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USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

RailHawks' Daniel Paladini Named to League's Best 11

October 21, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC (October 21, 2010) - The United States Soccer Federation announced today the Best XI award recipients from the 2010 USSF D-2 Pro League season. Included in that elite group was RailHawks midfielder Daniel Paladini.

Paladini, whose seven goals was second most on the club, led the RailHawks in games played (34) and was tied (Matt Watson) for the most assists with five. Often displaying a flair for the dramatic, Paladini delivered several clutch goals this season, including two away stoppage time goals and the game-winner against NSC Minnesota in the second leg of the quarterfinal.

Paladini's deft dribbling, precision passing, and clinical finishing from any range has made him a lethal weapon for Martin Rennie's squad.

"It's Daniel's second year in a row that he has been voted to the best eleven, and it's well-deserved," said RailHawks head coach Martin Rennie. "He has been a big player for us and won games for us. We look for him to continue that now until the end of the season and help the team win a championship."

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer with the 24th overall selection in the 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft, Paladini played for cross town rival Chivas USA in 2008, before joining the RailHawks in 2009. He made an immediate impact in his first season with the club, earning team MVP honors.

A favorite among the fans for his skillful performance, as well as his involvement in the community, Paladini has also earned the respect of his teammates, who honored him this season with their peer-voted Top Offensive Player Award.

"It's good for Daniel to be recognized," said RailHawks' Josh Gardner, Paladini's partner in midfield. "He has put a lot of work in to this year. He's worked on his free kick, delivery on set pieces, and he's dangerous every time."

Paladini, despite the accolades, remains deferential.

"It's not just me out there, it's the whole team" deflected Paladini. "This is probably the best team I've ever played on. They make it easy for me to get forward and get the ball around the goal. It's great to receive the award, but in this game it's a team effort and not just the individual.

The USSF D-2 Pro League Postseason Awards are selected by a panel of journalists comprised of members of print, television, radio and online media hailing from each of the 12 USSF D-2 Pro League clubs' local markets, as well as the general manager and head coach of each team.

Soccer fans in the Triangle will get one more opportunity to see Daniel Paladini and his teammates do what they do best on Saturday, October 30th at 7 pm at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The RailHawks host the Puerto Rico Islanders in the second and final leg of the USSF D-2 Championship series. Tickets start at only $10 when purchased in advance. Contact the LGFCU box office at (919) 859-5425 or log on to carolinarailhawks.com to learn more.

The USSF D-2 Pro League Postseason Awards are as follows:

USSF D-2 Pro League Most Valuable Player:

Ryan Pore (Portland Timbers)

USSF D-2 Pro League Goalkeeper of the Year:

Jay Nolly (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)

Best XI

Goalkeeper: Jay Nolly, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Defender: Greg Janicki, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Defender: Aaron Pitchkolan, Rochester Rhinos

Defender: Troy Roberts, Rochester Rhinos

Midfielder: Ryan Pore, Portland Timbers

Midfielder: Martin Nash, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Midfielder: Jamie Watson, Austin Aztex

Midfielder: Paulo Araujo, Jr., Miami FC

Midfielder: Daniel Paladini, Carolina RailHawks

Forward: Eddie Johnson, Austin Aztex

Forward: Ali Gerba, Montreal Impact

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