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North Carolina FC

Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks Host Charlotte Independence

May 26, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC (May 26, 2015) - The Carolina RailHawks will host Charlotte Independence in the third round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at WakeMed Soccer Park on Wednesday, May 27th at 7:30 PM ET.

Charlotte Independence, a member of the United Soccer League, defeated Upward Stars 2-0 in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to earn the right to play the RailHawks. The RailHawks, who automatically qualified for the third round, will be looking to renew the historic rivalry that has been in place between Charlotte and The Triangle for several years.

Alex and Enzo Martinez, two former RailHawks and RailHawks U-23 players, as well as forward Daniel Jackson will be making a return trip to WakeMed Soccer Park playing for the Independence.

This will be the RailHawks' seventh appearance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a knockout style tournament that first began in 1914. The RailHawks have thrived in the past in this tournament advancing to the semifinals in the 2007 season and to the quarterfinals in the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

A major factor in the RailHawks' success has been the ability to beat MLS teams in this tournament. They defeated the Chicago Fire in 2007 and the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

The winner of this match will advance to the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and travel to Massachusetts to take on the New England Revolution on June 17th at Harvard Stadium.

The team will continue NASL action at 7:30 pm ET on Saturday, May 30th at Jacksonville Armada FC. The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30 PM ET to take on Minnesota United FC.

RailHawks Notes:

Who to Watch

After scoring the only goal of the match against Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Tiyi Shipalane continued his stellar season and now has three goals and three assists this year. Shipalane has scored in the last two matches for the RailHawks.

Coach's Quote

"It's a crucial game for us," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "The Open Cup is a tournament that we've always done very well in and had some great results and we want to do well again in this year's competition."

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