For the second straight year, the Carolina RailHawks host a Mexican First Division team. Rayados de Monterrey face the RailHawks today at 4 p.m. at the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary.

RailHawks President Chris Economides hopes the annual match becomes a tradition between the two nations.

"This is a great opportunity for us to showcase the level of talent that the RailHawks do have," Economides said. "I'd like to make this a yearly ritual for our organization."

Last season, Carolina lost 2-0 to Cruz Azul de Mexico in front of a sellout home crowd.

The two teams head into the match at opposite points in their seasons. While the RailHawks are deep in league play in the USL First Division, Monterrey has yet to begin its season.

The cultural benefits of the match are most important to the teams.

"It's important that we realize, and I know that Monterrey realizes, and I know that we realize that we are ambassadors to the game," RailHawks coach Scott Schweitzer said. "It is a wonderful opportunity for us to give the chance to the Mexican First Division fans that live in the area, the Monterrey fans that live in the area, a chance to see their team play live."

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