NASL North Carolina FC

Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks vs. Atlanta Silverbacks

Published on June 15, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - Following last Saturday's memorable 5-1 victory over then-undefeated Minnesota Stars FC, the RailHawks (2-5-4, 11 pts.) will face the Silverbacks (1-5-5, 8 pts.) in Atlanta as they look to continue building on the recent success at WakeMed Soccer Park, where they have won 4 of the last 5 matches, with the only loss coming against MLS's Chivas USA in the U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round. The RailHawks won matches against MLS Champion LA Galaxy, NASL co-leaders Puerto Rico Islanders and Minnesota Stars FC, and amateur side PSA Elite. During the 6-game home stretch, the RailHawks outscored opponents 17-6.

"Things have fallen into place through the hard work of the team and the support of the fans," said Head Coach Colin Clarke. "After six games at home we will hit the road, but the mentality as we approach the half way mark of the NASL season is to continue working hard and earning points."

PLAYER AVAILABILITY

Defender Gale Agbossoumonde served his red card suspension last weekend and will be available for selection against the Silverbacks. John Krause helped lead the Railhawks defense to a strong showing, replacing Agbossoumonde. Midfielder Chris Nurse will be returning from international duty this week and could travel to Atlanta. Nurse captained Guyana, where he played both matches in their entirety.

LAST ENCOUNTER

Atlanta visited WakeMed Soccer Park for the RailHawks' home opener on April 14th. The match ended in a 4-4 tie with the RailHawks giving up a 2-0 lead in the first half and eventually scoring the tying goal in the 90th minute. Mike Palacio opened the game for the RailHawks and Nick Zimmerman made it 2-0. Atlanta eventually scored three unanswered goals before Zimmerman again tied the match 3-3. Reinaldo Navia scored his second goal of the evening for the Silverbacks putting them ahead 4-3 before Brian Shriver scored the tying goal in the 90th minute.

LAST TIME OUT

The RailHawks hosted the NASL co-leader Minnesota Stars on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park. The RailHawks handed Minnesota their first loss of the season with a convincing 5-1 win. Austen King, Zack Schilawski, Jason Garey, Zimmerman, and Shriver scored the goals for the RailHawks. It was the first league victory for the RailHawks against Minnesota in almost three years. It was also the second consecutive win in NASL play.

A GAME OF FIRSTS

Last Saturday's game had several first times for RailHawks players. King scored his first goal of his professional career as well as the first goal by a RailHawks defender this season. Schilawski and Garey also scored their first goals of the season in NASL play. Breiner Ortiz and Austin Da Luz earned their first assists of the NASL season, continuing to show their growth since cracking the starting lineup. Zimmerman and Shriver scored again in the same match and continue to be tied in the quest for the NASL Golden Boot. Both players have 5 goals and are in a five-way tie for second place, just one goal behind the Silverbacks' Navia.

NEXT GAME

The RailHawks will return to action at WakeMed Soccer Park on June 23rd when FC Edmonton comes to town. Tickets for the match are available online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com . For information about upcoming matches and tickets, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com .

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