NASL North Carolina FC

Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Published on September 22, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - The Carolina RailHawks (10W-9T-8L, 39 pts.) will close out the 2012 NASL Regular Season tonight at 7:00 PM at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Tampa Bay Rowdies (12W-8T-7L, 44 pts.). Saturday will be Fan Appreciation Night for the RailHawks and the first 1,000 fans will receive a 2012 RailHawks Team Poster courtesy of Etix. RailHawks 2012 team awards will be handed out pregame to recognize the RailHawks players for their performances during the season.

The RailHawks wrapped up a three-game road trip with a 1-1 tie against the Rowdies in Tampa Bay on Wednesday. With the tie, the RailHawks now host a home playoff match on Saturday, September 29th at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets for the playoff match are on-sale now. Depending on this weekend results the team will host Fort Lauderdale or Minnesota.

"We had strong play during our road trip," said Head Coach Colin Clarke. "Now we want to close out the regular season in front of our fans the best way possible and prepare for a run in the playoffs."

PLAYOFF PICTURE

San Antonio and Tampa Bay have secured Quarterfinals byes and will enter the playoffs in the Semifinals. The Railhawks and Puerto Rico will host their Quarterfinals matches. Final league standings will be finalized on Sunday with the conclusion of the San Antonio vs. Minnesota match. The RailHawks can finish 3rd or 4th in the standings.

PLAYOFF FORMAT

In 2012, six teams will qualify for the NASL 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. In the event overtime is required, teams will play two 15 minute overtime periods and then proceed to penalty kicks, if necessary.

LAST TIME OUT

The RailHawks rallied from behind on Wednesday to earn a 1-1 tie against the Rowdies. After falling behind on the scoreboard in the first minutes of the game with a goal by Andres Arango, the RailHawks began to dominate possession and attacked the Rowdies goal. Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella finished the match with 7 saves. The RailHawks scored the equalizer when Ty Shipalane's shot took a deflection to find the back of the net after leaving Attinella out of position.

SERIES HISTORY

The RailHawks and the Rowdies have tied in all matches this season. The first match between both teams was played in Tampa Bay on April 18th and the game ended 1-1. Brian Shriver scored the goal for the RailHawks before Tsuyoshi Yoshitake tied the game. On August 4th at WakeMed Soccer Park the RailHawks gave up a two-goal lead in the final minutes to draw 3-3. Nick Zimmerman scored twice and Jason Garey added the third goal. Last Wednesday's 1-1 tie brought the RailHawks all-time record against the Rowdies to 5W-3T-1L.

QUARTERFINAL MATCH

The Carolina RailHawks will host a NASL Playoff Quarterfinal Match on Saturday, September 29th at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm and gates will open at 6:00pm. The parking lot will open at 4:30pm on Saturday afternoon and fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy tailgating at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets went on-sale to the general public Thursday afternoon, highlighted by the special 12th Man Offer.

To reward the RailHawks fans for a record setting year of passionate support, the 12th Man Offer will include premium level tickets for only $12. The 12th Man Offer will be available through Saturday night's regular season finale. To take advantage of the 12th Man Offer, fans can visit the RailHawks ticket page by clicking here and enter the promo code "12THMAN".

To receive information about the Playoff match, 2013 Season Tickets, or ticket information, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com .

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