ABOUT

Ristozi FC is a Baltimore-based soccer club competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Focused on developing talent and fostering a strong connection with our local community, the club is committed to competing at the highest level.

At Ristozi FC, our foundation is built on three core values that guide everything we do—on the field and off the field in the community:

FAITH, PROFESSIONALISM, and RESPECT.

  1. FAITH: We believe in the power of our team, our community, and our mission. Faith drives us to overcome challenges and trust in the journey, knowing that with dedication and belief, success will follow. We have faith in each other, in our goals, and in the potential of every player who wears the Ristozi badge.

  2. PROFESSIONALISM: We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our club. From our preparation and performance, to our interactions with fans and partners. Professionalism is at the heart of Ristozi FC. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and work tirelessly to represent the club with integrity and respect, both on and off the pitch.

  3. RESPECT: Respect is the cornerstone of our culture. We treat teammates, opponents, officials, and supporters with respect at all times, understanding that true sportsmanship is built on mutual appreciation and understanding.

The Story Behind the Name

The name "Ristozi" holds deep meaning for our club, inspired by the historic Church of Ristozi in Korça county, Albania. This ancient church, believed to date back to the 13th century, is a symbol of faith, tradition, and resilience in Albanian culture. Known for its rich history and spiritual significance, the Church of Ristozi has stood as a testament to the strength and endurance of the local community for centuries.

By naming our club "Ristozi," we pay tribute to this important cultural part of the owners. The church’s enduring presence and the values it represents inspire us to build something that lasts—rooted in history, but forward-looking. As we take the field, we aim to reflect the same strength, unity, and commitment that have defined the Church of Ristozi for generations.

From Local Roots to the Regional Stage

Ristozi FC, based in Baltimore, Maryland, was founded in the summer of 2022 by the Shkurti brothers, driven by their shared passion for soccer and a vision to create a competitive and professionally-run club. Their ambition was to build a team that not only competed at a high level but also embodied strong values and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Early Beginnings

When the club was founded in 2022, Ristozi FC entered the Maryland Super Soccer League (MSSL) — currently known as the Super Soccer League (SSL) — competing in Division 2. The inaugural fall season served as a valuable introduction to the local amateur soccer landscape. In spring 2023, the club won promotion to Division 1 through the playoffs, and by fall 2023, Ristozi FC advanced to the postseason as the #4 seed, defeating #1 seed Christos FC in a memorable semifinal.

Ristozi FC’s Rise: MDV Cup & MSSL Titles

In the winter of 2024, the club earned its first silverware by capturing the inaugural Maryland-District-Virginia (MDV) Cup, followed by an undefeated spring campaign to win the MSSL Regular Season Title. That summer, Ristozi FC officially announced its move to the NPSL, marking a pivotal step toward a more competitive and structured national platform.

Before starting their NPSL season, the club returned in the winter of 2025 as defending MDV Cup champions from the year prior, and also aimed to lift the historic Rowland Cup for the first time in club history.

Ristozi FC successfully did just that, with a rare Maryland cup double. Victories over Christos FC (2–1 final) in the MDV Cup final, and Steel Pulse FC (3–0 final) in the Rowland Cup final saw Ristozi FC add two more trophies in its cabinet.

Competing at the National Stage

Ristozi FC’s inaugural NPSL season in the summer of 2025 proved historic. The club finished in second place during the regular season in the Mid-Atlantic conference. In the conference playoffs, the club defeated the Alexandria Reds (2–1 final) in the semifinal, and overcame Virginia Dream (2–1 final) in the final to be crowned Mid-Atlantic Conference champions. The team then advanced through the East Region knockout rounds, earning victories over Jackson Lions (3–0 final) and West Chester United (2–1 final) to secure the East Region Championship in its debut year.

Ristozi FC fell to Hickory FC in the national semifinal (3–2 final) but finished as one of the top four NPSL clubs nationwide, automatically qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Open Cup.

Ristozi FC’s league choices reflect a clear vision: build a foundation locally, expand regionally, and compete nationally. The NPSL provides the ideal platform to strengthen the club’s profile, and create opportunities for our players, staff, and supporters.