— Raleigh isn't among four cities named finalists Wednesday for the next round of expansion in Major League Soccer.

The league said Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento will make formal presentations on Dec. 6 to league commissioner Don Garner and the league's expansion committee. Two cities will be awarded teams.

Following the presentations, the MLS's Board of Governors will meet in mid-December to continue discussions about selecting from the final four.

Although the league announced its final four Wednesday for the current two-team expansion plan, all cities that have submitted bids, including Raleigh, will be considered for additional expansion teams announced at a later date.

"North Carolina FC remains committed to pursuing a MLS franchise and is continuing to work diligently to secure a stadium in downtown Raleigh," North Carolina FC said in a statement. "Momentum for the project continues to build and we look forward to conitnued dialoge with the community and with MLS as we demostrate why the Triangle should be home to a franchise."

The other cities involved include Charlotte, Phoenix, St. Louis, Indianapolis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg.

Raleigh made its initial pitch to the MLS over the summer.

Steve Malik, owner of the North Carolina FC and spearhead of the MLS bid, said the city's bid included renderings and a preferred site for a new multi-purpose entertainment stadium complex in downtown Raleigh.

The facility is proposed for the grounds of the North Carolina state government complex, adjacent to Halifax Mall at the corners of North Salisbury Street and Peace Street. The land is currently owned by the state.