© CBS 5TAMPA, FL (CBS5) -
USL Pro, the premiere American league below Major League Soccer, announced Monday it has awarded an expansion franchise to Phoenix, with plans for the team to participate in the 2013 season.
The franchise will be owned by BDR Sports, LLC, a collection of Phoenix-based investors headed by local developer Tim Thomas. Local Phoenix soccer entrepreneur and cornerstone of the new franchise Rui Filipe Bento will serve as the team's general manager.
Thomas spoke about the significance of having a professional soccer team in Phoenix.
"The Valley has waited a long time for a professional soccer team to call its own," Thomas said. "For the first time in Arizona history, we have a soccer program that affiliates its youth with the pros - a USL Pro team that will field the world's best. Now that's a kick!"
The Phoenix USL Pro franchise will host a launch event this summer to announce the team name, stadium and coaching staff.
Copyright 2012 CBS 5 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
