North Carolina FC returns to the top-level soccer league right after the MLS. After putting in an incredible performance throughout USL League One, the team has decided to exercise its option to participate in the USL Championship in 2024.
North Carolina FC was crowned champions in November last year after defeating Charlotte Independence 5-4 on Penalties. Overall, the Club secured 19 victories and suffered—Seven losses while drawing six times throughout the competition.
North Carolina FC had previously played in the USL Championship from 2018 to 2020 before they moved back to the lower division in 2021. Reemerging as a strong side in the top league showcases their dedication, commitment, and passion for soccer. The Club is set to play its first game of the season on 10th March against Charleston Battery.
During the offseason, several new signings have been made to compete at the highest level. There is a good mix of young talent and veteran pros at the club, which will help them a great deal to secure great results in the upcoming Championship.
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Team News
The team’s head coach, John Bradford, has been responsible for spearheading and integrating new talents and signings into the team. He’s been promoted to the Club’s very first sporting director and will be on the lookout for exciting new prospects in the future to solidify the team’s defense and attack further.
Other than that, there has been a massive influx of new players in the team just before the initiation of the preseason training. A total of 13 new players have been added to the rosters, with 12 players continuing from last season.
Some of the new signings are coming in with the experience of MLS in their professional stats, so they will be a valuable addition to the roster to compete for the title in the USL Championship. The fans of North Carolina FC and North Carolina Sports Betting enthusiasts are equally excited to see their team perform at the top level as the season starts in less than a month.
Future Prospects
One of the key new signings is Jacori Hayes. Hayes is an experienced midfielder who spent six seasons in Major League Soccer. He is the eighth new signing for North Carolina FC ahead of the return to the USL Championship.
Hayes has played six seasons in Major League Soccer (MLS) and two seasons in the USL Championship. He has made 72 appearances and played 3,143 minutes in MLS, boasting an 83.23% passing accuracy. Before joining San Antonio FC in 2023,
Hayes spent three seasons with both FC Dallas and Minnesota United in MLS. FC Dallas drafted him in the first round of the 2017 MLS Super Draft and played with them until the end of the 2019 season, contributing one goal and three assists in 38 appearances. Adding Hayes will surely uplift the team’s spirit as they prepare to take on more challenging sides.
Oalex Anderson is probably the most significant player for North Carolina FC. The 28-year-old forward was the leading goalscorer for the team last season. The Vincentian professional footballer was also the 2nd leading goalscorer in the USL League One season, with 17 goals in 29 starts. Anderson Jr. will play a vital role for North Carolina in their title charge in the USL Championship.
The North Carolina FC Number 19, Garrett Mclaughlin, will also play a crucial attacking role for the side in the USL Championship. The 26-year-old forward has beaten the goalkeeper nine times in the League One winning season in 23 appearances. He has been the Second-leading goalscorer for North Carolina in the 2023 USL League. The team will rely heavily on Mclaughlin to convert the chances into goals.
Overall, North Carolina FC found success last season in USL League One by embracing a pathway from youth to professional, effectively blending promising young talent with experienced veterans. Therefore, they have continued the same trajectory to include new inspiring talents in the team and some experienced minds in the middle. The USL Championship will prove to be a test of their skills, dedication, and professionalism at the top level.
Final Thoughts
The club will be playing their game of the USL Championship since 2018 on the opening day of the 2024 USL Championship season. It will be a home match against Charleston Battery at WakeMed Soccer Park. With more than half the roster comprised of new players, John Bradford will have to create the chemistry between the newcomers and retainers of the previous season.
The team will face even greater challenges in this competition since there’s much more at stake than in USL League One. It is only a matter of time before the fans get to see the new exciting prospects display their performance to invigorate new hope in the team’s dressing room.
