CHICAGO -- The U.S. soccer team will start its final World Cup preparations May 9 at Cary, N.C.

The American team, which also used SAS Soccer Park for its training camp before the 2002 World Cup, will practice at Cary for about two weeks before a series of exhibition games in the United States in late May.

"The facilities are outstanding, and our players and staff felt extremely welcome in the area," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said Thursday. "There's no question the camp in Cary 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."