USL-1 North Carolina FC

Carolina RailHawks Host Major League Soccer's Kansas City Wizards in Third Round of US Open Cup

Published on June 30, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC (Monday June 30th, 2008) - On Tuesday, July 1st at 7:30 PM the Carolina RailHawks welcome Major League Soccer's Kansas City Wizards, with 2006 US Word Cup defender Jimmy Conrad, UNC Alumni Kerry Zavagnin and Michael Harrington and Argentinean stalwart Claudio Lopez, in the third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Tickets ($10, $15 and $20) are available at the LGFCU Box Office, by calling 919-859-KICK (5425), at all Ticketmaster outlets or by visiting www.carolinarailhawks.com.

"This is a great opportunity for our players," said RailHawks Head Coach Scott Schweitzer, "To play in the US Open Cup against an MLS team is great for us and for our fans. We like playing in the tournament and always strive to do well in it."

The RailHawks are looking to continue their positive streak at home which has them still undefeated in regular season and Open Cup matches. They enter the match after defeating USL Second Division's Real Maryland 1-0 with a late game penalty kick by midfielder Kupono Low. The RailHawks also beat third place Portland Timbers in a regular season match last Friday night with a phenomenal goal by Martin Nuñez who will look to continue to wow the fans on Tuesday night. Should they advance to the quarter final round they will have a chance to host another MLS side with Chivas USA playing against the Seattle Sounders in the RailHawks side of the bracket. Should Chivas USA win their match they will return to WakeMed Soccer Park for the second time in two years having lost to the RailHawks 2-0 in an exhibition match in May of 2007.

"It's an important game and we will take it very seriously," Said Wizards Head Coach Curt Onalfo. "The RailHawks are a very good team, well coached, with players who have MLS experience. We expect it to be a difficult fight and we will enter the pitch with that in mind."

The Kansas City Wizards qualified for the US Open Cup 11 times since the Pro Era started in 1996. They won the coveted trophy in 2004 by defeating the Chicago Fire 1-0 in overtime. The Wizards did not qualify for the tournament last season and currently sit in last place of the MLS' Eastern Conference with 16 pts. They come to WakeMed Soccer Park after defeating Real Salt Lake 1-0 last Saturday night with a late game own goal.

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is one of the oldest tournaments of its kind in the World and allows amateur teams to measure up against professional teams in a competitive setting. This year's field includes 40 teams including eight MLS teams, eight USL-first division teams, eight USL-second division teams and 16 amateur teams from the PDL and USASA.

The RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Thursday, July 3rd when they host the second doubleheader of the season. The RailHawks Women take on the Charlotte Lady Eagles at 4:00 PM and the RailHawks Men host the Seattle Sounders at 8:00 PM. For this event the RailHawks organization is offering a special 4 for $44 ticket where fans can enjoy four tickets to both games, four hotdogs, four drinks and a spectacular fireworks display after the Seattle match (a $124 value) for only $44. This special offer is only available at the LGFCU Box Office by calling 919-859-KICK (5425)

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