Director

Written by Louis Fernandez, WRAL’s Sports Director.

As a new season begins and North Carolina FC rejoins the USL Championship league with numerous additions to their team, it still maintains the same essence as the club that rose from the bottom to claim victory in the USL League One Championship last November.

On Tuesday, during the start of preseason training, midfielder Mikey Maldonado expressed that he doesn’t notice a significant difference.

Maldonado stated that everyone is still committed to the same tasks and goal of winning a championship. He believes that everyone is fully invested in this goal.

In essence, there is a continuity in culture, but there have been some superficial alterations. To be specific, there are 13 new players. These newcomers constitute over half of the team, while 12 players are returning from the previous championship-winning season.

Maldonado stated that as everyone progresses to the next level, it is necessary for you to also elevate your level. The players joining us have prior experience in both MLS and (USL) Championship, which will ultimately benefit the entire team.

Jacori Hayes is a seasoned player in the MLS, having made 72 appearances and played for 3,143 minutes. He expresses his approval of NC FC’s performance thus far.

Expansion teams can be concerning because you wonder if they will struggle in a higher league. Will it be a learning experience for them? I spoke with the coaching staff and observed the players they acquired, and I am confident that this team is determined to continue their success from last year’s Championship and aim for another victory this year. According to Hayes, this club is making a serious effort to improve and achieve even more.

Combining the traditional with the modern is often difficult, but Hayes stated that it’s a challenge the club is ready to take on.

“I believe the most important aspect is that we have a strong group of young players, as well as experienced veterans who are familiar with the league and what to anticipate in each game against our opponents. We will rely on each other throughout the season,” stated Hayes.

The one constant in the professional North Carolina FC team is head coach John Bradford, who will be entering his sixth year with the team and his fourth as head coach. In December of last year, Bradford was promoted to also serve as the club’s sporting director, a first in the club’s history. This position is similar to that of a general manager for NC FC and involves overseeing player and technical staff recruitment and development for on-field competition. This includes managing players for potential transfers or sales to other clubs.

“I have been heavily involved in recruiting and signing players for our team. This also extends to balancing the roster to compete at the top level of USL Championship while also having players with potential to move on in the future,” stated Bradford during Tuesday’s discussion.

There are both familiar and unfamiliar elements, but NC FC faces a new challenge now that they have departed from the USL Championship in 2021.

Bradford confirmed that the level has been increased.

“I believe that the league has seen overall improvement. The team rosters have become stronger, there is more investment, and the overall environment has improved… it is a thrilling time to also elevate our own performance.”

The team will have an opportunity to assess their skills early on: North Carolina FC will kick off their season with a game against Charleston Battery at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match will begin at 7 p.m. Charleston Battery was defeated by Phoenix Rising FC in last year’s USL Championship Final.

Source: wralsportsfan.com