Hannover joins with RSL

On a day Real Salt Lake introduced Clint Mathis as its first allocation, the team also announced a partnership with Mathis' former team, Hannover 96 in the German Budesliga.

The teams agree to partner in the business development of soccer in both countries, as well as exchanging players and coaches and planning home-and-home exhibition games.

"As an expansion MLS team, we see great value in opening the lines of communication and cooperation with the storied Bundesliga club," said general manager Steve Pastorino. The teams won't play each other this year, but Pastorino is hopeful specific games can be scheduled for 2006 or 2007.

"We hope to bring RSL the exciting feel only the top level in European soccer can provide," said Hannover 96 general manager Ilja Kaenzig in a news release.