United Soccer League discontinues relationship with Hammerheads

The future of Wilmington’s professional soccer team is in doubt. Right now, the Wilmington Hammerheads no longer exist, technically.

The United Soccer Leauge has removed the Hammerheads from its list of franchises due to certain financial requirements not being met. Historically, the Hammerheads have been one of the best franchises in the league, but the team has struggled financially the last year.

Chuck Sullivan has owned the team since 2008. Al Pastore founded the Hammerheads in 1996. While he is no longer affiliated, he hated to hear the bad news.

“I’m very disappointed having started it. I remember one game, it was the last game of the year, and I said to my son sitting in the stands, ‘Brian, it’s really nice to have done this’. It’s very sad that it happened,” said Pastore.

Laney High School student Will Sharp said, “I’m going to miss the Hammerheads because I enjoyed going to their games. I didn’t see it coming.”

Al Pastore is currently the head coach of New Hanover High School soccer.