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USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

Mexican Legend Debuts in RailHawks' 3-0 Victory Over Pumas Morelos

September 5, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC (Saturday, September 5, 2010) - The Carolina RailHawks (10-8-7, 37 pts) beat Mexican club Pumas Morelos 3-0 on Sunday night. Goals from Josh Gardner, Cory Elenio and Ramak Safi lifted the RailHawks in an impressive victory.

Mexican legend Claudio Suarez debuted for the RailHawks and bolstered the defense that held Pumas scoreless. Suarez started and played the entire 90 minutes, and along with Devon McKenney, stifled the Pumas attack.

"It was a great game," said Suarez. "I had a little trouble at the beginning because it's been a while since I've played in such a competitive match, but when I got into a rhythm with my teammates I think we played very well. I even came close to scoring at the end, and it would have been great if I did."

When asked about his future plans, Suarez said "I really like it here, the front office and players made me feel at home. I also like the area, the fields and the stadium so who knows, maybe next year we'll be able to work something out."

The RailHawks spent the opening minutes feeling out Pumas Morelos, and adjusting to the unique style of play. Gardner broke open the game in the 28th minute, after he put home a Gregory Richardson cross. In goal, Eric Reed continued to halt the Pumas attack. In the 34th minute, Elenio tapped the ball past goalkeeper Octavio Colmenares, after Joseph Kabwe sprung him with a pass from right midfield. Reed jumpstarted the counter attack that led to the goal, after making a diving save on a Raul Servin shot.

In the second half, the RailHawks continued to apply pressure and control the flow of the game. Led by Suarez and McKenney, the RailHawks defense remained stifling. After making a multitude of substitutions, the reenergized RailHawks attack struck a third time. In the 84th minute, Ramak Safi found himself on the end of a loose ball after Tiyi Shipalane's shot was saved. Safi struck the ball off a defender and past the goalkeeper to make the game 3-0.

"I thought we played really well because they're a good team," said RailHawks head coach Martin Rennie. "If we would've given them time and space they would've looked even better, but we closed them down well. It builds confidence to have two 3-0 wins in three days, so that's encouraging."

Next, the RailHawks continue home play against the Portland Timbers on September 11 at 7:00 p.m. After squaring off with the Timbers, the RailHawks will only have two remaining home, regular season games. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the LGFCU Box Office, call 919-859-5425 or visit www.carolinarailhawks.com.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 5, 2010


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