The Carolina Lightnin' soccer team was established in 1981 in Charlotte, North Carolina. After seeing the success of other sports leagues like basketball and hockey in the Queen City, the American Soccer League was eager to take advantage of the momentum and establish another team in the south. The Charlotte Observer published a contest to name the new team and a high schooler's submission: “Carolina Lightnin'” was chosen. Although the team was short-lived, The Lightnin' made a big impression on fans by winning the ASL Championship in their first season.
Carolina Lightnin' Logo