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USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

RailHawks Close Out Regular Season with 3-1 Win Over Austin

October 1, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - The Carolina RailHawks (13-9-8, 47 pts) closed out the regular season with a resounding 3-1 win over the Austin Aztex (15-6-8, 53 pts) on Friday night. After an Aztex own goal, Etienne Barbara and Tom Heinemann found the back of the net for the RailHawks.

With Friday night's win, the RailHawks put themselves in prime position to win the NASL Conference. As long as Vancouver loses, ties or wins by less than three against Portland on Saturday, the RailHawks will finish atop the NASL Conference. That match kicks off Saturday at 7 p.m. EST.

"Time and time again this team has faced adversity and always found a way to come back from it, be it injury, be it mistakes in the game, we've always found a way to come back," said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "Now we're at the stage in our season that we're playing with a lot of confidence, and we're able to deal with any adversity."

After 44 minutes of scoreless soccer, the RailHawks took the lead thanks to an own goal from Austin's Kieron Bernard. The play started with a bending cross from Daniel Paladini that left Bernard with no option but to put a head on it. Unfortunately for Austin, Bernard flicked the ball into his own goal. With only seconds remaining in the first half, Maxwell Griffin banged in a Lance Watson cross to tie the game up at 1-1.

In the final half of the regular season, the RailHawks turned in one of their most impressive performances. After 84 minutes, Matt Watson and Etienne Barbara broke through the Aztex defense on a two-on-one breakaway. Watson played the ball over to Barbara, who blasted it past Miguel Gallardo to take the 2-1 lead. Heinemann joined in on the scoring in stoppage time after a great individual effort. Gallardo was unable to handle Heinemann's skipping shot, giving the RailHawks a 3-1 victory to close out the regular season.

Next, the RailHawks begin play in the USSF D-2 Pro League postseason next week. However, the dates and opponent will not be known until the end of the weekend. For tickets and information please visit the LGFCU Box Office at WakeMed Soccer Park, call 919-859-5425 or visit www.carolinarailhawks.com.

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