Washington, D.C. - D.C. United announced today that the team will travel to Cary, N.C. to compete in an exhibition match against United Soccer League's First Division Rochester Raging Rhinos. The game is set for July 11 and will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at SAS Soccer Park in Cary. In three previous meetings, United has outscored the Rhinos 8-0.
"We are looking forward to playing the Rhinos in what is becoming a yearly event," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper, "We welcome the opportunity to play at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, N.C."
"We're excited about the match and the opportunity it brings to showcase SAS Soccer Park as the perfect venue for a professional soccer team," said Town of Cary Mayor Ernie McAlister.
In United's 10-year history, the two teams have met on three separate occasions, with Jaime Moreno notching a goal in each game. Last year in an exhibition, the Black-and-Red defeated the Rhinos 2-0 on goals by Moreno and Freddy Adu. In 2000 the two teams met in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, with United taking a 3-0 decision. In 1996 United won their only U.S. Open Cup by defeating Rochester 3-0.
The July 11 game creates a busy week for the Black-and-Red, as it falls between two MLS home matches. United faces the Kansas City Wizards on July 9 (Saturday) and the San Jose Earthquakes on July 15 (Friday).
The exhibition will be the first professional soccer game to take place at SAS Soccer Park since the Carolina Courage, of the Woman's United Soccer League, folded in September of 2003. SAS Soccer Park (originally called State Capital Soccer Park) opened in May 2002 and includes a 7,000-seat stadium, seven fields, locker rooms, concessions, and a nationally recognized, competitive cross-country course.
Tickets for the July 11 game are on sale now through TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (919) 834-4000. Tickets range in price from $10 to $20.
