Expansion teams have fared well in League One’s recent history. Spokane made the playoffs and reached the title game in their debut campaign; Naples and Portland both won postseason games last year. It’s too early to think differently in 2026, but none of the league’s five expansion sides are in the top eight as things stand. Cumulatively, they’ve got three wins in 15 matches.
New ideas from League One’s old guard were the headline in Week 4, and that’s part of the reason for the expansion class’ early struggles. This division is only growing more sophisticated every year, and that’s making it harder for brand-new clubs to hit the ground running.
Which teams looked the sharpest as March came to an end, and which expansion teams finally broke through in the win column? Let’s dig in.
Charlotte, surprise contender?
Mike Jeffries’ Charlotte Independence don’t get the love that Union Omaha enjoy, but those are the only two programs in League One to qualify for the playoffs every year since 2022. Some of that disparity is explicable; Omaha is a perennial title threat, whereas Charlotte has been a grittier bubble team ever since they reached the championship game in 2023. After Friday night’s 4-0 win against Spokane, it’s time to give the Independence their due.
