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NASL North Carolina FC

Match Preview: RailHawks Host Raúl and the New York Cosmos

August 21, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC (August 20, 2015) - The Carolina RailHawks (2W-2D-4L, 8pts.) will take on former Real Madrid star Raúl and the New York Cosmos (3W-3D-1L, 12 pts.) at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, August 22nd at 7:30 pm ET.

The two teams met last in May, in which the RailHawks and the Cosmos drew 2-2 after late goals from the Cosmos. The RailHawks currently sit in six place in the combined standings and eight place in the NASL Fall Season standings with eight points. The New York Cosmos currently sit in first place in the combined standings and fifth in the Fall Season standing with 12 points.

The RailHawks are coming off of a 3-0 loss against FC Edmonton. While beginning the match with multiple scoring opportunities, Edmonton scored first in the 11th minute, and added goals in the 27th and 36th. Despite the result, RailHawks Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald kept up his outstanding play and dominated the second half for the away side with a handful of outstanding saves.

The Cosmos are coming off of a win at home against the San Antonio Scorpions. The Scorpions netted an early goal, but the Cosmos leveled the game before the end of the first half. In the 47th minute, the Scorpions scored an own goal, giving the Cosmos a 2-1 lead.

Following this Saturday's home game, the RailHawks will travel to New York on Sunday, August 30th where they will take on the Cosmos at James M. Shuart Stadium at 4:00 pm ET. The match will be broadcast live locally in North Carolina on WRAL2, nationally on One World Sports, and on the radio at 99.9HD-3 The Ticket.

RailHawks Notes:

Who to Watch

RailHawks Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald had a stellar performance on week seven of the Fall Season against FC Edmonton. Despite the RailHawks' loss against Edmonton, Fitzgerald kept up his outstanding play and dominated the second half for the away side with a handful of outstanding saves.

Coach's Quote

"Saturday's match will be very important for us," said Head Coach Colin Clarke. "It's time to respond from our last games on the road, and there is no better game or time to make a response."

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