Sports stats



NASL North Carolina FC

Match Recap: Carolina Draws 1-1 at Rayo OKC in the Final Seconds of Added Time

October 2, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


Yukon, Okla. - After 90 scoreless minutes in Oklahoma, the Carolina RailHawks (9W-7D-11L; 34 pts; 7th place) tied Rayo OKC (7W-11D-9L; 32 pts; 8th place) 1-1 in the final thrilling seconds of added time.

The RailHawks created several opportunities early, the most significant coming in the fifth minute. Forward Brian Shriver teed-up longtime teammate Austin da Luz in the box, but da Luz could not control his shot and sent the ball over the crossbar.

Rayo OKC's early attempt spurred from a set piece in the 12th minute after a handball from da Luz. OKC's leading scorer Michel sent the ball to the far post, but his target, Sebastien Ibeagha, headed the ball into the side netting.

Just three minutes later, Omar Bravo drew a foul in a similar location in Rayo OKC territory. Bravo's free kick was on its way into the top right corner, as OKC goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes made a huge save, punching the ball away to preserve the 0-0 score.

Fantastic offensive opportunities were matched by solid defending for the RailHawks. The backline made up of Kareem Moses, Connor Tobin, Mickey Daly and Steven Miller effectively shutout Rayo, and goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre was not required to make any saves in the first half.

With eight shots and 54.4 percent of possession, the RailHawks continued to put pressure on Rayo OKC's keeper and backline. Despite no chances converted, Carolina went into the locker room with confidence; a result of a first half that saw several admirable offensive efforts.

The second half saw fewer shots, but just as inspiring opportunities as those in the first. In the 56th minute, Shipalane broke free in the midfield and sent the RailHawks into a dangerous three-versus-two attack. He found the feet of Mexican International Omar Bravo, but Bravo's cross was sent just over Shriver's head.

Controversy arose in the 71st minute when keeper Fernandes collided with his own defender, causing him to drop the ball. Bravo looked to take advantage of this error, but was dragged down inside the box with no whistle to follow.

Sylvestre made an important save after a ball played into the box forced him to collide with an OKC attacker in the 72nd minute. The six-foot-four keeper stood his ground and protected the goal from the Futty Danso header.

Shipalane and Shriver nearly connected to take the lead in extra time. Shipalane beat his defender on the outside to send the ball across the face of the goal. Shriver's header was stopped by a diving Fernandes to keep the score tied.

Carolina's relentless attitude and determination paid off when Matt Watson ripped a shot from outside the box to take the lead with seconds left in added time. The RailHawks' excitement quickly came to a halt when former RailHawk Danso deflected the ball into the net after a scramble inside the Carolina box to tie the game 1-1.

Hawk Hits: * After playing the full 90 minutes tonight, Nazmi Albadawi surpassed 2000 minutes this season (most on the team) * Carolina outshot Rayo OKC 10-8 and controlled 45.8 percent of possession * Matt Watson scored his third goal of the season; his second from outside the box * Brian Sylvestre has had four shutouts this season * The RailHawks return home on Saturday, October 8 to host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at 7:30 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park. They remain home on Wednesday, October 12 to face Rayo OKC for the final time this season

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



North American Soccer League Stories from October 2, 2016


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