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NASL North Carolina FC

Match Recap: Carolina Drops 3-0 Decision to NASL Spring Season Champs Indy Eleven

October 15, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


Indianapolis, Ind. - The Carolina RailHawks (10W-7D-13L; 37 pts; 3rd place) fell to the Indy Eleven (13W-10D-6L; 49 pts; 9th place) in a 3-0 loss on Saturday night to the Spring Season Champions. Despite the loss, the RailHawks remain in the hunt for the fourth and final playoff spot, making the home finale on October 22 against Minnesota United a crucial can't-miss match.

The RailHawks did well to hold their own against the Indy Eleven in the first half. Not only did the RailHawks hold 49 percent of possession, but they also created numerous chances of their own for near goals.

After the teams had an initial period of getting a feel for one another, the RailHawks began their attack with a chance in the 15th minute as a dangerous shot from Tiyi Shipalane just barely sailed high over the crossbar.

With the momentum, just three minutes later Indiana keeper Jon Busch was forced to make a save on a Matt Fondy shot from the center of the box.

In the 32nd minute, the forward found the back of the net in what appeared to be a RailHawks goal; however, officials waved off the goal as the ball just barely bent out of bounds when Shipalane crossed it to Kareem Moses who served Fondy's finish.

Trying again, Nazmi Albadawi took a shot of his own to the top left corner of the net just a minute later, but was denied by Busch.

Despite Carolina's sustained pressure and a streak of five brilliant saves from Brian Sylvestre in the first half, Indy found the back of the net in the 45th minute with a Justin Braun header that made it past Sylvestre.

Looking to equalize early in the second half, the RailHawks nearly found the tying tally in the 51st minute as the ever-dangerous Matt Watson took his signature shot from outside the box. The midfielder's shot just barely skimmed the outside of the left goal post, as Busch dove towards the passing ball.

The RailHawks were tremendously close again when a shot from Albadawi was deflected and then took an unfortunate bounce in the 61st minute. With Busch down on the ground, the ball unluckily bounced over the essentially open net.

A slick headed pass 10 minutes later from Austin da Luz found Steven Miller, whose subsequent shot was saved in the top left corner.

In the 77th minute, Indy Eleven scored their second goal with a Nicki Paterson goal off a free kick. Paterson's shot slipped past Sylvestre on the right side, as the wall Carolina formed blocked off the other half of the net.

Still determined, the RailHawks countered with another chance one minute later, this time with a header from Fondy.

Despite Carolina's offensive attacks and defensive efforts, Indy found the back of the net again in the 90th minute with a goal from Souleymane Youla, sealing in their win to remain undefeated at home this year. Youla would then be sent off in the waning moments of the game leaving Indy with 10 men.

Hawk Hits: * Despite the loss the RailHawks remain in the hunt for the fourth and final playoff spot, making the home finale on October 22 a crucial match. * Brian Sylvestre made his 10th consecutive start; the goalkeeper made five saves. The 23-year-old has been nominated for NASL Young Player of the Year. * This week's NASL Team of the Week featured three RailHawks players: Brian Sylvestre, Austin da Luz and Brian Shriver. * Omar Bravo returned to the 18-man roster tonight after missing the last two games due to injury. The Mexican International is expected to play on Saturday October 22 against Minnesota United. * The RailHawks next play on Oct. 22 as they take on Minnesota United FC at 7:30 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park for the last home game of the season. * Several events are scheduled for Fan Appreciation Night with post-game fireworks, a food truck rodeo and much more. Visit CarolinaRailHawks.com (http://www.carolinarailhawks.com) or call the Box Office at (919) 459-8144

Boxscore CAR 0 IND 3

Lineups: CAR: Brian Sylvestre; Connor Tobin, Simon Mensing (Billy Schuler, 80'), Mickey Daly; Kareem Moses (Brian Shriver, 65'), Austin da Luz, Matt Watson, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller; Matt Fondy, Tiyi Shipalane

Subs not used: Akira Fitzgerald, Omar Bravo, Marvin Ceballos, Drew Beckie, James Marcelin

IND: Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Lovel Palmer, Colin Falvey, Marco Franco; Dylan Mares, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Nicki Paterson, 65'), Brad Ring, Don Smart; î=89amon Zayed (Duke Lacroix, 76') Justin Braun (Souleymane Youla, 85')

Subs not used: Keither Cardona, Greg Janicki, Daniel Keller, Omar Gordon

Goals: CAR: -- IND: Justin Braun, 45', Nicki Paterson, 77', Souleymane Youla, 90'

Cautions: CAR: Nazmi Albadawi, 40, Simon Mensing, 74' IND: Duke Lacroix, 79'

Ejections: CAR: -- IND: Souleymane Youla, 90+' ####

http://www.CarolinaRailHawks.com

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