FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno FC was warmly welcomed to the USL on Wednesday morning as the ownership group by local businessman Ray Beshoff was officially awarded a franchise for the 2018 USL season in a ceremony at Chukchansi Park. The club’s official colors and crest were also unveiled at the ceremony as the club established its branding within the local soccer community.

Fresno FC adds to an already strong regional group in the USL’s Western Conference, where it sits nearby to both Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC. The enthusiasm for the addition to an already passionate soccer market was in evidence as a large crowd of local fans and youth players join the dignitaries in attendance.

“It’s no secret that the success of the USL in recent years in large part comes down to the quality of ownership groups that we continue to attract into our league,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “Ray Beshoff has spearheaded this group, and from the moment I met Ray, I knew he’d be a tremendous addition to our ownership group. Ray has a passion for the sport, a passion for this community, and to continue to deliver and build upon everything that’s going on in this community.

“Ray certainly has an exciting vision, and a commitment to execute that vision to deliver a top-quality professional soccer club to this community that you’ll be proud of, but Ray’s also a humble man who’s committing to protecting and building upon the great tradition that has been built here with the Fuego and the Freeze and everyone that’s been involved in the sport here.”