Carolina RailHawks Claim Victory in Season Opener

April 4, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release

Carolina RailHawks vs. Ottawa Fury FC
(North Carolina FC, Credit: Rob Kinnan/Carolina RailHawks)

"I'm Delighted," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "It was the opening game of the season and we looked to be in good form. I'm disappointed we didn't keep a clean sheet, but overall, a lot of positives. It was a great and exciting game for the fans to watch. This was a great crowd and we like to reward them."

Ottawa missed the likes of Oliver Minatel, Nicki Paterson and Mauro Eustaquio due to suspension and midfielder Phil Davies to injury. However, both teams came out of the gates with high energy, eager to be the first team on the board for the 2015 season.

In the first half, the RailHawks' attacking play was led by Tiyi Shipalane's inspired performance. His fancy footwork on the right side opened up the field for multiple early chances and finally paid off in the 12th minute. Shipalane gained possession of the ball inside the box and fired a well-placed cross to score the RailHawks' first goal of the 2015 season.

Midway through the first half, there was a sequence of back-to-back penalty kicks when both teams were called for fouls in their respective boxes. Hunter Gilstrap made a diving save off of Ottawa's penalty that kept the tally at 1-0 and brought the WakeMed Soccer Park crowd to their feet. The RailHawks rode the momentum and one minute later, scored their second goal when Nacho Novo rifled his penalty kick into the bottom corner of the net.

The RailHawks kept the pressure on in the second half, but left the door open for Ottawa when they failed to convert a number of good chances. The Fury made it interesting late when Brandon Poltronieri scored off of a cross in the 84th minute, but Simone Bracalello sealed the victory in stoppage time when he beat the goalkeeper between the legs off of a breakaway.

The RailHawks will travel to Canada for the second game of the Spring Season on Sunday, April 12th, to face off with FC Edmonton. The match will be broadcast live on WRAL2.

The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, April 18th when they take on rival Atlanta Silverbacks FC. To purchase Individual Game Tickets or Ticket Packages, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com or call the Johnson Maserati Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Carolina RailHawks vs. Ottawa Fury FC (Rob Kinnan/Carolina RailHawks)

North American Soccer League Stories from April 4, 2015

• Cosmos Best Strikers 1-0 to Win Season Debut - New York Cosmos
• Late Penalty Conversion Salvages Draw for Indy Eleven in 2015 Opener - Indy Eleven
• Armada FC Sets Modern-Day NASL Attendance Record in 3-1 Win - Jacksonville Armada FC
• Tampa Bay Rowdies Open Season with 3-1 Win over Defending Champions - Tampa Bay Rowdies
• Armada Sink Eddies in Opening Match of Season - FC Edmonton
• Strikers Come up Short in Season Opener in Front of Record-Breaking Crowd - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
• Silverbacks Share Points with Indy in Opener - Atlanta Silverbacks
• Carolina RailHawks Claim Victory in Season Opener - North Carolina FC
• Fury FC Downed by RailHawks in NASL Season Opener - Ottawa Fury FC
• Smits to Go on Temporary Loan to Montreal Impact - FC Edmonton
• Kickabout: Match Day 1 - Atlanta Silverbacks

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