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USL moving on without Hammerheads

Written by|Bob Bonner

"We will look ahead to 2011."

That was the response from USL Senior Director of Franchise Development Matt Weibe on Friday afternoon when asked if soccer would return to Wilmington for 2010.  The move will result in Wilmington not hosting a USL franchise for the first time since 1996.

The USL is holding its League meetings in Tampa, Florida this weekend which will culminate with schedules for 2010 being completed.  Playing the 2010 schedule without Wilmington was something the USL hoped to avoid. 

"Wilmington has been a fantastic market for us, and one that we would certainly like to remain in business with,"  Weibe said in an October interview.  "The team has a great history dating all the way back to its first owner in Al Pastore."

This past season the team finished as the regular season champions with a 12-5-3 overall record.  David Irving was named the Coach of the Year while Jamie Watson earned Player of the year honors.

Irving now becomes a hot commodity in the coaching ranks.  His contract was set to expire in December, but he is now free to search for work.  "Because there is no franchise in Wilmington anyone affiliated with it is not bound."  said Weibe.

Irving is Tampa attending the League meetings.