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Match Recap: RailHawks Fall 2-0 to First-Place Cosmos in a Midweek Battle

September 28, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


RailHawks Fall 2-0 to First-Place Cosmos in a Midweek Battle
RailHawks Fall 2-0 to First-Place Cosmos in a Midweek Battle
(North Carolina FC)

Cary, N.C. - The Carolina RailHawks (9W-6D-11L; 33 pts; 6th place) fell to the New York Cosmos (16W-4D-7L; 52 points; 1st place) in a 2-0 match on Wednesday night at WakeMed Soccer Park.

The RailHawks impressed and held their own in the first half of the match against the reigning NASL champions, keeping 50 percent of possession.

Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre and the Carolina defense denied the Cosmos time and time again, while the offense had some close chances of their own in the first 45.

The RailHawks' first true opportunity came in the 28th minute when Nazmi Albadawi beat a defender one-on-one to test New York goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, forcing the six-foot-two keeper to make a low save.

Keeping up the pressure, the RailHawks came close to a goal in the 34th minute when a cross from Matt Fondy soared through the Cosmos' defense, but Mexican International Omar Bravo just missed connecting with the ball.

Carolina frustrated the Cosmos throughout the game with their steady defense, forcing New York to make costly mistakes, as the Cosmos picked up three yellow cards throughout.

After halftime, the RailHawks showed an offensive mindset with a Carolina chance coming in the 67th minute as James Marcelin unleashed a powerful shot that went high and wide.

However, the momentum shifted as Connor Tobin's foul on Sebastian Guenzatti in the 71st minute inside the box led to a penalty kick, where Adam Moffat would give the Cosmos the first goal of the game. New York scored again one minute later with a goal from Ruben Bover who blasted the ball by Sylvestre to give the Cosmos a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Despite four minutes of stoppage time, the RailHawks were unable to find the back of the net. While the final score was not in their favor, the RailHawks out-possessed the Cosmos and won 62 percent of duels.

RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke said the team is looking to put this loss behind them and focus on securing three points on the road in their upcoming match at Rayo OKC this Sunday.

"It's time for us to go on the road and get a win," he said. "It's an important time of the year coming up, seven games to go, and I think it's a great opportunity for us to go and get three points."

Hawk Hits: * Nazmi Albadawi is one assist away from breaking the modern-era NASL record for most assists in a single season. * Mickey Daly and Marvin Ceballos appeared in their 10th RailHawks game. * Connor Tobin made his 100th career NASL start. * Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre made his 6th straight start in net; he has only allowed four goals in those six games. * The RailHawks next play on Oct. 2 at 7:00 p.m. for an away match against Rayo OKC. You can watch the game live on WRAL2, TWC SportsChannel or beIN SPORTS.

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RailHawks Fall 2-0 to First-Place Cosmos in a Midweek Battle
RailHawks Fall 2-0 to First-Place Cosmos in a Midweek Battle
   

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