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North Carolina loves a good rivalry. Whether people are fighting over tomato vs. vinegar in the barbeque sauce, NC State vs. UNC in college sports, or the mountains vs. the beach for a summer destination, the one easy truth is that we love to disagree with people who have different allegiances.

North Carolina FC’s move to the United Soccer League (USL) will only increase the regional rivalries. The move will reunite the club with plenty of old foes, as it rehashes regional rivalries that have spanned across multiple teams, ownership groups and leagues for the better part of 20 years.

North Carolina’s earliest soccer rivalry dates to 1993 when the Raleigh Flyers, Charlotte Eagles, Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery competed in the USISL during the early years of the franchises. The four clubs continued their competition and played against each other in various leagues up until the 2000 season when the Raleigh-based club folded.

The founding of North Carolina FC in 2006 helped revive the rivalry, as the cities competed against each other again in league play and U.S. Open Cup from 2007-2009 and have faced each other in preseason matches the last few years.

The Southern Derby, which is a fan-based U.S. professional soccer cup competition between teams from the South, added fuel to rivalry and looped in Atlanta-based clubs. NCFC has claimed the trophy every year it has been in the competition (2007-2009) and will look to restore its dominance.

2018 will feature a season full of reactivating some historical rivalries that have brought a unique edge to the sport and fan culture in North Carolina. Get to know a few of our biggest anticipated rivals for the 2018 season below.

Charlotte Independence:

The young, but heated rivalry has seen North Carolina FC claim the better results as of late. After the 704-based club won a preseason match in the first meeting and then knocked NCFC out of the Open Cup in 2015, it’s been all NCFC since. Overall, North Carolina FC is outscoring Charlotte 9-1 in the last two Open Cup meetings. The dominant wins have also earned places in the NCFC record books as two of the biggest margins of victory in franchise history. NCFC’s move to USL will only strengthen the quickly-developing intrastate rivalry.

Richmond Kickers:

While Richmond has been around since 1993, the NCFC franchise has only met the Kickers in competitive matches twice – both were Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games. NCFC won both contests with a 1-0 victory in 2007 and a 2-1 win in 2009. Since then, the matches have been a staple on both teams’ preseason calendars, as the teams have met five times over the last seven years. NCFC has won the last two matches in the overall series.

Charleston Battery:

The Charleston Battery have dominated the Southern Derby, winning the competition three-consecutive years and a record 10 times overall. NCFC will look to dethrone the Battery in 2018. Overall, NCFC is out to a big advantage in the series history. The club won the first seven meetings and has only dropped two league matches to the Battery ever. The semi-regular preseason meetings have produced a mixed bag of results as both clubs are 1W-1L-1D against each other since 2011.

North Carolina loves a good rivalry. Whether people are fighting over tomato vs. vinegar in the barbeque sauce, NC State vs. UNC in college sports, or the mountains vs. the beach for a summer destination, the one easy truth is that we love to disagree with people who have different allegiances.

North Carolina FC’s move to the United Soccer League (USL) will only increase the regional rivalries. The move will reunite the club with plenty of old foes, as it rehashes regional rivalries that have spanned across multiple teams, ownership groups and leagues for the better part of 20 years.

North Carolina’s earliest soccer rivalry dates to 1993 when the Raleigh Flyers, Charlotte Eagles, Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery competed in the USISL during the early years of the franchises. The four clubs continued their competition and played against each other in various leagues up until the 2000 season when the Raleigh-based club folded.

The founding of North Carolina FC in 2006 helped revive the rivalry, as the cities competed against each other again in league play and U.S. Open Cup from 2007-2009 and have faced each other in preseason matches the last few years.

The Southern Derby, which is a fan-based U.S. professional soccer cup competition between teams from the South, added fuel to rivalry and looped in Atlanta-based clubs. NCFC has claimed the trophy every year it has been in the competition (2007-2009) and will look to restore its dominance.

2018 will feature a season full of reactivating some historical rivalries that have brought a unique edge to the sport and fan culture in North Carolina. Get to know a few of our biggest anticipated rivals for the 2018 season below.

Charlotte Independence:

The young, but heated rivalry has seen North Carolina FC claim the better results as of late. After the 704-based club won a preseason match in the first meeting and then knocked NCFC out of the Open Cup in 2015, it’s been all NCFC since. Overall, North Carolina FC is outscoring Charlotte 9-1 in the last two Open Cup meetings. The dominant wins have also earned places in the NCFC record books as two of the biggest margins of victory in franchise history. NCFC’s move to USL will only strengthen the quickly-developing intrastate rivalry.

Richmond Kickers:

While Richmond has been around since 1993, the NCFC franchise has only met the Kickers in competitive matches twice – both were Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games. NCFC won both contests with a 1-0 victory in 2007 and a 2-1 win in 2009. Since then, the matches have been a staple on both teams’ preseason calendars, as the teams have met five times over the last seven years. NCFC has won the last two matches in the overall series.

Charleston Battery:

The Charleston Battery have dominated the Southern Derby, winning the competition three-consecutive years and a record 10 times overall. NCFC will look to dethrone the Battery in 2018. Overall, NCFC is out to a big advantage in the series history. The club won the first seven meetings and has only dropped two league matches to the Battery ever. The semi-regular preseason meetings have produced a mixed bag of results as both clubs are 1W-1L-1D against each other since 2011.

North Carolina FC will begin play in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2018. The new league will bring some changes in the way of regular-season scheduling and format, playoff structure and regional opponents.

Conference and Playoff Alignment:

One of the biggest differences NCFC fans will see in 2018 is the league format and schedule. The USL is currently split into Eastern and Western Conferences, highlighting regional rivalries for the club. NCFC is slated to play 34 matches in 2018, which will primarily consist of matches against opponents from the USL’s Eastern Conference.

NCFC will no longer play in a split Fall and Spring schedule, but instead battle for playoff positions in a single season with the top eight finishers in each conference advancing to face off in the 16-team USL Cup Playoffs.

The playoffs will feature single-elimination games. In the  final, the Eastern Conference Champion will meet the Western Conference Champion to face off for the USL Cup. Louisville City FC claimed the 2017 USL Cup with a 1-0 victory against the Swope Park Rangers.

Fellow Expansions Teams:

NCFC is part of an exciting 2018 expansion class for the USL. The Eastern Conference will expand to add Nashville SC and an Atlanta United-operated USL side. Las Vegas Lights FC and Fresno FC are set to join the league’s Western Conference for 2018.

NCFC Renews Regional Rivalries:

Professional soccer rivalries between teams from North Carolina, Richmond, Charleston and Charlotte date back to the 1990s when the Raleigh Flyers were representing North Carolina and facing off against the Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery – the two oldest, continuous professional soccer clubs in U.S. history. NCFC has faced the teams annually in preseason matches throughout the years, but will now add exciting regular-season contests against the storied clubs.

North Carolina FC’s annual battle with the Charlotte Independence will also expand to regular meetings in the USL regular season. Additionally, Nashville SC and an Atlanta-region USL team will add more regional rivalries to the mix for the club.

ABOUT USL

The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.

In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.

A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Nashville SC, Fresno FC, Las Vegas Lights FC, North Carolina FC and a new club operated by Atlanta United of Major League Soccer are set to join the league for 2018, with Birmingham, Alabama, Austin, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee set to join the league in 2019. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

North Carolina FC will begin play in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2018. The new league will bring some changes in the way of regular-season scheduling and format, playoff structure and regional opponents.

Conference and Playoff Alignment:

One of the biggest differences NCFC fans will see in 2018 is the league format and schedule. The USL is currently split into Eastern and Western Conferences, highlighting regional rivalries for the club. NCFC is slated to play 34 matches in 2018, which will primarily consist of matches against opponents from the USL’s Eastern Conference.

NCFC will no longer play in a split Fall and Spring schedule, but instead battle for playoff positions in a single season with the top eight finishers in each conference advancing to face off in the 16-team USL Cup Playoffs.

The playoffs will feature single-elimination games. In the  final, the Eastern Conference Champion will meet the Western Conference Champion to face off for the USL Cup. Louisville City FC claimed the 2017 USL Cup with a 1-0 victory against the Swope Park Rangers.

Fellow Expansions Teams:

NCFC is part of an exciting 2018 expansion class for the USL. The Eastern Conference will expand to add Nashville SC and an Atlanta United-operated USL side. Las Vegas Lights FC and Fresno FC are set to join the league’s Western Conference for 2018.

NCFC Renews Regional Rivalries:

Professional soccer rivalries between teams from North Carolina, Richmond, Charleston and Charlotte date back to the 1990s when the Raleigh Flyers were representing North Carolina and facing off against the Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery – the two oldest, continuous professional soccer clubs in U.S. history. NCFC has faced the teams annually in preseason matches throughout the years, but will now add exciting regular-season contests against the storied clubs.

North Carolina FC’s annual battle with the Charlotte Independence will also expand to regular meetings in the USL regular season. Additionally, Nashville SC and an Atlanta-region USL team will add more regional rivalries to the mix for the club.

ABOUT USL

The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.

In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.

A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Nashville SC, Fresno FC, Las Vegas Lights FC, North Carolina FC and a new club operated by Atlanta United of Major League Soccer are set to join the league for 2018, with Birmingham, Alabama, Austin, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee set to join the league in 2019. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

CARY, NC (November 16, 2017) – North Carolina FC (NCFC) announced today that the club will play in the United Soccer League. The move, which is effective immediately, ensures that NCFC will continue to play at the highest level possible in a league that has a proven relationship with Major League Soccer and has experienced impressive growth in North America.
 
“We are excited to be joining the USL effective immediately,” said North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik. “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.”
 
With the move, NCFC is poised to renew regional rivalries with Charlotte (Independence), Charleston (Battery) and Richmond (Kickers), cities with which it has sparred against at every level of soccer for decades. The professional rivalries date back to the early nineties and have been fueled throughout the years by the popularity of soccer in the region.
 
“We look forward to renewing rivalries with the Independence, Battery, and Kickers,” said North Carolina Football Club President and GM Curt Johnson. “Over the coming weeks we will engage their leadership and solicit feedback from fans to reinforce these rivalries in a way that is meaningful and exciting for soccer fans in Virginia and the Carolinas.”
 
The USL has enjoyed tremendous success in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down, driven by record attendance, increased sponsorship revenue, greater audience reach through USL Productions and more soccer-specific stadiums throughout the league. North Carolina FC will join four previously announced 2018 expansion franchises in Atlanta, Fresno, Las Vegas and Nashville. The league has also confirmed Birmingham, Austin and Memphis as arrivals for the 2019 season, additions that will further strengthen the league’s standing as one of the most prominent second divisions in the world.
 
The USL will feature more than 30 teams in the 2018 season divided into two conferences. This will allow NCFC, which will be placed in the Eastern Conference, to measure up against more teams within a weekend trip distance, ensuring more opportunities for fans to travel and support the team on the road.
 
“Today we are thrilled to announce the addition of another successful club to the USL,” said USL Chief Executive Officer Alec Papadakis. “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.”
 
About USL
The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.
 
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

CARY, NC (November 16, 2017) – North Carolina FC (NCFC) announced today that the club will play in the United Soccer League. The move, which is effective immediately, ensures that NCFC will continue to play at the highest level possible in a league that has a proven relationship with Major League Soccer and has experienced impressive growth in North America.
 
“We are excited to be joining the USL effective immediately,” said North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik. “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.”
 
With the move, NCFC is poised to renew regional rivalries with Charlotte (Independence), Charleston (Battery) and Richmond (Kickers), cities with which it has sparred against at every level of soccer for decades. The professional rivalries date back to the early nineties and have been fueled throughout the years by the popularity of soccer in the region.
 
“We look forward to renewing rivalries with the Independence, Battery, and Kickers,” said North Carolina Football Club President and GM Curt Johnson. “Over the coming weeks we will engage their leadership and solicit feedback from fans to reinforce these rivalries in a way that is meaningful and exciting for soccer fans in Virginia and the Carolinas.”
 
The USL has enjoyed tremendous success in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down, driven by record attendance, increased sponsorship revenue, greater audience reach through USL Productions and more soccer-specific stadiums throughout the league. North Carolina FC will join four previously announced 2018 expansion franchises in Atlanta, Fresno, Las Vegas and Nashville. The league has also confirmed Birmingham, Austin and Memphis as arrivals for the 2019 season, additions that will further strengthen the league’s standing as one of the most prominent second divisions in the world.
 
The USL will feature more than 30 teams in the 2018 season divided into two conferences. This will allow NCFC, which will be placed in the Eastern Conference, to measure up against more teams within a weekend trip distance, ensuring more opportunities for fans to travel and support the team on the road.
 
“Today we are thrilled to announce the addition of another successful club to the USL,” said USL Chief Executive Officer Alec Papadakis. “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.”
 
About USL
The USL is one of the most prominent Division II professional soccer leagues in the world, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.
 
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

What a year it was for North Carolina FC.

From the rebrand and #919toMLS to a great year on the pitch, 2017 proved to be special in more ways than one for North Carolina FC.

First off, I think its required for me to give the club a shout out for actually hiring me to a full-time position. I started the 2017 campaign as a fan in the stands – I was a big fan of soccer and North Carolina, so it was an easy decision to come check out a few matches. Through some really good luck, I ended up joining the front office as a communications manager in April. Even when the going gets tough here, I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m #blessed to be part of the front office at NCFC.

Thanks to the two-game ticket deal, I ended up at an exhibition against Atlas FC and the NASL home opener against Miami FC – both fiery games in front of big home crowds.

Those two games helped me confirm that soccer in North Carolina was on a whole new plane. The energy surrounding the stadium was different than it was a year ago. It wasn’t just a new season, it was a new beginning. People were excited and ready for this team to represent North Carolina…and win.

And that’s what the team did, it kept on winning all the way through April and May – save a few results against eventual NASL Champions San Francisco Deltas. A 4-1 thrashing of the Charlotte Independence highlighted my Spring. Who could forget when Nazmi Albadawi and Connor Tobin outclassed their whole team and celebrated in front of the traveling support. Not only did that result help confirm 919 > 704, but it felt like a rivalry, which fuels so much sports tradition in this state, had officially taken hold among the North Carolina professional soccer community.

June wasn’t so friendly. The results weren’t coming, but the moments were still there. Billy Schuler landed in the No. 1 spot on SportCenter’s Top 10 plays, which earned a point on the road against the Cosmos. When Steven Miller hit that screamer from 25 yards in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against the Houston Dynamo, I was convinced that NCFC was going to win the Open Cup. The electric feeling of watching this team was always present, even through the tough times. NCFC was dangerous anytime it stepped on the field. Playmakers all over the pitch could change the game in an instant.

As with any long season in soccer, good play eventually beats out bad results. Our luck changed for the better on July 4 when Jose Carranza played in Billy Schuler for the game-winning goal against league-leading Miami FC. The win would be enough to bring us some good vibes heading in to the mid-season break.

While many teams use breaks in the season to take days off, relax and prepare for the next game, North Carolina FC stepped everything up to a whole new level.

In fact, we had our biggest week in club history – so far – during our “break”. Not only did we host the Premier League’s Swansea City in the most entertaining 0-0 draw I’ve ever seen, we brought in MLS executives to see our plans for #919toMLS.

In what I can only describe as the greatest day of my working life, NCFC unveiled its plans for a soccer stadium in downtown Raleigh, showed off our amazing city to MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott, and hosted the best pep rally I’ve ever been a part of. I still get goosebumps anytime I think about the events on July 19 and I hope you do too. The passion is here for MLS and we’ve got the plan to make it work. As our owner Steve Malik always says “It’s not if, but when we’re getting an MLS team.”

But back to the task at hand, NCFC had a mission to accomplish on the field. There was a true resiliency in the squad to make sure we made the playoffs. Even when the Fall season presented us with the of challenge of going winless in five straight during the end of August, once again, our good play beat out bad results and we crushed it during the last third of the season.

With us, New York and Jacksonville trading spots in the middle of the table throughout the season which was quickly approaching its conclusion, we had to win at some places that we hadn’t before. It started with a 3-2 thriller at Miami FC, we added a 3-0 win at Edmonton, a 2-0 win in New York and then we had a 5-0 rout of Indy at home.

Everything fell into place and a 1-1 draw with Deltas at home paired with a 4-4 draw between New York and Jacksonville sent us to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

While the playoffs didn’t go our way, the tangible evidence of the progress the club has made in 2017 is undeniable.

Our youth-to-pro ladder is stronger than it has ever been before. We’ve singed two players from the NCFC Youth Academy to professional contracts. Our U23 team brought in a host of young talent including local college stars and U.S. Youth National Team standouts. The collaboration between CASL and TFC has produced a world-class organization in NCFC Youth to build soccer in the Triangle.

Across the board, soccer in North Carolina is still growing. I used to feel like when college soccer ended in late Fall, I’d have to shift my focus to supporting a club across the country or the world, but now, it's North Carolina FC all year long. The club is building something incredibly special and I encourage everyone to go to a game and join the #NCFCFam in 2018.

– Daniel Neal (@danielneal17)

What a year it was for North Carolina FC.

From the rebrand and #919toMLS to a great year on the pitch, 2017 proved to be special in more ways than one for North Carolina FC.

First off, I think its required for me to give the club a shout out for actually hiring me to a full-time position. I started the 2017 campaign as a fan in the stands – I was a big fan of soccer and North Carolina, so it was an easy decision to come check out a few matches. Through some really good luck, I ended up joining the front office as a communications manager in April. Even when the going gets tough here, I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m #blessed to be part of the front office at NCFC.

Thanks to the two-game ticket deal, I ended up at an exhibition against Atlas FC and the NASL home opener against Miami FC – both fiery games in front of big home crowds.

Those two games helped me confirm that soccer in North Carolina was on a whole new plane. The energy surrounding the stadium was different than it was a year ago. It wasn’t just a new season, it was a new beginning. People were excited and ready for this team to represent North Carolina…and win.

And that’s what the team did, it kept on winning all the way through April and May – save a few results against eventual NASL Champions San Francisco Deltas. A 4-1 thrashing of the Charlotte Independence highlighted my Spring. Who could forget when Nazmi Albadawi and Connor Tobin outclassed their whole team and celebrated in front of the traveling support. Not only did that result help confirm 919 > 704, but it felt like a rivalry, which fuels so much sports tradition in this state, had officially taken hold among the North Carolina professional soccer community.

June wasn’t so friendly. The results weren’t coming, but the moments were still there. Billy Schuler landed in the No. 1 spot on SportCenter’s Top 10 plays, which earned a point on the road against the Cosmos. When Steven Miller hit that screamer from 25 yards in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against the Houston Dynamo, I was convinced that NCFC was going to win the Open Cup. The electric feeling of watching this team was always present, even through the tough times. NCFC was dangerous anytime it stepped on the field. Playmakers all over the pitch could change the game in an instant.

As with any long season in soccer, good play eventually beats out bad results. Our luck changed for the better on July 4 when Jose Carranza played in Billy Schuler for the game-winning goal against league-leading Miami FC. The win would be enough to bring us some good vibes heading in to the mid-season break.

While many teams use breaks in the season to take days off, relax and prepare for the next game, North Carolina FC stepped everything up to a whole new level.

In fact, we had our biggest week in club history – so far – during our “break”. Not only did we host the Premier League’s Swansea City in the most entertaining 0-0 draw I’ve ever seen, we brought in MLS executives to see our plans for #919toMLS.

In what I can only describe as the greatest day of my working life, NCFC unveiled its plans for a soccer stadium in downtown Raleigh, showed off our amazing city to MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott, and hosted the best pep rally I’ve ever been a part of. I still get goosebumps anytime I think about the events on July 19 and I hope you do too. The passion is here for MLS and we’ve got the plan to make it work. As our owner Steve Malik always says “It’s not if, but when we’re getting an MLS team.”

But back to the task at hand, NCFC had a mission to accomplish on the field. There was a true resiliency in the squad to make sure we made the playoffs. Even when the Fall season presented us with the of challenge of going winless in five straight during the end of August, once again, our good play beat out bad results and we crushed it during the last third of the season.

With us, New York and Jacksonville trading spots in the middle of the table throughout the season which was quickly approaching its conclusion, we had to win at some places that we hadn’t before. It started with a 3-2 thriller at Miami FC, we added a 3-0 win at Edmonton, a 2-0 win in New York and then we had a 5-0 rout of Indy at home.

Everything fell into place and a 1-1 draw with Deltas at home paired with a 4-4 draw between New York and Jacksonville sent us to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

While the playoffs didn’t go our way, the tangible evidence of the progress the club has made in 2017 is undeniable.

Our youth-to-pro ladder is stronger than it has ever been before. We’ve singed two players from the NCFC Youth Academy to professional contracts. Our U23 team brought in a host of young talent including local college stars and U.S. Youth National Team standouts. The collaboration between CASL and TFC has produced a world-class organization in NCFC Youth to build soccer in the Triangle.

Across the board, soccer in North Carolina is still growing. I used to feel like when college soccer ended in late Fall, I’d have to shift my focus to supporting a club across the country or the world, but now, it’s North Carolina FC all year long. The club is building something incredibly special and I encourage everyone to go to a game and join the #NCFCFam in 2018.

– Daniel Neal (@danielneal17)

UPDATE: Dec. 6, 2017

The North Hills Locker Room Sale has been extended to include three more days to take advantage of deals up to 60% off. The store will now be open to the public on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

—

North Carolina Football Club will host the North Hills Locker Room Sale for the holiday season, giving fans and consumers a prime opportunity to shop for North Carolina FC and NC Courage merchandise in a retail store with discounts up to 60% off.
 
This club’s annual locker room sale will be located at Space 318 in the Park District of North Hills at the intersection of Plaza Street and Front Street near the North Hills Harris Teeter and across from World of Beer.

UPDATE: Dec. 6, 2017

The North Hills Locker Room Sale has been extended to include three more days to take advantage of deals up to 60% off. The store will now be open to the public on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

—

North Carolina Football Club will host the North Hills Locker Room Sale for the holiday season, giving fans and consumers a prime opportunity to shop for North Carolina FC and NC Courage merchandise in a retail store with discounts up to 60% off.
 
This club’s annual locker room sale will be located at Space 318 in the Park District of North Hills at the intersection of Plaza Street and Front Street near the North Hills Harris Teeter and across from World of Beer.

The sale will open its doors with an exclusive Season Ticket Holders and club members only weekend from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19.
 
The retail space will open for the public on Black Friday and the rest of the holiday weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store will continue to sell until the middle of December, opening each weekend during the prime retail hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
 
Schedule:
NCFC Club Members Only:
Fri. Nov. 17 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 18 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 19 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Open to the Public:
Fri. Nov. 24 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 25 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 26 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 1 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 2 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 3 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 8 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 9 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 10 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thur. Dec. 14 – 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 15 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 16 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
The club will have a large inventory of North Carolina FC and NC Courage apparel and accessories on sale at a discounted rate. Items will be discounted up to 60% off and feature weekly sales throughout the month-long venture. In addition to merchandise, fans will also be able to purchase 2018 tickets. The ticket sales will be highlighted by a four-voucher ticket pack, which will include four vouchers good for a regular season NCFC or NC Courage game and a scarf for $49.

The sale will open its doors with an exclusive Season Ticket Holders and club members only weekend from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19.
 
The retail space will open for the public on Black Friday and the rest of the holiday weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store will continue to sell until the middle of December, opening each weekend during the prime retail hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
 
Schedule:
NCFC Club Members Only:
Fri. Nov. 17 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 18 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 19 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Open to the Public:
Fri. Nov. 24 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 25 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 26 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 1 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 2 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 3 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 8 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 9 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 10 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thur. Dec. 14 – 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 15 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 16 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
The club will have a large inventory of North Carolina FC and NC Courage apparel and accessories on sale at a discounted rate. Items will be discounted up to 60% off and feature weekly sales throughout the month-long venture. In addition to merchandise, fans will also be able to purchase 2018 tickets. The ticket sales will be highlighted by a four-voucher ticket pack, which will include four vouchers good for a regular season NCFC or NC Courage game and a scarf for $49.

SAN FRANCISCO (Nov. 5, 2017) – North Carolina FC fell 1-0 to the San Francisco Deltas in a NASL semifinal match at Kezar Stadium on Sunday night. The match marked the final game of the season for the club which had a breakout year, advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
 
Overall, the match was a defensive affair, which ended up being decided by a moment of brilliance from San Francisco’s Tyler Gibson in the 40th minute. With very little space in front of a mass of bodies, Gibson placed a shot from 23 yards in to the top corner of the goal. Kyle Bekker was credited with the assist after a clearance deflected off his chest to the feet of Gibson.
 
North Carolina FC had an early chance in the opening half, but San Francisco’s defense did well to deny the visitors. Needing a goal, NCFC pressed hard for the equalizer and pushed numbers forward. However, a rock-solid San Francisco defense would keep NCFC at bay.
 
The club had its best chance of the match in the 82nd minute. Nazmi Albadawi found a sliver of space in the Deltas’ backline and passed Renan Gorne the ball. While Gorne attempted a backheel-flick on goal, a San Francisco defender got a piece of the ball which caused a collision between Gorne and Romuald Peiser to end the threat.
 
San Francisco did well to kill the game off in the closing stages of the match and clinch a berth in the NASL Championship match.
 
NCFC has concluded the 2017 season and will turn its attention to 2018. Season Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at NCFCTIX.com or by calling the NCFC Ticket Office at 919-459-8144. Fans can reserve their seats at Shalen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park with a $50 deposit.
 
Notes:
North Carolina FC has concluded its season after advancing to the NASL playoffs for the first time since 2012.
The club also advanced to the semifinal round in its previous two NASL playoff appearances in 2011 and 2012.
The loss was the first for the club in eight matches.
 
Box Score:
 
Lineups:
SFD: Romuald Peiser; Reiner Ferreira, Nana Attakora ©, Karl Ouimette; Maxim Tissot, Greg Jordan (Pablo Dyego, 72’), Tyler Gibson, Michael Stevens, Jackson; Tom Heinemann (Devon Sandoval, 90+’), Kyle Bekker
 
Subs not used: Alex Mangels. Andrew Lubahn, Patrick Hopkins, Kenny Tejisse
 
NCFC: Macklin Robinson; Paul Black (Tiyi Shipalane, 89’), James Marcelin, Paul Black, James Marcelin, Christian Ibeagha, Connor Tobin; Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune (Lance Laing, 62’), Marcel Kandziora, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Billy Schuler; Renan Gorne (Jonathan Glenn, 84’)
 
Subs not used: George Marks, Danny Barrow, Kareem Moses, Bolu Akinyode
 
Score:
SFD: 1
NCFC: 0
 
Goals:
SFD: Tyler Gibson (Kyle Bekker, 40’)
NCFC:
 
Cautions:
SFD: Greg Jordan, 60’, Kyle Bekker 90+’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
SFD: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance: 3,586

 
###

SAN FRANCISCO (Nov. 5, 2017) – North Carolina FC fell 1-0 to the San Francisco Deltas in a NASL semifinal match at Kezar Stadium on Sunday night. The match marked the final game of the season for the club which had a breakout year, advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
 
Overall, the match was a defensive affair, which ended up being decided by a moment of brilliance from San Francisco’s Tyler Gibson in the 40th minute. With very little space in front of a mass of bodies, Gibson placed a shot from 23 yards in to the top corner of the goal. Kyle Bekker was credited with the assist after a clearance deflected off his chest to the feet of Gibson.
 
North Carolina FC had an early chance in the opening half, but San Francisco’s defense did well to deny the visitors. Needing a goal, NCFC pressed hard for the equalizer and pushed numbers forward. However, a rock-solid San Francisco defense would keep NCFC at bay.
 
The club had its best chance of the match in the 82nd minute. Nazmi Albadawi found a sliver of space in the Deltas’ backline and passed Renan Gorne the ball. While Gorne attempted a backheel-flick on goal, a San Francisco defender got a piece of the ball which caused a collision between Gorne and Romuald Peiser to end the threat.
 
San Francisco did well to kill the game off in the closing stages of the match and clinch a berth in the NASL Championship match.
 
NCFC has concluded the 2017 season and will turn its attention to 2018. Season Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at NCFCTIX.com or by calling the NCFC Ticket Office at 919-459-8144. Fans can reserve their seats at Shalen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park with a $50 deposit.
 
Notes:
North Carolina FC has concluded its season after advancing to the NASL playoffs for the first time since 2012.
The club also advanced to the semifinal round in its previous two NASL playoff appearances in 2011 and 2012.
The loss was the first for the club in eight matches.
 
Box Score:
 
Lineups:
SFD: Romuald Peiser; Reiner Ferreira, Nana Attakora ©, Karl Ouimette; Maxim Tissot, Greg Jordan (Pablo Dyego, 72’), Tyler Gibson, Michael Stevens, Jackson; Tom Heinemann (Devon Sandoval, 90+’), Kyle Bekker
 
Subs not used: Alex Mangels. Andrew Lubahn, Patrick Hopkins, Kenny Tejisse
 
NCFC: Macklin Robinson; Paul Black (Tiyi Shipalane, 89’), James Marcelin, Paul Black, James Marcelin, Christian Ibeagha, Connor Tobin; Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune (Lance Laing, 62’), Marcel Kandziora, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Billy Schuler; Renan Gorne (Jonathan Glenn, 84’)
 
Subs not used: George Marks, Danny Barrow, Kareem Moses, Bolu Akinyode
 
Score:
SFD: 1
NCFC: 0
 
Goals:
SFD: Tyler Gibson (Kyle Bekker, 40’)
NCFC:
 
Cautions:
SFD: Greg Jordan, 60’, Kyle Bekker 90+’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
SFD: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance: 3,586

 
###

CARY, N.C. (Nov. 2, 2017) – In a year where the club has accomplished so much both on and off the field, North Carolina FC highlighted its success and announced its end-of-season team awards today as voted on by the NCFC players and technical staff. The team awards include Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Leadership Award, Most Valuable Player and the Summit Hospitality Community Service Award.
 
The team’s primary center back duo of Christian Ibeagha and Connor Tobin were voted as co-recipients of the Defender of the Year Award. The pair played nearly every match of the season, combining for 5,276 minutes, 266 clearances, 173 duels won, 69 interceptions, 35 tackles and 25 blocks.
 
Team captain Nazmi Albadawi earned the team’s Offensive Player of the Year Award after a season in charge of creating NCFC’s attacking chances. The Raleigh native accounted for four goals and four assists. In addition to finding the scoresheet, Albadawi was also a major facilitator of NCFC’s attack, finishing the regular season with 56 chances created. Albadawi appeared in every match, playing 2,815 minutes.
 
Austin da Luz earned the Leadership Award after another consistent season leading the team both on and off the field. A true ‘locker room guy’, da Luz’s presence has been noted throughout the season. He played 2,286 minutes in 26 games and served as captain in the final match of the regular season. Off the field, da Luz is a leader in community service and has been a positive role model and ambassador for the club.
 
Following a breakout season, NCFC goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre was voted as the Team MVP. Sylvestre was the team’s engine and workhorse between the posts. In addition to making the required saves, Sylvestre had a season full of impressive, acrobatic stops. The goalkeeper made 95 saves and earned five clean sheets. He played 2,507 minutes in 29 matches. Sylvestre’s play was recognized throughout the season by the league and the goalkeeper picked up seven NASL Team of the Week Honors. He also made the NASL Team of the Month in May and September and was named the NASL Player of the Week during Week Five of the Spring Season.
 
Da Luz and Tobin added a second award to their tally after both earned the Summit Hospitality Community Service Award. Both distinguished players went above and beyond by being brand ambassadors in the community and by starting their own charitable initiatives.
 
Da Luz founded Playing for Pride – a world-wide campaign that encourages soccer players and their fans to donate money to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which fights for LGBTQ rights and equality. His efforts have raised $12,500 and counting for HRC and have seen 28 players from seven leagues across four countries join in the effort. In addition to his work for Playing for Pride, da Luz also spends his time serving as a mentor and teaching students through the Accelerator School.
 
Tobin earned his Summit Hospitality Community Service Award after another season of giving back to the community. In addition to being an ambassador for the club and appearing at a variety of club and community functions, Tobin started the Oak City Classic at Raleighwood – the nation’s first soccer mini golf bar crawl. The inaugural event raised funds for Oak City Soccer – a Triangle-based charity, which Tobin has been involved with throughout his time in Raleigh that specializes in helping children with sensory processing challenges and autism.
 
North Carolina FC is set to begin its postseason journey and will travel to face the San Francisco Deltas at Kezar Stadium in a semifinal playoff match. The match will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 5 and be available to watch exclusively through beIN SPORTS platforms. 

CARY, N.C. (Nov. 2, 2017) – In a year where the club has accomplished so much both on and off the field, North Carolina FC highlighted its success and announced its end-of-season team awards today as voted on by the NCFC players and technical staff. The team awards include Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Leadership Award, Most Valuable Player and the Summit Hospitality Community Service Award.
 
The team’s primary center back duo of Christian Ibeagha and Connor Tobin were voted as co-recipients of the Defender of the Year Award. The pair played nearly every match of the season, combining for 5,276 minutes, 266 clearances, 173 duels won, 69 interceptions, 35 tackles and 25 blocks.
 
Team captain Nazmi Albadawi earned the team’s Offensive Player of the Year Award after a season in charge of creating NCFC’s attacking chances. The Raleigh native accounted for four goals and four assists. In addition to finding the scoresheet, Albadawi was also a major facilitator of NCFC’s attack, finishing the regular season with 56 chances created. Albadawi appeared in every match, playing 2,815 minutes.
 
Austin da Luz earned the Leadership Award after another consistent season leading the team both on and off the field. A true ‘locker room guy’, da Luz’s presence has been noted throughout the season. He played 2,286 minutes in 26 games and served as captain in the final match of the regular season. Off the field, da Luz is a leader in community service and has been a positive role model and ambassador for the club.
 
Following a breakout season, NCFC goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre was voted as the Team MVP. Sylvestre was the team’s engine and workhorse between the posts. In addition to making the required saves, Sylvestre had a season full of impressive, acrobatic stops. The goalkeeper made 95 saves and earned five clean sheets. He played 2,507 minutes in 29 matches. Sylvestre’s play was recognized throughout the season by the league and the goalkeeper picked up seven NASL Team of the Week Honors. He also made the NASL Team of the Month in May and September and was named the NASL Player of the Week during Week Five of the Spring Season.
 
Da Luz and Tobin added a second award to their tally after both earned the Summit Hospitality Community Service Award. Both distinguished players went above and beyond by being brand ambassadors in the community and by starting their own charitable initiatives.
 
Da Luz founded Playing for Pride – a world-wide campaign that encourages soccer players and their fans to donate money to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which fights for LGBTQ rights and equality. His efforts have raised $12,500 and counting for HRC and have seen 28 players from seven leagues across four countries join in the effort. In addition to his work for Playing for Pride, da Luz also spends his time serving as a mentor and teaching students through the Accelerator School.
 
Tobin earned his Summit Hospitality Community Service Award after another season of giving back to the community. In addition to being an ambassador for the club and appearing at a variety of club and community functions, Tobin started the Oak City Classic at Raleighwood – the nation’s first soccer mini golf bar crawl. The inaugural event raised funds for Oak City Soccer – a Triangle-based charity, which Tobin has been involved with throughout his time in Raleigh that specializes in helping children with sensory processing challenges and autism.
 
North Carolina FC is set to begin its postseason journey and will travel to face the San Francisco Deltas at Kezar Stadium in a semifinal playoff match. The match will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 5 and be available to watch exclusively through beIN SPORTS platforms.