Last week, I wrote an article questioning whether the U.S. Men’s National Team game March 27 in Cary was a good thing for the #919toMLS bid. NCFC and Courage president Curt Johnson believed it was missing some of the relevant facts.

I asked if he’d be willing to answer some questions about it, and he was kind enough to oblige.

I would like to start off by expressing my appreciation to Johnson and his staff for being willing to speak with us. Having a team president who is willing to be engaged in the local soccer community like this is a blessing not every club has. Here at Soccer ‘n’ Sweet Tea, we recognize and appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to interact with fans like us.

Before we get into the Q&A though, I want to clear up one point from my initial article: I mentioned that it would be great to host a game in the Triangle at Carter-Finley Stadium. It has since come to my attention that because the sidelines used for American football at that stadium are artificial turf and not grass, the pitch is not actually wide enough for a FIFA sanctioned soccer match, despite the fact that Carter-Finley hosted a Juventus friendly there in 2011.

This shows one of the ways Raleigh would benefit from having a downtown stadium of MLS caliber. It would allow matches like this one to host twice as many fans, and it would give downtown Raleigh the benefits that come with exposure to the USMNT.

So, without further ado, here is my conversation with Curt Johnson, president and general manager of North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage.

Thanks for doing this, Curt. What was the selection process for the Triangle being chosen to host this match?

Curt: I believe the successful women’s national team visits over the last 5–7 years were a big component in bringing the men’s national team back to Cary. Sold out games and a great day-to-day training environment for the teams makes my sales pitch easy.

As well, our history of hosting successful training camps for the men’s team is very important. (USMNT) Coach (Dave) Sarachan is familiar with the quality of the facility and our soccer community so that was another key.

What impact, if any, will this match being successful have on the 919 to MLS process?

Curt: It’s tremendous for sure that the game sold out in a matter of hours. Any chance we get to be in the spotlight of the national soccer community and showcase North Carolina Football Club to the nation, it’s a big deal for 919 to MLS.

With the national team’s visit, there will be a lot of media attention and eyes on our stadium project and soccer community. A successful visit with a sold out stadium full of passionate supporters will only strengthen the image of soccer in the Triangle to the national community and ultimately help our MLS campaign.

You mentioned on Twitter that the teams would be training in Raleigh before the match. Will the public have any chances besides the game to see or interact with the players?

Curt: We’re working with U.S. Soccer to see if public appearances or an open training session are possibilities during their visit. We think the close-knit community support we’re developing with North Carolina’s soccer community is a major part of our club and we’d like to offer our fans the best experience possible during the national team’s visit.

While we don’t know all the details yet, plans are being developed with the help of U.S. Soccer, our supporters and American Outlaws.

Will NCFC Youth have any special opportunities to interact with USMNT players during this event?

Curt: We’re working with U.S. Soccer on all the details of their visit. NCFC Youth and the NCFC Academy teams will be included in our plan for sure. We have the largest youth to pro soccer club in the country so we are always looking for ways to enhance their experience and for our players to see the highest level players and coaches.

How strong of a roster do you expect the USMNT to field in this match?

Curt: U.S. Soccer indicates that they will call in a very strong team for the week-long training camp and game. The dates fall within a FIFA window, so I’m confident we are going to see a very talented group.

What else would you like fans to know about this match?

Curt: The game is virtually sold out. The community has shown once again how passionate they are about our national teams. I want us to use the week that our country’s best are here to tell our story. We need to amplify our message. We have been leaders in the game of soccer for decades. We need to shine a light on our progress and our plans.

We have been at the forefront because we built leagues, tournaments, programs, fields and facilities and hosted events better than anyone else. We have been leaders in the sport statewide and nationally by winning and growing the game.

Our next step is to build an urban stadium that is world class and enhances the Triangle’s international reputation. This game will showcase both popularity and importance as it relates to soccer in our great community which will help us tell our story and reach our goal of attracting an MLS franchise to the Triangle.

Thank you, again, to Curt Johnson and his staff for being willing to answer a few of our questions, and best of luck to NCFC and the Courage as their seasons get ready to start.

A few quick takeaways from this interview:

First, as I mentioned in my original article, this game is certainly an audition of sorts for the Triangle area as it tries to get an MLS franchise, and the fact that the game is already practically sold out is great news. It shows the kind of support we know the fans in our state can provide.

Second, U.S. Soccer predicting a strong roster is fantastic. A strong side will allow our community to see some of the best quality our nation has to offer in this sport, and should give the home fans a chance to see a nice win. The FIFA window point is one I’m sure several fans were not aware of.

Finally, the fact that young players are being included in the plans for this week is wonderfully done by the club. That is exactly the sort of thing that inspires young people to strive to be the very best in their sport and it will certainly grow passion for the game in our area.

Bottom line, our club and the Triangle are doing this thing right. They are doing everything they can to make this the best possible experience both for our community and the USMNT, and that’s something I’m proud to see.