Central Valley Fuego FC will no longer be part of the United Soccer League.
The club announced Thursday that it has mutually agreed to part ways with USL League One.
What they’re saying: Fuego FC released the following statement, thanking fans for their loyalty and support:
- “After careful consideration, Central Valley Fuego FC and USL League One have made the mutual decision to part ways. This change marks a significant transition for our club, and we want to reassure our fans that this decision was made with the best interests of our team and community in mind.”
- The statement continued, “We understand that our supporters may have questions about what’s next, and we are committed to keeping you informed as we move forward. Plans for the future of Central Valley Fuego FC will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Driving the news: The announcement comes after Fuego FC failed to establish itself with a permanent home in Fresno.
- Fuego FC was founded in 2020, one year after Fresno FC left town due to not being able to secure a soccer-specific stadium.
- The club played its first season in 2022 but was also unable to secure a soccer-specific stadium in Fresno. Fuego FC has played its home games at the Bulldog Soccer Stadium, which is the home of Fresno State’s women’s soccer team. The stadium is on the field directly east of Valley Children’s Stadium.
Flashback: Fuego FC had tried to purchase Selland Arena, Valdez Hall and the adjacent parking lot in downtown Fresno to build a soccer-specific stadium.
- But negotiations with the city were not successful, putting an end to the hopes of a 7,500-seat stadium at the site.
Go deeper: Along with the stadium troubles, Fuego FC has also been without its coach for much of the season.
- Former U.S. National Team midfielder Jermaine Jones was hired in November 2023, but he was sidelined at the end of August for harassment, retaliation and hostility toward players, according to a report from The Athletic.
