TAMPA, FL. (November 18, 2017) – The United Soccer League announced this week that North Carolina FC will be joining the league for the 2018 season. They join Fresno FC, Las Vegas Lights FC and Nashville SC, and Atlanta United FC’s USL affiliate as the debutantes of the league next year.
North Carolina FC Joins USL For 2018 Season
[NEWS] North Carolina FC Joins United Soccer League#2018ARRIVAL | #USL
Read | https://t.co/OfOBImNWuu pic.twitter.com/LhZDHDx2R4
— North Carolina FC (@NorthCarolinaFC) November 16, 2017
NCFC will continue to play at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The 2017 NASL season was their eleventh year of existence. The club recently went through a rebrand; many might know them better by their original name, the Carolina Railhawks.
“Today we are thrilled to announce the addition of another successful club to the USL. We were very impressed with the level of sophistication of the operations and the ownership of North Carolina FC, led by their visionary owner and chairman Steve Malik. Steve brings a wealth of business experience to the league and has strong local community support. This is a first-class club with premier facilities, in a desirable market with a strong base of support – all the qualities that make a club successful in the USL,” said USL Chief Executive Officer Alec Papadakis.
NCFC leave behind the NASL which has struggled to maintain membership. This move will allow for more local rivalry development for the club as well.
“We are excited to be joining the USL effective immediately. The USL has seen tremendous growth, not only in new markets and franchises, but in the quality of play and fan awareness. We look forward to contributing to that growth in years to come,” said North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik.
The organization will continue to operate its youth academy teams on both the boys and girls side. NCFC will continue to own and operate North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League
