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NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks Defeat Atlanta to Extend Home Unbeaten Streak

May 17, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - A strong first half performance was all the Carolina RailHawks (3W-1T-2L, 10pts) needed to extend their home unbeaten streak to 19 matches. Two first half goals from Mike Grella and Connor Tobin gave the RailHawks a lead they would not relinquish on to a 2-0 win over the Atlanta Silverbacks (2W-0T-4L, 6pts). Akira Fitzgerald and the RailHawks defense came up strong in the second half to preserve the shutout victory.

"I thought the first half we were excellent in every department," said RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke. "We are delighted to get the win and play well in front of the home crowd. The boys challenged themselves to come out strong. We did that and now we have to continue on to the next one."

In the 16th minute, Grella converted a penalty kick into the left side netting to put the RailHawks up 1-0 on the scoreboard. Grella was fouled in the box after receiving the ball going towards goal when the RailHawks maintained possession in the Atlanta box. Connor Tobin capped off the RailHawks strong half with a goal in the 36th minute of play. Zack Schilawski received the ball from a throw-in and beat a defender down the left side of the field and whipped in a cross. Tobin elevated over the Atlanta defender and nodded home the goal.

The second half proved to be just as physical as the first, but the RailHawks displayed their toughness on the field. Fitzgerald made an impressive save at the 68th minute of play amongst a crowd of competing players in the RailHawks box. The strong defensive play would send the RailHawks on to victory.

The RailHawks will host the U.S. U-20 Men's National Team in free exhibition match on Tuesday, May 20th at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:30pm. A trip to Minnesota awaits the RailHawks on May 24th before returning to WakeMed Soccer Park to host the Charlotte Eagles in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Tickets for the U.S. Open Cup match are on sale now at CarolinaRailHawks.com or by calling the RailHawks Box Office at (919) 459-8144.

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