By Michael Heilman

The United Soccer League’s League Two announced today that Asheville City SC has joined the league for the 2020 season. The team plays its home games at Memorial Stadium.

Asheville City SC previously played in the National Premier Soccer League in the Southern Conference in the Southeast Division. This year, the team went to the Southeast conference finals but were defeated by Chattanooga FC. Ashville City SC is now the second team to leave the NPSL after AFC Ann Arbor joined the USL League Two last week.

Vice President of USL League Two Joel Nash on Asheville City SC joining the league saying “Asheville City has been a beacon for how the game can grow in cities with tremendous civic pride,” he continued with “We look forward to supporting and celebrating this club as it continues to reach new heights.”

Ashville City FC was founded in 2016 by a group of owners led by Chairman/CFO Jimmy Wheeler, President Ryan Kelley, General Manager Allen Bradley, Director of Revenue Management Jordan Vance, Director of Community Outreach Josh Yoakum, and Director of Communications Andrew Hunter.

Ashville City SC President Ryan Kelley discussed the teams move to the USL League Two saying “We are excited to join the USL, where we will have the opportunity to compete against a multitude of excellent clubs throughout the Southeast,” he continued saying “We feel strongly that this system presents the best opportunity for our local youth to develop to their full potential and provides a platform to elevate our club in the future.

“As an organization that is absolutely committed to developing Asheville City SC into a premier soccer club on and off the field, we look forward to the competition we will find in League Two, while also aspiring to join the full professional ranks of League One. As has been our focus since day one, the best interests of our supporters and local youth players will continue to be our driving force.”

Ashville City SC will find out what conference they will be joining along with the USL League Two schedule at a later date.