by Per Gary Moody of the NPSL
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the only league designated by USASA as a Tier 1
national league, is proud to announce that Port City FC (Wilmington, NC) has joined the league
as an expansion team. The club will begin play in 2024.
“We are pleased to have a presence in the Wilmington market,” NPSL Director of Membership
Development Dina Case said. “Port City FC has been hard at work over the last few years to
build their brand and make their presence known in the Wilmington community. Their
ownership has experience with operating a team at this level so we expect that they will
acclimate to the league easily and be successful from the start.”
The organization will be led by President Joey Lipoff and Vice President Eion Dockery.
“Port City FC brings a new city to the NPSL,” Lipoff said. “Wilmington, NC is known as a
thriving port city surrounded by beautiful North Carolina beaches, a community of welcoming
locals, as well as a tight network of local businesses focused on the betterment of the
community.
Focused on bringing an entertainment opportunity to the Wilmington tourist
scene, we at Port City offer a family friendly atmosphere that has partnered with local youth
soccer organizations to expand our vision of community-based, high-level soccer and have a
positive impact on a greater social movement within community-funded programs.”
Home matches will be played at Legion Stadium in Wilmington, NC. The facility offers
seating for 6,000 along with paved parking, concessions, artificial turf, home and visitor
fieldhouse, and press box. Legion Stadium is the former home of the Wilmington
Hammerheads.
“We are looking to compete for a playoff spot as well as showcase the talent from the
Wilmington soccer community which has been eager for a team like this since the Wilmington
Hammerheads left,” Lipoff said.
The club’s coaching staff will be led by Head Coach Nate Torbett, Associate Head Coach
Johnathan Johns, and Assistant Coach Randall Sessoms.
Fans and supporters can visit portcityfcilm.com or follow the team on Facebook
(@portcityfcwilmington), Instagram (@portcity_fc), and Twitter (@Portcityfcilm)
