Last night, NCFC of the NASL (North American Soccer League) played the Charlotte Independence of the USL (United Soccer League) in The US Open Cup. The NASL is the established second division in the US, and though the USL is not technically recognized as lower than the NASL, it is generally understood that the USL is the third division of US Soccer, The US Open Cup is a tournament that includes all 3 major professional soccer leagues in the US; The MLS, The NASL, and the USL. After NCFC thoroughly their local rivals 4-1, I interviewed 2 NCFC fans about NCFC’s bid to become an MLS expansion team (aka moving up into the first division). Both fans asked that only their first names be used. I asked David, in the NCFC Supporters Section, if he was pleased with the direction of the club under its new owner, Steve Malik.
“Yes, I would say so. I’ve actually met the bloke, and he’s a really nice guy. He also really understands the scope of football in this area, and understands how to properly market a club. The new name is a bit boring, but its a lot better than ‘The Carolina Railhawks’. First of all, what in the hell a Railhawk? Who came up with that? Second, its sensible, considering South Carolina’s bid, that he specified that we are a North Carolina club, not just Carolina, like all the sports teams in NC. I’ve lived here for almost 20 years, and I still don’t understand why the Panthers and that red hockey team are just ‘Carolina’ teams. They are both based here in North Carolina, which is a totally different state from South Carolina. Its stupid. And now that he’s specified North Carolina, the MLS can’t [mess] us around and put the expansion club in South Carolina because of that ridiculous bathroom bill, or whatever reason.” said David.
I asked Jaeda (not sure if I’ve spelled that correctly, I lost the sticky note she wrote it on) in the North Stand if she thought NCFC would become an MLS team in the next 5 years, or ever.
“Oh yeah! Hell yeah! We are build this place[Wake Med Soccer Park] into a Sounders’ [Seattle Sounders of the MLS] type Stadium! And we are gonna tear it up, just like Atlanta are! Raleigh is blue and gold, baby!” said Jaeda, before begginning to heckle some Charlotte fans. 
