Professional teams
Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) and was established in 2019. The team played its inaugural season in 2022 and has quickly gained a strong fan base. The club plays home matches at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
North Carolina FC
North Carolina FC is based in Cary and competes in the USL League One. Founded in 2006 as the Carolina RailHawks, the team rebranded in 2017. The club has a rich history and plays its home games at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Charlotte Independence
Charlotte Independence is another professional club in the state, competing in USL League One. Founded in 2014, the team plays home matches at the American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte.
College soccer teams
University of North Carolina Tar Heels
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has one of the most successful soccer programs in the nation. The men’s and women’s teams have won multiple NCAA championships. The women’s program, led by legendary coach Anson Dorrance, is one of the most decorated in collegiate soccer history.
Duke Blue Devils
Duke University’s soccer teams are consistently among the top programs in the country. The men’s and women’s teams have had strong performances in the NCAA tournaments over the years. The teams play at Koskinen Stadium in Durham.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake Forest University, based in Winston-Salem, has a strong soccer tradition. The men’s team won the NCAA championship in 2007 and regularly competes at a high level. Spry Stadium serves as the home for both the men’s and women’s teams.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
NC State, based in Raleigh, has competitive soccer programs for both men and women. While not as dominant as UNC or Duke, the Wolfpack teams have produced notable players and regularly compete in the ACC.
Amateur and semi-professional teams
Tobacco Road FC
Tobacco Road FC is based in Durham and competes in the USL League Two, a developmental league for college players. The club has been an important part of the soccer landscape in the region.
Asheville City SC
Asheville City SC fields both men’s and women’s teams in the amateur ranks. The club plays in the USL League Two and the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The team has a strong following in western North Carolina.
Tri-Cities FC
Tri-Cities FC is a relatively new club in the USL League Two. Based in the Piedmont Triad area, the team aims to provide opportunities for young players to develop in a competitive environment.
Youth and development programs
North Carolina has a rich soccer culture at the youth level, with many clubs developing players who go on to play in college and professionally. Notable youth academies include the North Carolina FC Youth program, Charlotte Soccer Academy, and the Carolina Rapids. These clubs compete in national leagues and have strong player development programs.
Soccer culture in North Carolina
The soccer culture in North Carolina continues to grow, fueled by professional clubs, strong college programs, and passionate supporters. The state hosts major soccer events, including international friendlies and college tournaments. Soccer-specific venues like WakeMed Soccer Park and Bank of America Stadium contribute to the sport’s rising popularity in the region.
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