USL-1 North Carolina FC

First Place RailHawks Blank Cleveland 2-0

Published on May 22, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
North Carolina FC News Release


Bedford, OH - The Carolina RailHawks (5-2-1 16 pts.) celebrated Martin Rennie's birthday in style with a 3-0 victory over the Cleveland City Stars (1-4-1 4 pts.) at Middlefield Cheese Stadium in Bedford, OH on Friday night. Forwards Andriy Budnyy and John Cunliffe scored in the first half while Joseph Kabwe put the game away with a goal in the second half. Midfielder Daniel Paladini recorded two assists and Defender Jeremy Tolleson had the third one. With the win the RailHawks remain in first place with three points over Rochester and Charleston.

"This is a great win for us," said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "The team moved the ball around well and defended well. These are three important points that keep us at the top of the League tables and hopefully we will be able to get three more in Austin on Sunday."

The RailHawks started out strong controlling the run of play and moving the ball well. In the 18th minute a long ball by Daniel Paladini was picked up, at the top of the 18, by Ukrainian forward Andriy Budnyy who volleyed it past Cleveland goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap into the back of the net. Just three minutes later the RailHawks would score again. Paladini with another long ball, this time for John Cunliffe who, after beating his mark, brought the ball into the box and chipped it right over Gilstrap. The City Stars would also see red and go down to ten men in the 31st minute when midfielder Alioune Gueye was ejected for a late challenge on Carolina midfielder Brad Rusin.

The second half began the same way as the first ended, with the RailHawks continuing to attack. Cleveland had two real strong chances to score in the 47th and 65th minutes but were not able to convert on either chance. In the 77th minute another long ball, this time from defender Jeremy Tolleson, found a RailHawk open at the top of the 18 yard box. Joseph Kabwe picked the ball up and easily beat Gilstrap to put the game away and fix the score at 3-0.

The RailHawks will end their three-game road trip Austin on Sunday, May 24. The match will be broadcast on www.USLLive.com. Carolina returns home on May 29 at 8 p.m. to host the Cleveland City Stars at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets ($10, $15 and $20) may be purchased at the LGFCU Box Office, by calling 919-859-KICK (5425) or by visiting www.carolinarailhawks.com.

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USL First Division Stories from May 22, 2009


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