NASL North Carolina FC

Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks vs. San Antonio Scorpions

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


CARY, NC - The Carolina RailHawks (9W-8T-8L, 35 pts.) moved to fourth place after tying against FC Edmonton 2 - 2 on Wednesday. With a playoff spot secured, the RailHawks have three remaining games to fight for playoff seeding and earn a home playoff match. The first match will be against the Scorpions (13W-7T-5L, 46 pts.) in San Antonio on Sunday at 7:15 PM ET and it will be shown live at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/live . The RailHawks are unbeaten in their last 3 road games, earning more points on their current streak than all previous road games.

Starting Sunday night, the RailHawks will close out the season with 3 games in 7 days against the top two teams in the league standings. Although difficult, The RailHawks still hold the opportunity to climb the league standings and secure a quarterfinal bye.

"We have a tough schedule with three matches in the final week of the regular season," said Head Coach Colin Clarke. "There is potential for a lot of movement in the standings and this last week will have the feel of playoff matches."

PLAYOFF PICTURE

Along with the RailHawks, San Antonio, Tampa Bay, Puerto Rico, Fort Lauderdale, and Minnesota have secured all six playoff spots. The teams are now fighting for positioning and home field advantage. San Antonio, currently in first place have already clinched a first round bye and will begin their playoffs directly in the Semifinals. The RailHawks currently sit in fourth place, just 2 points out of third and 5 out of second.

PLAYOFF FORMAT

In the 2012 NASL Season, 6 teams will qualify for the playoffs. The regular season champion and the second-place team will receive a Quarterfinal round bye. The Quarterfinal round will be a single match, hosted by the higher seed. The Semifinal and Final rounds will be a two-match home and home series with the winner determined on aggregate goals.

LAST TIME OUT

The RailHawks travelled to Canada to play against FC Edmonton. The match ended with a 2-2 draw that allowed the RailHawks to climb to fourth place in the standings. Nick Zimmerman scored twice for the RailHawks, putting his season tally to 15 goals, just 3 goals away from leading goal scorer, Pablo Campos.

SERIES HISTORY

The RailHawks have lost all three matches against the Scorpions. The RailHawks lost 1-0 twice at WakeMed Soccer Park. The last one occurred Saturday, September 8th after a 2-hour inclement weather delay. After an even match, Jeff Cunningham managed to score the game winner in the 85th minute for San Antonio. In the first visit to San Antonio, the RailHawks were handed their worst loss in franchise history with an 8-0 result.

RAILHAWKS ON THE ROAD

The RailHawks will wrap up their current 3-game road trip on Wednesday, September 19th at 7:30 PM the RailHawks will take on the Rowdies in Tampa Bay. The match will be shown live at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/live .

REGULAR SEASON FINALE

The RailHawks will close out the 2012 NASL Regular Season against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, September 22nd at WakeMed Soccer Park. As tradition, the final regular season match will be Fan Appreciation night and team awards will be handed out pregame. To purchase tickets for the regular season finale or 2013 Season Tickets visit our site at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com . For more information about upcoming games, possible playoff matches, and 2013 Season Tickets in the all-new WakeMed Soccer Park, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com .

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 15, 2012


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