ATLANTA — Fitz Johnson says he enjoyed Atlanta's old women's pro soccer team so much he copied its name for his new team.

Johnson has named Atlanta's team in the Women's Professional Soccer team the Beat. The beat is the ninth WPS team and is scheduled to begin play in 2010.

Atlanta was home to the Beat in the Women's United Soccer Association from 2001-03.

WPS commissioner Tonya Antonucci said Thursday the original Beat "was really a jewel in terms of fan support and quality of play" and set the model for the new team.

"We're honored to carry on that tradition of the WUSA," Antonucci said.

The WPS opened play this year with teams in Washington, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, New York/New Jersey and St. Louis. Philadelphia will join Atlanta as new teams in 2010.

Johnson, an Atlanta businessman, says he has been "in and around" soccer for about 25 years, including the time spent coaching his twin daughters and sons. He said he was motivated by his memories of attending WUSA Beat games.

"The atmosphere at the games was excellent," Johnson said.

"They did a great job not only giving fans the opportunity to watch the best players in the world, there was face-painting, jugglers and other activities on the side. We're going to try to do the same thing, make it a family atmosphere and have a good time while not spending a ton of money."

Johnson said he expects to announce the location of a new facility this summer that will be used for the team's first season.

The WUSA opened play with seven teams in March. Antonucci said the average attendance is "just over 5,000 per game."

Antonucci said the league will survive the recession.

"Certainly it's an interesting decision to launch during this day and time," Antonucci said." I think it's a testament to the business model and the conservative and disciplined approach to what we're doing that we're confident we're going to weather through this.

"We went in knowing this is a vision for a long-term commitment to women's sports and women's soccer and a sustainable business model. For 2010, we're optimistic that things are looking good for us."

Antonucci said the average salary for players is about $31,000. She said 18 players per team are given seven-month contracts. Each team's schedule this season includes 10 home games.

Johnson also announced the team's colors — gold, red and black — and presented Beat jerseys to Antonucci, Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin and others.