WRAL Sports Fan

United Soccer Leagues

“I am sure that Cary citizens and soccer fans throughout the nation share our excitement and enthusiasm about this new chapter in sports history,” said McAlister.

Negotiations for the agreement moved ahead after the July 2005 exhibition game between the Rochester Raging Rhinos and D.C. United at SAS Soccer Park. Following that event, the Rhinos' owners collaborated with Atlanta Silverbacks chairman Boris Jurkunika to incorporate in North Carolina with the intent of launching a new team.

SAS Soccer Park opened back in May 2002. The fields used to be the home of the Carolina Courage of the professional women's soccer league that folded three years ago.

As part of a six-year agreement, Triangle Professional Soccer will pay the town of Cary $25,000 in rent for the first year as they develop the new team, including hosting 6-10 exhibition matches. They will then pay $70,000 per year for five years and play 16-20 home games. The agreement also includes provisions for revenue such as partnerships and sponsorships.

The formal agreement was signed and sealed Thursday following the Cary Town Council's approval vote Thursday evening.

For general questions about the unnamed team, ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, e-mail

TriangleProSoccer@yahoo.com

or call

(919) 859-KICK