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USL-1 North Carolina FC

Carolina RailHawks Strengthen their backline

April 5, 2007 - USL First Division (USL-1)
North Carolina FC News Release


The Carolina RailHawks announced the signing of four new players to contracts for their inaugural USL-1 season. Defenders Chad Dombrowski, Cooper Friend and David Stokes, and goalkeeper Chris McClellan join the team in training camp as they prepare for the team's first foray into the First Division of the USL.

Chad Dombrowski comes to the RailHawks after a stellar season with the Minnesota Thunder where he played 16 games with 2 goals and one assist. Chad is also a member of the MISL Milwaukee Wave indoor soccer team. A Wisconsin Native, he is a graduate of UW - Milwaukee where he earned All-American honors his Senior Year from the National Soccer Coaches of America Association.

"Chad is veteran who knows the League's style of play" said RailHawks Head Coach Scott Schweitzer "He's a hard worker who will be able to give us some leadership in the back "

Cooper Friend is a Native of Ellsworth, Maine in his first season as a pro. A Graduate of the University of Maine, he was named Co-Captain of the University of Maine Blackbears in his Senior Year where he scored four goals, had three assists and led his teammates in minutes played over fifteen games.

"This will be Cooper's rookie year" Coach Schweitzer added "It will be a learning experience for him but he has the ability to move to the midfield if needed and we look forward to some good things from him down the road"

2001 College Cup Champion David Stokes joins the RailHawks after 3 Seasons with D.C. United of Major League Soccer. An MLS veteran, he returns to the area after playing with CASL's Raleigh Elite team in 2002. He was also selected for the U.S. U-23 team both in 2002 and 2004 where he played in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament and tallied an assist in the game deciding goal against Honduras in group play.

"David Stokes is a big strong defender which is necessary in USL division 1" Scott said "He's very clean on the ball and we're excited to have this MLS veteran on the roster".

Chris spent the last two seasons with the USL division 2 Charlotte eagles. In 2005 he helped them reach their first Division 2 title with 7 shutouts and 65 saves over 19 games. Last year he started 11 games with 4 shutouts and 68 saves.

"Chris is a phenomenal Goalkeeper" Coach Schweitzer said "we are very impressed with him so far at camp and very happy to have him signed".

The RailHawks will begin their Inaugural Season on April 21st at 7:30pm against the Minnesota Thunder at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, NC.

The Carolina RailHawks are a United Soccer League expansion team that will enter the USL First Division in April 2007. The squad will play 14 regular season home games and four additional home playoff and exhibition games each year, with all home games played at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Under Rochester Rhinos co-owner and USL Hall of Fame inductee Chris Economides, the RailHawks organization was formed in October 2005 and awarded the USL franchise in January 2006.

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