MODESTO – The City of Modesto continues its effort to bring professional soccer and a stadium to the city. 

This comes after the city entered a letter of intent with the United Soccer League back in September.

The city says this stadium will cost between $125 and $150 million and they need to nail down a plan within the next six months. 

"It was so good to hear from so many members of the public about their concerns, but also their enthusiasm for bringing soccer to Modesto," Mayor Sue Zwahlen said.

Modesto City Council narrowed down the location for a new soccer stadium to two locations: downtown north Modesto and west Modesto.

Downtown north Modesto would take the place of Centre Plaza, right next to the Double Tree Hotel.

The city says its central location could bring even more foot traffic to the area. 

But it could displace existing businesses, increase traffic congestion and would force them to tear down Centre Plaza. 

While west Modesto is mostly undeveloped land, the site could bring housing initiatives around the stadium and new services to an area of the city that's mostly underserved. 

A resident pointed out the vacant golf course could go to additional housing where rental homes currently surround the area.  

"Looking at the big picture for me means that this is a huge thing that could come to our city," Alexis Chavez said.

Chavez, a Modesto resident and soccer player, said the benefits of bringing a soccer league and stadium outweigh any negatives. 

"Having a professional soccer team to Modesto would bring a lot of economic development give a sense of pride to our city and also bring a lot of tourism right here in Modesto," Chavez said.

Modesto's letter of intent with the United Soccer League expires this September.  

The city hopes to formalize the plan by that date and will host another meeting to finalize a location sometime this summer.