It was also the club's 11th season playing in the second tier of American soccer, and their seventh straight season in the United Soccer League, since renamed the USL Championship.

It was the fourth season in the club's history where they failed to qualify for the postseason.

During the season, the Kickers saw their long-time head coach, Leigh Cowlishaw step down from the post, and David Bulow take up coaching duties for the second half of the 2018 season.

During the 2017 campaign, the Kickers finished with an 8–16–8 record, causing them to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

The Kickers also suffered a second round exit in the U.S. Open Cup, losing to amateur outfit, Christos FC.