Sports stats



NASL North Carolina FC

Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers

June 29, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - The RailHawks (4-5-4, 17 pts.) will travel to Florida to face the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (4-4-5, 16 pts.) on Saturday, June 30th at 7:30 PM. Carolina is on a four-game winning streak in the NASL and looking to continue climbing the NASL standings. They currently sit in 5th place, just 6 points behind first place. In the last four NASL games the RailHawks have outscored opponents 11 to 2 and posted two consecutive shutouts. Fans can watch the game live at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/live on Saturday.

"The last game against Edmonton we were able to earn the win and the shutout," said Head Coach Colin Clarke. "The team is confident, but needs to remain focused and continue to improve. The match against Fort Lauderdale is important as we have three games in a week. Saturday will set the tone for the week."

LAST TIME OUT

The RailHawks took on FC Edmonton on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park and two first half goals by Nick Zimmerman and Breiner Ortiz would be enough for the 2-0 victory. Ausitn Da Luz and Zack Schilawski assisted the goals. In the second half, the RailHawks were able to hold off Edmonton's attacks to earn the second consecutive shutout and the win. Midfielder Amir Lowery received his first red card of the season after receiving his second yellow card of the match. Lowery will miss Saturday's match against Fort Lauderdale.

SERIES HISTORY

The RailHawks hosted the Strikers on May 2nd in a game that saw the RailHawks give up a two-goal lead twice in the match to end in a 3-3 tie. Nick Zimmerman scored twice and Brian Shriver recorded a goal and an assist. This will be the RailHawks first visit to Fort Lauderdale and Lockhart Stadium in 2012. The Strikers will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 7th before closing out the series in Fort Lauderdale on August 11th.

IRONMEN

Going into last Saturday's match against FC Edmonton, Lowery and Captain Kupono Low had played every minute of the season, including NASL and US Open Cup play. A red card in the 77th minute saw Lowery's streak come to an unexpected halt. Low will look to add to his streak of 1,440 consecutive minutes played on Saturday. Lowery has played 1,427 minutes this season and goalkeeper Ray Burse is a close third with 1,350 minutes played.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The NASL recognized RailHawks goalkeeper Ray Burse with the Defensive Player of the Week for week 13. It was Burse's second DPOW award after earning a shutout in the season opener in Minnesota.

TEAM LEADERS

Midfielder Nick Zimmerman is currently in a three-way tie for first place in the race for the NASL Golden Boot with 6 goals. Like Zimmerman, Kupono Low is also in a three-way tie leading the league in Minutes Played with 1,170 minutes. The RailHawks lead the league in goal scores with 22 goals score in NASL play.

NEXT GAME

The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on July 3rd at 7:00 PM to face southern rival Atlanta Silverbacks. The night will include the RailHawks Fireworks Extravaganza with a post-match fireworks show where fans can join RailHawks players on the field. 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 . The July 7th match at 7:00 PM against the Strikers will also have a fireworks show.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...

North American Soccer League Stories from June 29, 2012


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.

OurSports Central