The franchise announced Tuesday two former North Carolina players are among five signees to the 2007 team. The franchise hired former N.C. State standout Scott Schweitzer in October to coach the team.

Former Tar Heels Chris Carrieri and Caleb Norkus will play as part of the Railhawks' first season, which starts in April.

The Railhawks are a member of the United Soccer Leagues' First Division. Their schedule should be released in mid-January, said assistant general manager Brian Wellman, who added that the Railhawks will have four televised games.

Norkus went to Sanderson High School before attending UNC. He had been playing with the First Division Puerto Rico Islanders and signed a two-year deal with the Railhawks. Terms were not released.

"I've always wanted a pro team in the area," Norkus said. "So now that it's a reality, I'm really excited about it."

Carrieri, an attacker, and Norkus, who plays in midfield or defense, played together at UNC from 1998-2000 and won the ACC championship in 2000. Carrieri left UNC after his junior year and was the No. 1 pick in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft.

"There's nothing more I wanted to do," Carrieri said of returning to the Triangle. "Once I heard there was an inkling of a chance to have a team in the Triangle area, I was on it. I was calling my agent."

Carrieri had been playing with the Richmond Kickers, a USL Second Division team. When his contract was up with Richmond, he called Chris Economides, the managing partner for the Railhawks.

He signed a two-year deal with a one-year option.

The Railhawks also signed Jonny Steele, Connally Edozien and Anthony Maher -- all players with USL experience -- to one-year deals.