Friday January 27, 2006

        Cary, NC - The United Soccer Leagues announced yesterday an agreement that will bring professional soccer back to Cary, North Carolina.  In yesterday’s news conference, Mayor Ernie McAlister, Rochester Raging Rhinos Co-Owner Chris Economides, and USL Vice-President Tim Holt spoke about the deal that will add a USL First Division men’s expansion team to the “Triangle”.  The deal was signed and sealed last night after the Cary Town Council’s vote.
        Negotiations about the team formally began in October 2005 when Atlanta Silverbacks Chairman Boris Jerkunica and the Rhinos’ three owners – Chris Economides, Steve Donner, and Frank DuRoss – joined to incorporate as Triangle Professional Soccer, LLC, with plans to launch the new team.
        Jerkunica commented on the latest news from the Silverbacks’ front office, “We are very excited about taking this direction with the Rochester Raging Rhinos on this partnership to bring soccer to Cary.  The Rhinos have a history of success and we’re excited to be a part of it.”  Jerkunica went on to say, “We’re hopeful this new team will continue to boost soccer in the First Division and the southeast.”
        The new team will play at SAS Park, the former home to the Carolina Courage, a member of the temporarily dormant Women’s United Soccer Association.  SAS Park includes a 7,000-seat stadium, seven fields, locker rooms, and concessions.  To date, the Cary community has been very soccer friendly; an exhibition game in July 2005 between the Rochester Raging Rhinos and DC United drew over 8,000 fans.  The Carolina Courage averaged over 5700 fans and was one of the WUSA’s strongest franchises.
        As part of the proposed agreement, the team will not compete in the USL this year, but will play six to 10 home exhibition games.  The team will enter the league in 2007 and compete in the USL First Division against teams all across North America, including the Silverbacks and the Raging Rhinos.
        "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 Mayor McAlister.  “I am confident that having a professional soccer team will boost our area’s employment opportunities, increase tourism dollars for the region, and promote the outstanding quality of life that Cary offers its citizens and our state.”
        For more information and updated information about the team, call 919-859-KICKS or email triangleprosoccer@yahoo.com.  The team is expected to release more information in the coming months.  For more information about the Silverbacks visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.