Ristozi Football Club Joins the NPSL
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the first and only men’s league designated by USASA as a Tier 1 national league, is proud to announce that Ristozi Football Club has joined the league as an expansion team. The club will begin play in 2025.
“Maryland is a hotbed of American soccer, and the NPSL is thrilled to see continued growth for our league throughout the state,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “We expect Ristozi Football Club to take their place among a successful group of NPSL teams already based there. It’s a very exciting time for our fans and supporters in the region.”
Ristozi FC, based in Baltimore, Maryland, was established in the summer of 2022 with the mission to be a leading soccer club in the region, recognized for developing exceptional talent and fostering a strong community spirit. They promote the values of respect, commitment, professionalism, and discipline. Their aim is to create a lasting positive impact both on and off the field, contributing to the growth of soccer and the holistic development of their players.
Ristozi FC competes in the Maryland Super Soccer League (MSSL) and has played in the league from 2022 to 2024. The club has achieved notable success, including winning the 2024 MDV Cup and the 2024 MSSL Regular Season Championship.
The club’s leadership includes Anesti Shkurti and Francis Shkurti.
Anesti played soccer at the academy level in Greece and then in the U.S. at the club level and collegiate level. Anesti saw the business opportunity in having a soccer team here in the U.S., and soon after Ristozi FC was formed in the summer of 2022. He now runs a successful software advertising agency.
“We have high expectations for our first season in the NPSL,” Anesti Shkurti said. “Our primary goal is to establish ourselves as a competitive team in the league. We aim to secure a playoff spot and demonstrate that we can compete at this higher level. Our team is prepared to face tougher opponents, and we are confident in our ability to rise to the occasion.”
Francis discovered his passion for soccer at a young age, inspired by his father’s professional career in the sport. After moving to the United States, he graduated from Dulaney High School in Baltimore County, Maryland. Today, Francis is a successful real estate entrepreneur and is dedicated to expanding Ristozi FC in partnership with his brother Anesti.
“We chose to join the NPSL because it offers a highly competitive environment that aligns with our ambitions to grow as a club and brand,” Francis Shkurti said. “The NPSL’s emphasis on player development and community engagement resonates with our club’s values. We believe that this league provides the perfect platform for us to showcase our talent and achieve our long-term goals.”
Ristozi FC is dedicated to establishing itself as a premier club in the NPSL with a strong commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Their strategy focuses on achieving consistent on-field success, deeply engaging with their community, and leveraging partnerships and sponsorships to ensure financial stability and growth.
The club will be playing home games at Stevenson University’s Mustang Stadium in Owings Mills, Maryland. The stadium boasts a seating capacity of 3,500 and features a variety of modern amenities, including a club-level patio, a presidential suite, a press box, and a fitness center. The field level houses spacious locker rooms and athletic offices, enhancing the overall functionality and appeal of the venue.
Fans and supporters can visit www.ristozifc.com or follow the team on Facebook (@fc.ristozi), Instagram (@ristozifc), and Twitter/X (@ristozifc).
More information about expansion opportunities in the NPSL can be found at npsl.com/expansion.
