Many NASL fans know North Carolina FC as the Carolina Railhawks of course, a lot changes once you put your club into strong consideration for MLS and North Carolina definitely has made a strong case to become one of the elite organizations in the United States and North America as a whole. Here is how North Carolina makes a strong case to become the next southern stronghold in American Soccer.
- Stephen Malik
Stephen Malik has made a strong presence as not only an owner but as an advocate for the North American Soccer League but also for North Carolina. If it weren’t for the leadership of Malik the 2017 NASL Season probably wouldn’t have kicked off.Malik joined the US Soccer Board of Directors this past spring and decided to rebrand the Carolina Railhawks prior to the 2017 Season during the Division 2 disputes between a struggling NASL and a well-rounded USL making a case to also be America’s Second Division. The Railhawks would become the North Carolina Football Club on December 6, 2016, with intentions of MLS expansion. On top of this Malik bought NWSL side Western New York Flash and revived the North Carolina Courage. His efforts definitely paid off with North Carolina dominating the NWSL currently sitting on top of the table.
2. The Stadium Plans
The first Stadium renderings for North Carolina FC were released back in July with intentions to move the organization to downtown Raliegh building a 22,000 seat stadium with room to expand to 28,000. On top of this, the club said they would build multi-purpose office buildings with restaurant space to increase business usage in the area. Steve Malik told mlssoccer.com his thoughts on the plans saying “I think we have one of the best locations that anyone could possibly dream of,” “If they wanted to check every box, that’s what we’ve tried to do. We’ve got lots of millennials living around it. We’ve got great walkability. Beyond the soccer, we’ve got 24-hour, [365-day] use for that property and that’s going to bring a lot of value to the community. Soccer is just the catalyst and the engine that allows us to make it happen.” Malik is looking to create a “Public-Private” partnership with the State Government to build and operate the complex estimating $150 million to build the stadium and $750 to complete the entire complex. Obviously, the club is looking to appeal not only to Soccer fans but the rest of the community with creating a complex that will allow easy access to local attractions, local businesses, and places to stay for away days.
3. North Carolina FC’s presence in the NASL
North Carolina is currently second in the NASL table with 11 points trailing Miami FC who have a 5 point lead on the triangle with 16 points. North Carolina currently sits 3rd on the combined season standings with 32 points in contention with the Cosmos and Jacksonville for the 3rd and 4th slots for the playoffs. In reality, however, if North Carolina goes on a streak they can very well win the NASL Fall Season given Miami FC falls from its current form. If the Season ended following the publishing of this article North Carolina would be the 3rd seed in the NASL Championship this November. As of Wednesday’s loss to Indy Eleven North Carolina have scored 34 goals this season and have conceded 33. North Carolina’s top goal scorer is Midfielder Lance Laing with 8 goals for the season scoring on average every 181 minutes. He also has 4 assists.
North Carolina surely has made the moves in 2017 both on and off the field. Not only are they set up for success in 2017 they will be set up for years to come.
Central State FC 