North Carolina FC

Soccer team based in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina

For the NWSL team, see North Carolina Courage.

Soccer club

North Carolina FC

Full name| North Carolina FC
Nickname(s)| RailHawks
Founded| January 26, 2006; 18 years ago (2006-01-26) (as Carolina RailHawks)
Stadium| WakeMed Soccer Park
Cary, North Carolina
Capacity| 10,000
Owner| Steve Malik
Sporting Director| John Bradford
Head coach| John Bradford
League| USL Championship
2023| USL League One, 2nd of 12
Playoffs: Champions
Website| Club website

Home colors

Away colors

|

Current season
Active teams of North Carolina FC

|  |  |  |
USLC | NWSL | USL2 | USLW | Youth

North Carolina FC is an American professional soccer team in Cary, North Carolina, a suburb of Raleigh, and member of the USL Championship. Founded in 2006, the team previously was named the Carolina Railhawks.

On December 6, 2016, the RailHawks announced a name change to North Carolina Football Club in pursuit of becoming a Major League Soccer franchise.[1] The club's home attendance record had been broken earlier that year when 10,125 attended a match against West Ham United of the English Premier League.[2]

The team has played its home games at the 10,000-seat WakeMed Soccer Park since 2007. The team's colors are Atlantic blue, cardinal red, and Southern gold.

## History

[edit]

The Carolina RailHawks (now North Carolina FC) celebrated their 10-year anniversary in 2016 RailHawks fans celebrate their team's 2007 Southern Derby Championship on August 17, 2007 at SAS Soccer Park North Carolina FC owner Steve Malik announces The New State of Soccer on December 6, 2016

### Club formation and play in the USL first division

[edit]

On January 26, 2006, the expansion of the USL to Cary, North Carolina, was announced at a press conference at SAS Soccer Park, since renamed WakeMed Soccer Park.[3][4] After a few changes in the 2008 off-season, the RailHawks ownership group consisted of Wellman Family Limited partnership (Selby and Brian Wellman), HTCFC. INC (Bob Young former CEO of Red Hat, presently founder and CEO of LULU.com), Singh Holdings (Dr. H. Paul Singh) and Boris Jerkunica. After the 2010 season, Traffic Sports USA took ownership.

On October 11, 2006, former Rochester Rhinos defender Scott Schweitzer was named the first head coach of the RailHawks. Schweitzer played collegiately at North Carolina State University and retired from play prior to the 2006 season. On December 5, 2006, the RailHawks named the first players to sign with the franchise. Among the signings were two former UNC Tar Heel players, Chris Carrieri and Caleb Norkus, as well as several other players with Major League Soccer, United Soccer Leagues, and foreign playing experience.

The club launched their inaugural season on April 21, 2007, in front of a crowd of 6,327 at SAS Soccer Park when they drew 1–1 with the Minnesota Thunder in their first official regular season match. Midfielder Kupono Low scored the first goal in franchise history when he blasted a 24-yard left-footed shot past Thunder keeper Joe Warren in the 8th minute of the inaugural match.[5] On May 8, 2007, the RailHawks earned their first franchise victory 2–0 against Chivas USA in an exhibition match.

On August 14, 2007, with a 3–0 victory over the Charleston Battery, the RailHawks secured their first piece of silverware, the 2007 Southern Derby Cup, with one match remaining in the contest. The RailHawks finished their first USL-1 season in 8th place in the league table, securing the league's final playoff spot on the last day of the regular season with a 2–0 victory away over fellow expansion franchise the California Victory. The RailHawks were eliminated from the playoff quarterfinals by the eventual league champion Seattle Sounders.

### Move to the NASL

[edit]

In November 2009 the RailHawks announced their intent to leave the USL First Division to become the co-founders of a new North American Soccer League, which would begin play in 2010. The league, which had yet to be sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation or the Canadian Soccer Association, also comprised the Atlanta Silverbacks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Vancouver Whitecaps and a brand new team led by St. Louis Soccer United.[6]

After lawsuits were filed and heated press statements exchanged, the USSF declared they would sanction neither league for the coming year, and ordered both to work together on a plan to temporarily allow their teams to play a 2010 season. The interim solution was announced on January 7, 2010, with the USSF running the new USSF D-2 league comprising clubs from both USL-1 and NASL.[7] The RailHawks reached the final of the USSF D-2 playoffs, but fell to the Puerto Rico Islanders.[8] After the 2010 season, the NASL and USL split, but the RailHawks faced sale by Selby Wellman on December 31, 2010. The RailHawks name was sold on eBay and was purchased by Traffic Sports USA, who assumed operations of the club.[9] The NASL received provisional sanctioning in 2011 and full sanctioning in 2012.[10]

The RailHawks won the regular season in 2011 but fell to the NSC Minnesota Stars in the semifinals of playoffs.[11] The club hired Colin Clarke as coach after Martin Rennie left for the Vancouver Whitecaps.[12] In 2012, the RailHawks finished 4th in the regular season and fell to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the playoff semifinals, while reaching the fourth round of the US Open Cup.[13]

In 2013 the NASL's format changed to a split season, and though the RailHawks finished with the most points in the league, they finished 2nd in both the Spring and Fall seasons and did not make the Soccer Bowl. However, they defeated MLS teams LA Galaxy and Chivas USA to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.[13] In 2014, the RailHawks again defeated Chivas USA and Los Angeles Galaxy to reach quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, but fell just short of reaching the NASL playoffs.

In 2015, the club saw a change in ownership as local businessman Steve Malik took over the team from Traffic Sports. During a press conference on October 30, 2015, the ambitious local owner said, “Our goal is to take the RailHawks to the highest level through additional investment in marketing, players and staffing. We are excited to lead our community in working together to give the Triangle a world-class soccer team.”

New faces in the front office were matched with the new faces on the field. The RailHawks had a big year in 2016 with the addition of forwards Omar Bravo and Matt Fondy. Bravo, the biggest signing in club history, provided senior leadership and immense experience to the team, as he left C.D. Guadalajara as the team's all-time leading scorer. Though the RailHawks missed the playoffs again, with a 7W-5D-10L record, they again made an impressive Open Cup run, reaching the fourth round where they lost a tight 1–0 game to the New England Revolution of MLS. In the third round, the RailHawks eliminated the Charlotte Independence with a 5–0 win that saw Carolina score five extra-time goals in the thrilling match. The score set a US Open Cup record for the most goals scored by a single team in extra time.

Also in 2016, West Ham United became the first Premier League team to visit the Triangle region of North Carolina when they came to WakeMed Soccer Park on July 12, 2016. The game ended in a 2–2 draw in front of a record-breaking crowd of 10,125.

### Return to the USL

[edit]

On November 16, 2017, the club announced it would be leaving the NASL to join the USL for the 2018 season.[14] The club announced, on October 17, 2018, that head coach Colin Clarke would not be returning to the club after seven seasons and that the club has begun searching for a new head coach.[15]

Dave Sarachan, the former U.S. Men's National Team coach, was named as the fourth head coach in club history on December 17, 2018.[16] They clinched a spot in the USL Championship Playoffs on September 30, 2019.[17]

### Drop to USL League One

[edit]

On January 10, 2021, club chairman Steve Malik announced that the club would make a "strategic move" to USL League One, the third-division of the United States soccer league system.[18] Along with the move to USL League One, coach Dave Sarachan and North Carolina parted ways.[19] In their final season in USL League One, North Carolina FC defeated rivals Charlotte Independence on penalties 1-1 (5-4) to win the 2023 USL League One Finals, securing their first title in franchise history.

### Return to USL Championship

[edit]

On August 7, 2023, the club announced they were exercising their option to rejoin the USL Championship beginning in the 2024 season.[20]

## Colors and badge

[edit]

The North Carolina FC badge features elements from the flag of North Carolina. The lower right point of the star represents the Research Triangle, a geographical region that includes Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. The initials "FC" (Football Club) lies between two airplane wings, alluding to North Carolina's official slogan: "First in Flight." NCFC's primary colors include "Atlantic blue", "cardinal red", and "Southern gold".[21]

### Sponsorship

[edit]

Period  | Kit manufacturer  | Shirt sponsor

|
|

2007–2008  | Umbro | Novozymes
2009–2013  | BlueCross BlueShield of NC
2013–2016  | Adidas
2017–2018  | Circle K
2019  | Aetna
2020  | Dreamville Festival[22]

* * *

Aetna
2021–2023  | WakeMed

* * *

Dreamville Festival

## Stadium

[edit]

WakeMed Soccer Park. Credit: Rob Kinnan- Carolina RailHawks

* WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, North Carolina (2007–present)

North Carolina FC play their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park (formerly known as SAS Soccer Park), a soccer-specific stadium shared by the North Carolina Courage, a team in the National Women's Soccer League also owned by Steve Malik.

The soccer complex consists of a purpose-built main stadium, two lighted practice fields, and four additional fields. The main stadium and the 2 lighted fields (2 & 3) are all FIFA international regulation size (120 yards x 75 yards). The main stadium seats 10,000 with the expansions of 2012. Field 2 also has 1,000 permanent bleacher seats.

WakeMed Soccer Park during the match between the Carolina RailHawks (now North Carolina FC) and West Ham United

The park is on 150 acres (0.61 km2) that the State of North Carolina has leased to Wake County. Money to build the soccer park came from $14.5 million in county-wide hotel room and prepared food and beverage taxes. The Town of Cary assumed responsibility for operations and maintenance in 2004 from the then Capital Area Soccer League, now North Carolina FC Youth. On January 26, 2006, the Town of Cary council amended its lease to allow it to sublet the property to Triangle Professional Soccer through the year 2011 for the exclusive promotion of professional soccer and lacrosse events at the complex. This deal was extended for the new ownership group through 2014.[23]

On December 6, 2016, along with a name change, North Carolina FC announced plans for a stadium seating 24,000.[1]

On July 13, 2018, the Daily Commercial News reported that the team is planning a $750 million stadium complex.[24]

Sahlen Packing Company acquired naming rights to the main stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on March 31, 2017, thus becoming Sahlen's Stadium. Sahlen's paid $400,000 over five years for the rights, with $100,000 going to the town of Cary and the rest to the North Carolina Courage organization.[25] On April 30, 2021, WakeMed renewed the agreement through 2023.[26]

## Club culture

[edit]

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|

### Rivalries

[edit]

Carolina RailHawks (now North Carolina FC) fans cheer on their team at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC

Charleston Battery and Atlanta Silverbacks

Upon entering the USL First Division, the RailHawks also joined the Southern Derby, renewing a rivalry first started in 2000 between supporters of the Charleston Battery, Atlanta Silverbacks, and the Raleigh Express. By winning the Southern Derby Cup in their inaugural season, the RailHawks became the first Triangle-area team to hold the Cup since 2000 when Raleigh won the cup 3–1–0 over the Silverbacks and Battery in the Derby's first season.

The rivalry between the three clubs was further fueled by the fact that former RailHawks coach Scott Schweitzer earned a reputation among Battery supporters as the defender they loved to hate during his time as a player for Rochester Rhinos and current Atlanta Silverbacks owner Boris Jerkunica had a partial ownership stake in the RailHawks franchise.

With North Carolina FC moving to the USL for the 2018 season, old rivalries with Charleston, Charlotte Independence, and Richmond Kickers will be reborn,[27] along with potential new geographical rivalries with expansion clubs Nashville SC and Atlanta United 2.

Rochester Rhinos

A rivalry developed between the RailHawks and Rochester Rhinos due to the close financial and player ties between the two organizations. Former RailHawks GM Chris Economides held the same position with the Rhinos before departing for Cary, and former Rhinos President Frank DuRoss and former CEO Steve Donner were part of the original ownership group. In addition, former RailHawks coach Scott Schweitzer was a captain and fan favorite of the Rhinos, and onetime RailHawks players Frank Sanfilippo and Connally Edozien were once Rhinos players. This rivalry has cooled ever since the two teams joined different leagues.

Puerto Rico Islanders

The Carolina RailHawks and Puerto Rico Islanders had a rivalry brewing among the two clubs. Although Islanders supporters were not pleased when the RailHawks revealed orange and blue kit colors (selected because the combination is not used by any other Triangle area sports teams, although coincidentally the same colors sported by the Islanders), the rivalry begun in earnest when Islanders President Andrés Guillemard-Noble accused the RailHawks of piracy[28] in the signing of Islanders' free agent Caleb Norkus. While the club executive insists that the Islanders had a verbal agreement with Norkus to return to Puerto Rico for the 2007 season, the player refutes that accusation,[29] saying the two sides never reached terms and cites the lack of an offered written contract as evidence of their lack of agreement. This rivalry has died since the Islanders ceased operations.

### Supporters

[edit]

North Carolina FC has two independent supporter groups, the Oak City Supporters and Renegados Soccer Supporters.[30]

## Players and staff

[edit]

### Roster

[edit]

As of February 22, 2024[31]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

| No. | Pos. | Nation  | Player

|
|
|

1  | GK |  USA | Jake McGuire
2  | DF |  ENG | Paco Craig
3  | DF |  SLV | Nelson Blanco
4  | DF |  SEN | Justin Malou
5  | DF |  USA | Daniel Navarro
6  | MF |  USA | Jacori Hayes
7  | DF |  USA | Lamar Batista
8  | MF |  FRA | Louis Perez
9  | FW |  VIN | Oalex Anderson
10  | MF |  PUR | Jaden Servania
11  | FW |  USA | Evan Conway
13  | GK |  USA | Antonio Carrera (on loan from FC Dallas)
14  | FW |  BRA | Rafa Mentzingen
| No. | Pos. | Nation  | Player

|
|
|

15  | MF |  USA | Mikey Maldonado
16  | MF |  BRA | Rodrigo da Costa
17  | MF |  USA | Collin Martin
24  | GK |  USA | Trevor Mulqueen
25  | GK |  JPN | Akira Fitzgerald
27  | DF |  USA | Bryce Washington
28  | DF |  USA | Shaft Brewer Jr.
42  | DF |  USA | Ezra Armstrong
44  | MF |  SKN | Raheem Somersall
49  | FW |  USA | Julian Placias
61  | MF |  USA | Kyrome Lumsden
86  | DF |  MEX | Adrian Pelayo

1. ^

USL Academy Contract

### Staff

[edit]

As of December 19, 2023[32]

* John Bradford – sporting director[33] & head coach
* Mike McGinty – assistant coach
* Andrew Scheck – assistant coach

### Notable former players

[edit]

* See also All-time North Carolina FC roster

### Head coaches

[edit]

* Scott Schweitzer (2007–2008)
* Martin Rennie (2009–2011)
* Colin Clarke (2012–2018)
* Dave Sarachan (2019–2020)
* John Bradford (2021–present)

## Achievements

[edit]

* USL League One Playoffs
* Champions: 2023
* North American Soccer League
* Winners (Supporters Cup) (2): 2011, 2013
* USL First Division
* Runner-up (Regular Season) (1): 2009
* USSF Division 2 Professional League
* Runner-up (Playoffs) (1): 2010
* Winners, NASL Conference (1): 2010
* Minor Trophies
* Copa Tecate (1): 2009
* Southern Derby (3): 2007, 2008, 2009, 2018

## Record

[edit]

### Year-by-year

[edit]

Main article: List of North Carolina FC seasons

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the club. For the full season-by-season history, see List of North Carolina FC seasons.

Season  | League  | Position  | Playoffs  | USOC | Continental | Average attendance  | Top goalscorer(s)

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Div  | League  | Pld  | W  | L  | D  | GF  | GA  | GD  | Pts  | PPG  | Conf.  | Overall  | Name  | Goals
2019 | 2  | USLC | 34 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 57 | 37 | +20 | 56  | 1.65  | 7th  | 10th  | PR | R4 | DNQ  | 4,118  |  Robert Kristo | 11
2020 | USLC | 15 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 17 | 21 | –4 | 19  | 1.27  | 10th  | 21st  | DNQ  | NH | 3,515  |  Andre Fortune II | 6
2021 | 3  | USL L1 | 28 | 7 | 4 | 17 | 30 | 50 | –20 | 25  | 0.89  | N/A  | 12th  | DNQ  | NH | 1,741  | 3 players tied | 4
2022 | USL L1 | 30 | 8 | 16 | 6 | 35 | 53 | –18 | 30  | 1.00  | 11th  | DNQ  | R2 | 1,874  |  Garrett McLaughlin | 14
2023 | USL L1 | 32 | 19 | 7 | 6 | 58 | 39 | +19 | 63  | 1.91  | 2nd  | W | R2 | 2,389  |  Oalex Anderson | 17

^ 1\. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ 2\. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in league play, playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, and other competitive matches.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "RailHawks announce plans to pursue MLS bid, stadium". News & Observer. December 6, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
2. ^ "RailHawks draw West Ham, debut Bravo before record crowd". Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
3. ^ "USL First Division headed to Cary in 2007". OurSports Central. January 26, 2006. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
4. ^ "ALOWIN247". Retrieved June 9, 2023.
5. ^ "Carolina RailHawks 1:1 Minnesota Thunder (Box Score)". Archived from the original on May 14, 2007. Retrieved April 22, 2007.
6. ^ "USL outcasts set to launch new league in 2010". Soccerbyives.net. November 10, 2009. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
7. ^ "Division 2 Professional League To Operate in 2010". ussoccer.com. January 7, 2010. Archived from the original on January 10, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
8. ^ Morris, Neil. "Puerto Rico Islanders derail Carolina RailHawks 3–1 on aggregate, win USSF D-2 championship".
9. ^ "An inside look at the rise and fall of the Railhawks". The Independent. February 9, 2011. Archived from the original on December 27, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
10. ^ "NASL Receives Full Sanctioning at USSF AGM". IMSoccerNews. March 3, 2012. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
11. ^ "Carolina RailHawks vs. NSC Minnesota Stars Semifinal Video Highlights – IMS Soccer News".
12. ^ "NASL News: RailHawks Officially Announce Signing of Colin Clarke; Lancaster Leaves Strikers for Silverbacks; Scorpions Readying for 1st Season – IMS Soccer News".
13. ^ a b "History". carolinarailhawks.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2014.
14. ^ Morris, Neil (November 16, 2017). "North Carolina FC announces exit from NASL; club to join USL". WRAL Sports Fan. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
15. ^ "North Carolina Football Club Parts Ways With Colin Clarke". North Carolina FC. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
16. ^ "NORTH CAROLINA FC SELECTS FORMER US NATIONAL TEAM COACH DAVE SARACHAN AS NEW HEAD COACH". North Carolina FC. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
17. ^ "NORTH CAROLINA FC CLINCHES SPOT IN USL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFFS". North Carolina FC. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
18. ^ "North Carolina FC Makes Strategic Move to USL League One". North Carolina FC. January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
19. ^ Communications, North Carolina FC (January 14, 2021). "North Carolina FC Announces Departure of Head Coach Dave Sarachan". North Carolina FC. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
20. ^ "North Carolina FC to rejoin USL Championship in 2024". North Carolina FC. August 7, 2023.
21. ^ "The New State of Soccer: We Are Now North Carolina FC". Archived from the original on December 10, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
22. ^ "NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB ANNOUNCES DREAMVILLE FESTIVAL AS NCFC FRONT-OF-JERSEY PARTNER". northcarolinafc.com. North Carolina FC. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
23. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2014.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
24. ^ "20 major upcoming entertainment facility and stadium-arena construction projects – U.S. – July 2018". July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
25. ^ Gargan, Henry. "WakeMed Soccer Park's main stadium gets a name". newsobserver.com. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
26. ^ "WakeMed Extends Soccer Park Naming Rights Through 2023" (Press release). North Carolina FC. April 30, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
27. ^ "Rivals Renewed: A Look at NCFC's Regional USL Foes". North Carolina FC. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
28. ^ "Pirates of the Caribbean?". Archived from the original on August 18, 2007. Retrieved December 19, 2006.
29. ^ "Norkus Refutes Islanders' Piracy Claims". Archived from the original on February 19, 2007. Retrieved December 19, 2006.
30. ^ "Supporters Groups". North Carolina FC. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
31. ^ "North Carolina FC 2021 Roster". northcarolinafc.com. North Carolina FC. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
32. ^ "Coaching Staff". North Carolina FC. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
33. ^ "John Bradford Promoted to Head Coach and Sporting Director". North Carolina Football Club. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

North Carolina Football Club

Based in Cary, North Carolina

The Club|

* Club history
* Players
* Head Coaches
* Seasons

Stadiums|

* WakeMed Soccer Park

Affiliates|

* North Carolina Courage
* North Carolina FC U23
* North Carolina FC Youth

Rivalries|

* Southern Derby

Key personnel|

Owners
Stephen Malik
Head Coach
John Bradford

Major honors

NASL Supporters Cup|

* 2011

USL League One
Champions|

* 2023

Seasons (17)

* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023

* v
* t
* e

USL Championship

Eastern Conference|

* Birmingham Legion FC
* Charleston Battery
* Detroit City FC
* Hartford Athletic
* Indy Eleven
* Loudoun United FC
* Louisville City FC
* Miami FC
* North Carolina FC
* Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
* Rhode Island FC
* Tampa Bay Rowdies

Western Conference|

* Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
* El Paso Locomotive FC
* Las Vegas Lights FC
* Memphis 901 FC
* Monterey Bay FC
* New Mexico United
* Oakland Roots SC
* Orange County SC
* Phoenix Rising FC
* Sacramento Republic FC
* San Antonio FC
* FC Tulsa

Future teams|

* Brooklyn FC (2025)
* Sporting Club Jacksonville (2025)
* Lexington SC (2025)
* Milwaukee Pro Soccer (2026)
* USL Arkansas (2026)
* Buffalo Pro Soccer (2026)
* USL Pro Iowa (TBD)
* USL New Orleans (TBD)
* USL Palm Beach (TBD)
* OKC Energy FC (on hiatus)

Former teams|

* Antigua Barracuda FC
* Atlanta United 2
* Austin Aztex
* Charlotte Eagles
* Charlotte Independence
* FC Cincinnati
* Dayton Dutch Lions
* Fresno FC
* LA Galaxy II
* FC Montreal
* Nashville SC
* F.C. New York
* New York Red Bulls II
* Orlando City B
* Orlando City SC
* Ottawa Fury FC
* Penn FC
* Philadelphia Union II
* Phoenix FC
* Portland Timbers 2
* Puerto Rico United
* Real Monarchs
* Reno 1868 FC
* Richmond Kickers
* Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
* River Plate Puerto Rico
* Rochester Rhinos
* Saint Louis FC
* San Diego Loyal SC
* Sevilla FC Puerto Rico
* Sporting Kansas City II
* Tacoma Defiance
* Toronto FC II
* VSI Tampa Bay FC
* Whitecaps FC 2
* Wilmington Hammerheads FC

Seasons|

* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

Miscellaneous|

* Foreign players
* USL Championship Final
* United Soccer League
* USL League One
* USL League Two

* v
* t
* e

North American Soccer League (2011–2017)

| Clubs|

* Atlanta Silverbacks
* FC Edmonton
* Fort Lauderdale Strikers
* Indy Eleven
* Jacksonville Armada FC
* Miami FC
* Minnesota United FC
* New York Cosmos
* Montreal Impact
* North Carolina FC
* Ottawa Fury FC
* Puerto Rico FC
* Puerto Rico Islanders
* Rayo OKC
* San Antonio Scorpions
* San Francisco Deltas
* Tampa Bay Rowdies

|

Abandoned expansion teams|

* California United FC
* Oklahoma City FC
* San Diego 1904 FC
* Virginia Cavalry FC

Seasons|

* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* ~~2018~~

Soccer Bowls|

* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017

Associated competitions|

* CONCACAF Champions League
* U.S. Open Cup
* Canadian Championship

Individual awards|

* Best XI
* Player of the Month
* Golden Ball
* Golden Boot
* Golden Glove
* Coach of the Year
* Fair Play
* Goal of the Year

Records and statistics|

* Records and statistics
* North American Supporters' Trophy
* Players
* Coaches
* Executives

* United States Soccer Federation
* Canadian Soccer Association

* v
* t
* e

Soccer in the United States

* U.S. Soccer Federation
* USASA
* USCS
* State Soccer Associations
* League system
* History
* First game
* College
* Hall of Fame
* Awards
* Clubs
* International competition
* Champions
* Venues (stadiums by capacity
* soccer-specific stadium)
* Women's

Men's|

| National teams|

* Senior (results
* players)
* U23
* U20
* U18
* U17
* U15
* Beach soccer
* Futsal
* indoor soccer
* Paralympic

|

Outdoor leagues|

| Professional|

* MLS
* History
* Playoffs
* MLS Cup
* USL Championship
* USLC Final
* USL League One
* NISA
* MLS Next Pro

|

Amateur|

* USL League Two
* NISA Nation
* NPSL
* CSL
* EPSL
* EPLWA
* GCPL
* MWPL
* OVPL
* SFSFL
* UPSL
* USLPA

Defunct|

* AFA (1884–1924)
* American Cup (1885–1924)
* ALPF (1894)
* APSL (2015–2018)
* NAFL (1895–1898)
* AAFA Cup (1912–13)
* ASL (1921–1933)
* ASL (1933–1983)
* NASFL (1946–47)
* USA (1967)
* NPSL (1967)
* NASL (1968–1984)
* USL (1984–85)
* LSSA (1987–1992)
* ASL (1988–89)
* WSA (1989)
* USL 2nd (1990–2010)
* APSL (1990–1996)
* A-League (1996–2004)
* USL 1st (2005–2009)
* D2 Pro (2010)
* PLA (2015–2017)
* NASL (2011–2017)

Indoor leagues|

| Current|

* MASL
* MASL2
* MASL3
* MLIS
* NISL
* PASL
* WISL

|

Defunct|

* NASL (1975–76, 1979–1984)
* MISL (1978–1992)
* NPSL (1984–2001)
* CISL (1993–1997)
* EISL (1997–98)
* WISL (1998–2001)
* MISL (2001–2008)
* AISL (2003–2008)
* XSL (2008–09)
* MISL (2008–2014)

Futsal leagues|

* MLF
* PFL

Club competitions|

* U.S. Open Cup
* USL Cup
* National Amateur Cup
* Hank Steinbrecher Cup
* U.S. Open (indoor)

Women's|

| National teams|

* Senior (players)
* U23
* U20
* U19
* U18
* U17
* U15
* Futsal
* Deaf

|

Outdoor leagues|

| Professional|

* NWSL
* NWSL Challenge Cup
* NWSL Shield
* Playoffs
* USL Super League (beginning play in 2024)

|

Amateur|

* USL W League
* WPSL
* UWS
* OVPL

Indoor leagues|

* NISL
* PASL

Futsal leagues|

* MLF

International competitions|

* SheBelieves Cup
* Tournament of Nations

Club competitions|

* Women's Open
* Women's Amateur

Defunct leagues|

* W-League (1995–2015)
* WUSA (2001–2003)
* WPS (2009–2011)
* WPSL Elite (2012)

Youth|

| Leagues|

* AYSO
* NFHS
* USYSA
* Super Y League
* MLS Next
* USL Academy

|

Competitions|

* US Youth Soccer National Championships

By city|

* Houston
* Los Angeles
* New York City
* Seattle
* St. Louis

Other topics|

* Most expensive American soccer transfers
* Broadcast rights
* Soccer America

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Sports teams based in North Carolina

Australian rules football|

USAFL/EAFL
North Carolina Tigers

Baseball|

Charlotte Knights
Durham Bulls
SAL
Asheville Tourists
Greensboro Grasshoppers
Hickory Crawdads
Winston-Salem Dash

Carolina Mudcats
Down East Wood Ducks
Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
ALPB
Gastonia Baseball Club
High Point Rockers
ApL
Burlington Sock Puppets
CPL
Asheboro ZooKeepers
Boone Bigfoots
Forest City Owls
Greenville Yard Gnomes
High Point-Thomasville HiToms
Holly Springs Salamanders
Morehead City Marlins
Wilmington Sharks
Wilson Tobs
TSL
Edenton Steamers
PremCL
Outer Banks Scallywags

Basketball|

NBA
Charlotte Hornets
G League
Greensboro Swarm

Esports|

CDL
Carolina Royal Ravens

Football|

NFL
Carolina Panthers
NAL
Carolina Cobras
WFA
Carolina Phoenix
USWFL
Carolina Queens
Fayetteville Fierce

Hockey|

NHL
Carolina Hurricanes
AHL
Charlotte Checkers
SPHL
Fayetteville Marksmen
FPHL
Carolina Thunderbirds

Motorsport|

Extreme E
Legacy
Formula 1
Haas F1 Team
NASCAR
23XI

Beard
Front Row
Hendrick
Joe Gibbs
JTG Daugherty
Kaulig
Legacy
Live Fast
Richard Childress
RFK
Rick Ware
Spire
Stewart–Haas
Team AmeriVet
Team Penske
Trackhouse
Wood Brothers
MotoGP
Trackhouse

Roller derby|

WFTDA
Blue Ridge Rollergirls
Cape Fear Roller Girls
Carolina Roller Derby
Charlotte Roller Derby
Fayetteville Roller Derby
Greensboro Roller Derby

Rugby|

MLR
Anthem Rugby Carolina
CGU
Charlotte Rugby Club

Soccer|

MLS
Charlotte FC
NWSL
North Carolina Courage
USLS
Carolina Ascent FC
USLC
North Carolina FC
MLSNP
Carolina Core FC
Crown Legacy FC
USL1
Charlotte Independence
USL2
Asheville City SC
Charlotte Eagles
North Carolina FC U23
North Carolina Fusion U23
Tobacco Road FC
Wake FC
WPSL
Asheville City SC
Carolina Rapids
Charlotte Lady Eagles
Lake Norman SC Eclipse
Oak City United
NPSL
Appalachian FC

Ultimate|

UFA
Carolina Flyers

College athletics
(NCAA Division I)|

FBS
Appalachian State Mountaineers
Charlotte 49ers
Duke Blue Devils
East Carolina Pirates
North Carolina Tar Heels
NC State Wolfpack
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
FCS
Campbell Camels
Davidson Wildcats
Elon Phoenix
Gardner-Webb Bulldogs
North Carolina A&T Aggies
North Carolina Central Eagles
Western Carolina Catamounts
Non-football
High Point Panthers
Queens Royals
UNC Asheville Bulldogs
UNC Greensboro Spartans
UNC Wilmington Seahawks

See also
Sports in North Carolina
List of sports venues in North Carolina
*[No.]: Number
*[Pos.]: Position
*[GK]: Goalkeeper
*[DF]: Defender
*[MF]: Midfielder
*[FW]: Forward
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