NORTH CAROLINA -- Raleigh and Charlotte are no longer in the running for a major league soccer team.

Steve Malik, owner of the North Carolina FC, led the campaign behind the MLS expansion bid this summer, saying a new multi-purpose entertainment stadium complex was much needed in downtown Raleigh.

The league revealed the finalists on Wednesday saying Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento are now in the running for one of the two expansion teams.

While Raleigh and Charlotte aren't among the initial candidates. MLS indicated the cities will be considered for the remaining two expansion spots which will be announced at a later date.