Fresno’s professional soccer team, Central Valley Fuego FC, announced on Thursday through its website and social media that the club is exiting USL League One. The Division III league is operated by the United Soccer League.

The statement reads: “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.

“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.”

Coach’s Suspension Precedes Decision

This decision follows Fuego coach Jermaine Jones, a former U.S. National Team midfielder, getting suspended for the remainder of the season by the USL in September.

The Athletic,  a national sports digital news site, reported that Jones threatened to retaliate against Fuego players if they joined a union.

Rocky History of Fresno Pro Soccer

Pro soccer in Fresno has a rocky history. Fresno Football Club U-23, formerly Fresno Fuego FC, was established in 2003 as a semi-pro team and competed until 2018.

The team went on hiatus in 2019 when Fresno FC, which acquired the Fuego in 2017, departed Fresno after failing to secure its own stadium. One proposal called for the building of a soccer-only stadium in downtown Fresno.

Recent Struggles and Uncertain Future

Fuego FC was founded in 2020 and had its inaugural season as a professional team in 2022. The team plays its home matches at Fresno State’s Bulldog Soccer Stadium. The club has gone through six coaches and never qualified for the playoffs.