RailHawks Draw at Indianapolis
April 25, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Carolina RailHawks (1W-2D-1L, 5 pts.) traveled to Indianapolis and recorded a 1-1 draw against Indy Eleven (1W-3D-0L, 6 pts.) on Saturday night at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.
"We are pleased about the way we handled adversity," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "We did a much better job handling the ball in the second half and the team never gave up. This was a very difficult match but we managed to finish strong and rescue a point on the road."
Indy Eleven capitalized quickly out of the gates on the rainy evening. Forward Charlie Rugg crossed a shot from the right wing that ricocheted off of RailHawks' defender Daniel Scotts' cleat right into the away net for an own goal.
The chances were few and far between for the RailHawks as they struggled to get anything going early. The squad's best opportunity in the first half came in the 36th minute when Mark Anderson received a crossing ball at the top of the box and fired a shot right on target. Goalkeeper Kristian Nicht was positioned for the save to maintain the 1-0 lead for the home side.
Indy Eleven came out strong again in the second half with opportunities to extend the lead. In the 77th minute, goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap vacated the net to retrieve a loose ball. The home team gained possession and fired two shots on goal, only to be deflected by RailHawks' defenders who were desperate to keep it a one-score game. Indy rifled one more, but Gilstrap redeemed himself with a great save.
The RailHawks never gave up, and their persistence paid off in the 85th minute. Bradlee Baladez saved a ball from trickling out of bounds on the Indy end and fed Tiyi Shipalane. The midfielder sent a cross to Blake Wagner who fired the equalizer from eight yards out.
Indy Eleven continued their pressure throughout stoppage time, but the RailHawks' defense stood strong to preserve the tie. Neil Hlavaty had one last opportunity to win the game for the RailHawks, but his shot went over the crossbar.
The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, May 2nd when they take on rival Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:30 pm ET.
North American Soccer League Stories from April 25, 2015
- Cosmos Held to Draw by Silverbacks in Atlanta - New York Cosmos
- RailHawks Draw at Indianapolis - North Carolina FC
- Three Sellout Crowds, Late Drama Make for Exciting Night of NASL - NASL
- Flores, Johnson Net Goals in 3-2 Loss to Rowdies - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Late Castillo Goal Earns Scorpions Points in Minnesota - San Antonio Scorpions
- Late Castillo Goal Earns Scorpions Points in Minnesota - San Antonio Scorpions
- Minnesota United and San Antonio Draw 2-2 in Front of Record Crowd of 9,233 - Minnesota United FC
- Tampa Bay Rowdies Beat Jacksonville Armada FC 3-2 in Coastal Cup Thriller - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Indy Eleven Forced to Settle for 1-1 Draw vs. Carolina RailHawks - Indy Eleven
- Strikers Secure Big Win in Ottawa - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Valiant Effort Not Enough as Strikers Down Fury FC - Ottawa Fury FC
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