CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Soccer players are excited about the possibility of a Major League Soccer Team coming to Charlotte.

On Thursday Carolina Panthers Owner David Tepper and his staff met with MLS officials in New York to discuss the expansion of the 30^th team in the league.

MLS officials said no decision has been made yet. However, they confirmed they have allowed the expansion committee to begin the final stages in negotiations to have Charlotte become their 30^th team.

Frankie Cardelle who plays soccer in a recreational league called Charlotte Soccer League is encouraged about the potential of an MLS team coming to Charlotte.

“I think that’s really going to unify the soccer community here in Charlotte. It’s really going to get out more kids playing at a young age because they have something to aspire for, right here in our hometown,” Cardelle said.

Charlotte Soccer League player Joshua Jimenez would be one of them. He tried out for the MLS team in Atlanta last month but he didn’t make it.

The 19-year-old said having a local MLS team, would give him another chance to become a professional soccer player.

“It would mean a lot actually. It would mean everybody who is here will have the chance to play and we will try out,” Jimenez said.

Charlotte Soccer League Owner Denis Bonilla said there would be player and spectator interest in having an MLS team in the Queen City.

He recalls attending recent professional soccer games in Charlotte.

“We always go. We’re excited to see professional soccer in the city. I think the Latino community is really excited about it,” Bonilla said. “Hopefully we get it to go to Bank of America stadium.”

MLS Officials said before making a final decision, they will discuss whether Bank of America stadium needs upgrades to be up to the standards of current soccer stadiums.

The decision is expected to be announced in the next two weeks.