NASL North Carolina FC

Match Preview: RailHawks Open Spring Season against Minnesota United on Saturday, April 2nd

Published on April 1, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - The Carolina RailHawks will kick off their 2016 Spring Season against Minnesota United FC at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, April 2nd at 3:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast in network television on FOX 50 and TWC SportsChannel and on the radio at 1550 The Ticket and 99.9HD-3 The Ticket.

The RailHawks are fired up to open their Spring Season and begin their 2016 championship push. After concluding the Fall 2015 season with a 6-3-11 record, the RailHawks are ready to regain a spot at the top of the NASL in 2016. In three matches last year, the RailHawks earned a 1-1 tie in the spring at WakeMed Soccer Park, and a 3-1 home win over Minnesota United in July, but fell to the Loons 1-3 on the road in September.

With the offseason signings of numerous world-class players and the addition of new owner Steve Malik, the club is more equipped and prepared to succeed than ever. The season opener is RailHawks fans' chance to see new standouts like Paul Black, Marvin Ceballos, Simon Mensing and Brian Shriver make their regular-season debuts for the club. The first home match will also kick off the 2016 season celebration of the club's new ownership and 10th anniversary season.

Minnesota finished the Spring Preseason with a record of 1-1-3. The Loons struggled in its early preseason matches, falling to the Portland Timbers 0-4, Chicago Fire 0-4, and Vancouver Whitecaps 1-3. In its final preseason games, Minnesota United beat the Pachuca CF Reserves 2-1 and earned a 2-2 draw against the Mexican U-20 Men's National Team.

The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park to host Ottawa Fury FC on Saturday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m. ET.

RailHawks Notes:

Coach's Quote

"We are very excited to kick off the 2016 NASL season at home," said RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke. "It's going to be important to start the Spring Season with a good result. Our new owner, Steve Malik, has made a significant investment on the roster and we will make good use of it to fight for the Championship.

Who to Watch

RailHawks midfielder Tiyi Shipalane is coming off his best professional season ever with the Carolina RailHawks. In 2015, the versatile playmaker scored seven goals and contributed a team-high and NASL-high nine assists.

RailHawks Sign Former NCAA Standout Jonathon Orlando

The Carolina RailHawks have signed forward Jonathon Orlando ahead of the 2016 Spring Season. Orlando, an impressive goal scorer and opportunity creator, will provide an additional threat to the RailHawks' attack.

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