U.S. MEN’S SOCCER TEAM TO PREPARE FOR

2006 FIFA WORLD CUP IN CARY

CARY, NC – The world-renowned U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team has selected SAS Soccer Park in Cary for its final training camp from May 9 – 21, 2006 before heading to Germany to play in the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) World Cup – the world’s most watched and followed sporting event.  The team, which boasts 23 of the nation’s most skilled soccer professionals along with six coaches, will practice on the southeast’s premier soccer facility before competing in the World Cup in June and July.  

"We're extremely pleased that Cary will once again be our base for training camp prior to the World Cup," said U.S. Manager Bruce Arena.  "The facilities are outstanding, and our players and staff felt extremely welcome in the area.  There's no question the camp in Cary in 2002 was important to our success in the 2002 World Cup, and we're looking forward to another great experience as we prepare our team for Germany."

“It is an honor to welcome these outstanding players to Cary ,” said Cary Mayor Ernie McAlister.  “Hosting this camp for the second time in a row only strengthens the fact that our facilities are second to none, and we look forward to bringing more professional players to Cary to take advantage of our recreational resources.”

The U.S. Men’s Soccer Team last played at SAS Soccer Park in 2002 in a game against the Richmond Kickers in preparation for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which is held every four years. The team finished eighth in the 2002 World Cup – the best finish in 71 years.  In 2005, the team reached an all-time high as the sixth-ranked national soccer team in the world.    

In September 2005, the Town of Cary initiated an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) to select SAS Soccer Park as a site for one of their training camps.  A proposal was sent from the Town to the Men’s National Team, which led to dialogue between the Town and the USSF.  Following a visit from U.S. Assistant Manager Glenn Myernick in December 2005, negotiations began and a contract was signed in January 2006.     

For more, see SAS Soccer Park at www.townofcary.org, visit www.ussoccer.com or call

(919) 858-0473.

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