In what is the biggest landscape-changing story in US Soccer so far this year, the NASL had their application for Division 2 status denied by the United States Soccer Federation late last week. Congrats to Wes Burdine of FiftyFive.One for breaking that story (and breaking the soccer internet) on Tuesday morning.

This places the league and its clubs in an interesting spot. Before we get into this article, note that this is just speculation as of Wednesday, September 6th: developments with these leagues and USSF will undoubtedly change the picture in the near future.

But let’s talk about some reasons why joining the USL would be a good fit for North Carolina FC.

North Carolina FC appears to be looking to jump ship and join the USL in 2018. NCFC apparently began this process during the past off-season, likely around the time they made the decision to move their U23 amateur team from the NASL-backed NPSL into the USL-backed PDL.

The first obvious reason this should be a welcome switch for the Triangle-based club? NCFC have many neighboring clubs in the USL — Charlotte, Charleston and Richmond would immediately become the closest rivals. The Oaks have already had a history of facing Charlotte, doing so twice in the Open Cup over the past two seasons, as well as in preseason friendlies.

Closer opponents will allow for NCFC to cut down on travel each year, maybe limited to one conference (say the Eastern Conference of USL) instead of treks west to Edmonton or San Francisco.

Closer opponents also encourage supporters to follow their clubs on road trips, while in the NASL, Jacksonville Armada is the closest opponent for NCFC.

NCFC would also boast one of the nicest soccer facilities in all of USL, and a capacity of 10,000 which would immediately rival many other clubs currently in the league. Attendance wise, the Oaks average more fans per match than 18 different USL teams — including both of their Carolina neighbors.

NCFC currently sit in-between the Oklahoma USL clubs OKC Energy FC and Tulsa Roughnecks FC in attendance among D2 teams.

With a move to USL also comes the added benefit of the league’s close connections to MLS. If belonging to NASL was a hindrance to the #919toMLS bid, which most think it was not, joining USL could only help.

Of course, one of the most notable (and commonly seen as negative) features of USL is the presence of “MLS2” teams. NCFC can choose to operate as an independent in the league or affiliate with an MLS side if they so choose, but they would never be considered an Atlanta 2 or DC United 2, even if they have to face Toronto FC 2 and New York Red Bulls 2 from time to time.

USL has grown substantially since its inaugural season in 2011. With 33 sides currently slated for the 2018 season, the league will have grown 175% since their first season, a remarkable growth rate that hopefully parallels the long term success of the league.

As the league continues to grow, NCFC could become one of the best-supported teams in a rapidly growing league.

Tampa Bay and Ottawa have had varying degrees of success this year after making the switch this past off-season. Both sides average above 5,000 fans per match, enough for being included in the top ten of clubs in attendance in USL. NCFC could easily join them.

(Photo Credit: Gloria Korlou)

This is not to say that the USL is perfect: it still has plenty of things it needs to work out. The USSF has not yet granted the league D2 status (though it is expected to soon), and when it granted provisional D2 status to the USL and NASL back in January, it meant both leagues still had standards that had to be met.

While the NASL may survive as a D3 league on it’s own, it would no longer be the best home for North Carolina FC. It is in NCFC’s best interest to make the switch to USL. The Oaks would be a proud addition to the league, and boost the profile of the league as a whole. In terms of metro populations, Raleigh is larger than nine current and future USL cities.

Raleigh lists as the 43rd largest metro area in the United States.

For the continued future success of the club, I believe the USL is the way for NCFC. Regional rivalries with Charlotte, Charleston and Richmond encourage road trips for supporters. Sahlen’s Stadium would be among the best stadiums the league has to offer, while being able to be among the top half of attendance leaders in the USL. Finally, the Oaks can follow the lead of other successful USL sides, past and present, as a road map to the top flight expansion city. All of this is possible by jumping off the sinking ship of NASL to join a currently-floating one in USL.

(Photo Credit: Gloria Korlou)

Fans should not worry about NASL’s apparent/likely demise, NCFC should be just fine regardless. And as the Oak City Supporters tweeted out after the announcement…

Be sure to follow Soccer ‘n’ Sweet Tea for all things Carolina soccer. You can find us on Twitter @soccernsweettea and you can find myself on Twitter @ILM_Ryan.