The Carolina RailHawks, one of two expansion teams, make their USL-1 debut Saturday when they host the Minnesota Thunder.

RailHawks play at SAS Soccer Park, are coached by veteran USL-1 player Scott Schweitzer, who played his college ball at nearby N.C. State. The RailHawks have signed a number of MLS veterans with UNC connections, including David Stokes and Chris Carrieri, and Caleb Norkus, who played in Chile.

Also in action this weekend is defending champion Vancouver, which opens at home against Seattle. The Whitecaps return 2006 USL-1 MVP Joey Gjertsen and Cuban Eduardo Sebrango to lead the attack. They've brought in Cameroonian defender Narcisse Syrille Tchoumi-Tchoudja, who has spent time in Japan, to replace Geordie Lyall, who signed with fourth-level English club Walsall.

USL-1 WEEKEND:
FRIDAY
Charleston vs. Minnesota (Fox Soccer Channel, 8 pm ET)
SATURDAY
Carolina vs. Minnesota
Atlanta vs. Montreal
Portland vs. Puerto Rico
Vancouver vs. Seattle
Broadband: All USL-1 games are available on USL Live.