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USL North Carolina FC

Cancelation of USL League Two 2020 Season Affects NCFC U23 Development Team

April 30, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC - USL League Two announced Thursday the cancelation of its 2020 season, which usually runs from May through July. The announcement affects the North Carolina FC U23 team, a development team that has been a member of the USL League Two (formerly PDL) since 2017.

"As disappointing as it is to not get onto the pitch and compete this coming season, the health and safety of our players, staff and all the workers on the front line, is far more important," said NCFC U23 head coach, Tom Harris. "We completely understand the league's decision and fully support it."

Due to COVID-19, there is a lack of traditional competition structure and opportunity to crown a USL League Two Final Champion. The league looks ahead and is excited and focused on supporting clubs as they return in 2021.

"We will use this time to research and discuss new strategies to improve our program and further strengthen our youth to pro pathway," said Harris.

The cancelation decision was made in close collaboration with member clubs of League Two. The league did announce that they will support clubs that are able to pursue an exhibition schedule.

"At North Carolina FC, our intention would be to continue to provide a training environment for the NCFC 23's player pool at whatever point is feasible this summer," said NCFC U23 Technical Director, John Bradford. "We anticipate there being an opportunity for us to provide consistent training sessions, potential intrasquad friendlies, and interaction with our North Carolina FC professional team."

North Carolina FC's U23 squad won eight games last season to finish in second place in the South Atlantic Division. Robert Screen led the team with five goals in 13 matches.

The NCFC U23 program has been an instrumental part in developing players at the North Carolina Football Club. Nazmi Albadawi, Trace Alphin, Adam Armour, Alex Comsia, Conor Donovan, Caleb Duvernay, Luke Hille, and Manny Perez all played with the U23 team before becoming a rostered player for NCFC.

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