USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

RailHawks Add Depth To Midfield

Published on June 3, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. (Thursday, June 03, 2010) - The RailHawks announced today the addition of South African midfielder Tiyiselani (Tiyi) Shipalane to the roster pending USSF approval. Tiyi will be loaned to the Harrisburg City Islanders with Sainey Touray for two games this weekend, before joining the RailHawks next week.

"Tiyi is an excellent midfielder," said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "He brings a lot of pace and creativity in the wide right area just like Gregory Richardson does on the left."

Shipalane left South Africa in 2005 to attend and play college soccer at Lindsey Wilson College, where he was the 2006 NAIA Region XI Player of the Year and a three-time All-American.

During his college years Shipalane was a member of the Michigan Bucks USL Premier Development League team. With the Bucks, Shipalane scored the winning goal in the 2006 PDL championship game, lost in the final of the 2007 PDL Championship game, and won the PDL regular season title in 2008. In total, he scored 11 goals in 49 appearances over three seasons with the team.

After a trial with the Columbus Crew he was signed by the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL Second Division. He made his professional debut on April 18, 2009 in Harrisburg's 2-2 opening day tie with the Richmond Kickers. He scored 6 goals in 18 appearances for the Islanders in 2009, and was named USL-2 Rookie of the Year.

Following the conclusion of the 2009 USL season, Shipalane was sent on loan by D.C. United of Major League Soccer where he signed a full contract in December of 2009. After going on loan to the Richmond Kickers for one game he was released by DC allowing him to join the RailHawks.

"I am very happy to be here in North Carolina," said RailHawks midfielder Tiyi Shipalane. "This is a great soccer area and a very good team and I am sure I will fit in well with my new teammates."

The RailHawks travel to Portland on June 6 and Vancouver on June 9 before returning to WakeMed Soccer Park for the First Round of the US Open Cup on June 15. The next regular season match will be on Saturday, June 19 at 7 p.m. when the RailHawks host Crystal Palace Baltimore. It will be "Bark in the Park" night and fans are encouraged to bring their pets to the stadium. The RailHawks will also be celebrating "Father's Day" and the organization will be honoring all dads throughout the evening with giveaways and prizes to be announced on Monday. For tickets and information visit the LGFCU Box Office, www.carolinarailhawks.com or call 919-859-5425.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 3, 2010


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