N&O Coverage of USL Expansion

The News & Observer finally weighs in with a story about today's press conference to announce a USL expansion team in Cary. Most of the story covers old ground at this point but there are a few new tidbits: The team doesn't have a name yet, but Cary Mayor Ernie McAlister has one suggestion. "One of the things I will lobby very hard for will be that the name include Cary," McAlister said. A public contest will be held to name the team.

"The group from Rochester has one of the most successful First Division teams by far," said Charlie Slagle, chief executive of the Capital Area Soccer League, which offers teams for more than 10,000 participants, youth and adult. "I think they know the formula to having a successful team. They turn the game into an event, so if the game isn't going well, it's still fun."

Chrs Economides, one of the team's new owners, said the new team is likely to follow the model established by the Rochester Rhinos, with cheerleaders and fireworks. "We try to make it a fun, two-hour event that's not just a soccer game," he said.

-- Jarrett @ 1/26/2006 09:59:00 AM