Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks Host New York Cosmos
May 16, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, NC (May 15, 2015) - The Carolina RailHawks (1W-3D-2L, 6 pts.) will host the New York Cosmos (4W-2D-0L, 14 pts.) at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, May 16th at 7:30 pm ET.
"This match will be both challenging and entertaining," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "Facing a player such as Raúl can only add value to the league and to the game. It will definitely be exciting to come out and try to beat the Cosmos once again."
The RailHawks will look to deliver New York their first loss of the year and enjoy a 4-0-1 overall record against the Cosmos. New York is looking for its first ever win in WakeMed Soccer Park. The last match these two sides played in North Carolina finished 5-4 RailHawks and featured all nine goals coming in the second half.
Former Real Madrid star, Raúl, will make his first appearance at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Spanish forward is the most capped player in Real Madrid's history, making 741 appearances in his 16 year spell in Madrid. González scored 71 goals in the UEFA Champions League and is currently the third-highest goal scorer in the history of the competition. He was only recently surpassed by the immense talents of current Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona.
The RailHawks narrowly lost on the road against the San Antonio Scorpions last Saturday by a score of 1-0. The match was even throughout with the teams exchanging chances, but neither could find the back of the net. San Antonio striker Bright Dike finally scored a goal in the 79th minute that proved to be the winner.
The Cosmos are coming off of a 4-2 victory over FC Edmonton. They currently sit in 1st place in the NASL Spring Season standings.
RailHawks Notes:
Nacho Novo and Raúl González meet for the first time
Nacho Novo has scored three goals in four appearances for the Carolina RailHawks and has shown he has the quality to be just as effective as his fellow countryman, Raúl González, who has scored two goals in six games thus far. The Spanish players will meet for the first time in their careers.
Who to Watch
Blake Wagner has earned NASL Team of the Week Honors twice this season. He has started all six games for the RailHawks this season and has scored two goals. Wagner has been solid in his defensive duties, while showing off a few tricks and flicks through his attacking quality.
North American Soccer League Stories from May 16, 2015
- RailHawks Draw at WakeMed Soccer Park - North Carolina FC
- New York Cosmos Remain Undefeated - New York Cosmos
- Armada FC Plays to 1-1 Draw with Silverbacks - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Strikers Come Up Short at Tampa Bay - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Tampa Bay, Minnesota Climb Spring Season Standings with Week 7 Wins - NASL
- Silverbacks Strike First, Settle for Draw - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Forward Robert Hernandez' Goal Lifts Rowdies Past Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1-0 - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Indy Eleven Falls 1-3 at Home to Minnesota United FC - Indy Eleven
- United Surges Late to Defeat Indy Eleven 3-1 - Minnesota United FC
- Carolina RailHawks Aqcire Dzenan Catic on Loan from Philadelphia Union - North Carolina FC
- Atlanta Aims to #SinkJAX Today - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks Host New York Cosmos - North Carolina FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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