Carolina RailHawks Forward Zack Schilawski Named NASL Player Of The Month

Published on May 2, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


NEW YORK, NY (May 2, 2014) - Powered by his goal scoring and game-changing effort, Carolina RailHawks forward Zack Schilawski has been named the North American Soccer League Player of the Month for April, an award voted upon by the media who regularly cover the NASL.

Schilawsk, currently atop of the league's goalscoring list with three goals early in this Spring Season, finished ahead of second-place finisher goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel of Minnesota United FC by four votes.

"It's an honor to be named Player of the Month," said Schilawski. "It's about the team and it's because of the play of my teammates that it is possible. We've gotten off to a good start and now we have to continue to focus on winning games."

The native of Cary, N.C. has been on the pitch every minute of the three games so far. He scored the first goal of the RailHawks' Spring season in the 1-1 draw against host Indy Eleven - stunning the sold out crowd of 11,048 at IUPUI's Michael A. Carrol Stadium on April 12.

A week later, Schilawski scored twice, including the eventual game-winner, in the 4-1 triumph over visiting Fort Lauderdale Strikers to extend the RailHawks' unbeaten streak at WakeMed Soccer Park to 17 consecutive matches. His efforts earned him NASL Player of the Week 2 honors and the Team of the Week for a second straight time.

"It's a very deserving award for Zack," said RailHawks coach Colin Clarke on Schilawski's award. "His play has been at another level both in matches and his preparation in training. It's great to see him get the recognition he deserves and look forward to see what he can do the rest of the season.

Prior to joining his hometown RailHawks - where he is now in his third season - Schilawski spent two years with the New England Revolution, having been selected ninth in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft and posted 50 appearances during two seasons, including 28 starts. He netted a hat trick in his first career match against Toronto FC, becoming just the third rookie to register a hat trick and the first to do so in a home opener. Schilawski played his college soccer at Wake Forest, where he made a school-record 99 appearances.

Schilawski's selection as Player of the Month caps an exciting April for the NASL that has seen a number of exciting individual and team performances. In total, seven players were nominated for the April's NASL Player of the Month award. The other candidates for recognition were:

Junior Sandoval, Midfielder, Atlanta Silverbacks

Erick Norales, Defender, Indy Eleven

Matt Van Oekel, Goalkeeper, Minnesota United FC

Christian Ramirez, Forward, Minnesota United FC

Carlos Mendes, Defender, New York Cosmos

Oliver Minatel, Forward, Ottawa Fury FC

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