: Lucas Coutinho, formerly of Greenville Triumph SC, while Stefan Lukic and Leo Folla each played two seasons with Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. 

Lucas Coutinho has been a creative staple throughout the USL since his debut in 2019. He previously played for South Georgia Tormenta FC from 2019 to 2020 where he registered three goals across 25 appearances. He then signed with USL Championship side FC Tulsa for the 2021 season with two goals across 18 appearances before joining Greenville Triumph SC. The Brazilian midfielder ended the 2023 season with five goals and two assists and 65.2 shooting accuracy. 

"A big-time signing; Lucas brings with him a ton of experience and quality," said Red Wolves Head Coach and Technical Director, Scott Mackenzie. "He's a dribbler, he is a creator and someone that can unlock defenses. We know he is a player we know will excite the fan base. This offseason we knew it was important to add quality to our attack and Lucas was a high priority to fit in with the attacking soccer we want to play."

Stefan Lukic, a Serbian academy star signed his first professional contract with Northern Colorado in 2022.  Before his time with the Hailstorm, he spent two seasons with USL League Two side Corpus Christi FC where he scored nine goals in 21 appearances. He scored two goals for Northern Colorado in his first season and ended the 2023 campaign with three assists and a 54.5% shooting accuracy. 

Of Lukic's play, Scott Mackenzie calls him, "…a wizard with the ball at his feet, Stefan can do things that most in the league or the game just can't. He's a player with a great pedigree and comes to us ready to be a big contributor to our attack. He's a creator with the ball and one I’m sure fans will love to watch play."

Folla, who was a member of Chattanooga Red Wolves SC's inaugural 2019 season squad, returns to the organization after stints with Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in 2022 and FC Tulsa, where he played alongside Coutinho during the 2021 season. His 2022 season saw an 82.4% tackle success rate, 57 clearances, and one assist. In 2023, Folla led the Northern Colorado defense to the fewest goals allowed in the league and most shutouts. He also individually led the team in most blocks that season. 

"Leo is one of the best center backs in USL League One," said Scott Mackenzie. "He's coming back to Chattanooga after an excellent campaign with Northern Colorado. It was a big offseason priority to improve our backline and Leo is a big part of that. His ability to defend one-versus-one dominance in the air and quality on the ball will play a big part in our success in 2024."