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NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks Draw with Minnesota at WakeMed Soccer Park

June 6, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC - The Carolina RailHawks (3W-5D-2L, 14pts.) tied with Minnesota United FC (3W-5D-1L, 14pts.) in a hard-fought match by a score of 1-1 at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday night.

"We came in tonight against a very good team and I think we had a good performance," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "This break will not be a break. We will be working hard to get ourselves physically and mentally where we need to be to start the fall season."

The RailHawks picked up where they left off last week and once again came out with great energy to start the game. In the 14th minute, midfielder Tiyi Shipalane maneuvered his way past the Minnesota defenders and fired a shot that was met by goalkeeper Sammy N'Jock. Shipalane continued his stellar play for the RailHawks but they were unable to capitalize on any of their first half chances.

Minnesota responded with several opportunities themselves but the RailHawks defense held strong. Defender Connor Tobin executed a couple key tackles and goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald made a handful of outstanding plays for the squad. In the 31st minute, Minnesota United had a great opportunity on a fast break attack but Fitzgerald made an incredible diving save to keep the score deadlocked at zero.

In the second half, Minnesota came out and immediately turned up the pressure as forward J.C. Banks scored the first goal of the match to put the visitors up 1-0. Despite the quick goal, the RailHawks stayed persistent and it paid off in the 80th minute when Shipalane sent a beautiful cross to Novo for the equalizer as he finished the play off with a fantastic header. Shortly thereafter, Novo picked up a red card that would leave the RailHawks handicapped for the rest of the match.

Minnesota did their best to take advantage of the man down and fired several shots in the final minutes. However, Fitzgerald stayed big and made two massive saves as the RailHawks earned a point at home.

The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park for their first match of the fall season on Saturday, July 4th when they take on Minnesota United FC at 7:30 PM ET.

Carolina RailHawks season tickets and Flex Plans for the 2015 NASL Season are on sale now. The full RailHawks home schedule can be viewed here (http://www.carolinarailhawks.com/home-schedule) .

For more information on season tickets, visit CarolinaRailHawks.com/STH (http://www.carolinarailhawks.com/sth) Flex Plans are available for as low as $55. To order, visit or call the Johnson Maserati Box Office at 919-459-8144.

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