CARY - Former North Carolina soccer standout Caleb Norkus is happy to be back home and playing for another Carolina team -- the RailHawks. He also would be happy to leave home again if given a chance to play for a Major League Soccer team.

Still harboring that big-time dream, the 28-year-old defender has an opportunity to showcase his skills before high-level coaches at SAS Soccer Park tonight at 7:30 when the Hawks face MLS' Chicago Fire in a U.S. Open Cup game.

"You hope you can catch somebody's eye in the right place," said Norkus, who was drafted, then cut by D.C. United in 2001. "I want to play my best soccer here and help the team, but a goal is always to play at the highest level."

Soccer has been Norkus' sport since age 3, when he first booted a ball in Asheboro, where the family lived before moving to Raleigh. And it didn't take a podiatrist to tell the kid had skillful feet.

"That's when I knew he had a gift," said Charley Norkus, his father and former Cary High coach. "From the get-go, he had a great touch, knew how to fake people out."

Taught by his dad, Norkus whizzed through the Raleigh youth leagues, starred at Sanderson High for Bob Catapano, traveled around the world on international teams and played four years at Carolina.

As a Tar Heel, he kicked the winning goal in the 2000 ACC Tournament finals, captured the MVP trophy and earned a degree in communications. Then he embarked on a seven-year pro career punctuated with success, disappointment, injuries and enough travel to wear down a Harlem Globetrotter.

Growing up, Norkus had to hustle to compete with older brother, Chris, who played football at Duke. Athletic genes run deep in his family. Younger sister Rebekah was a standout gymnast and his mother, Becky, is a physical education teacher.

Norkus, named after Caleb in the Bible, emerged with a strong faith and unwavering persistence.

"I don't know what my destiny is, but God gave me the tools to be a great player,'' he said. "I've done about everything to mess it up with injuries. I am thankful to be healthy now [after groin and hernia surgery] and want to make the most of it."

For now, that means rocking for the RailHawks. A career forward, Norkus switched to left back this season, a change he accepted to help his team. He made some mistakes during the learning process, but said, "I feel I'm getting solid."

His defensive play has helped Carolina post seven shutouts. He also is an Iron Hawk, starting the first 15 games and logging 1,347 of a possible 1,350 minutes.

That hasn't surprised coach Scott Schweitzer, who noticed Norkus' potential as a defender while playing against him in Puerto Rico.

"He's strong, athletic, fast, has all the tools," Schweitzer said. "He's fit right in; every game gotten better."

Norkus is a sinewy 6-foot, 177-pounder with an amiable demeanor. He signs lots of autographs, coaches youth soccer players on the side and plays full bore with his heart, head and feet on the field.

In a recent scrimmage, he got spiked on the shin and crumpled to the ground. Moments later, he retaliated with a goal.

At times, Norkus' aggression has led to transgressions in the form of yellow cards. After accumulating five, he was forced to serve a one-game suspension Friday night.

"His attitude is always there,'' said captain Frankie Sanfilippo. "He brings a lot of heart, energy, never gives up, goes 100 percent."

Norkus' skill transcends the soccer field. In a "Dancing Like the Stars" competition at the Southern Women's Show, he placed third behind Sanfilippo.

Now, once again, tonight is the time to flash fancy footwork. Tonight is the time to tame a big-name opponent, to catch fire -- and maybe catch the eye of some major league coaches.