USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

RailHawks Drop First Road Game 1-0 in Montreal But Retain Second Place

Published on July 14, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


Montreal, Quebec (Wednesday, July 14, 2010) - The Carolina RailHawks (5-3-6, 21 pts.) were handed their first road loss 1-0 at the hands of their arch rivals Montreal Impact (5-6-5, 20 pts.) on Wednesday night. A 74th minute goal by Impact sub Peter Byers proved to be enough for Montreal to earn their first win in the last six matches. The RailHawks retain second place in the NASL conference of the USSF D-2 with two games in hand over leader Vancouver and over the Montreal Impact who remain in third.

"It was an even game," said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "I think we didn't take advantage of our possession especially in the second half and we got punished for one defensive mistake. It was, however, our ninth road game and first away loss and we have to put everything into perspective as we get ready for Rochester on Saturday."

Montreal came into the game with a 5-2-3 formation looking to get some counter attacks but also defend heavily and it showed. The RailHawks played a very well organized first 45 minutes controlling most of the run of play. In the 9th minute Josh Gardner played a great ball into the box but Bundu was unable to connect after he beat the Montreal keeper. In the 18th Paladini looked for Bundu in the box but the ball was easily saved by Impact keeper Djekanovic. In the 22nd minute Paladini found Gardner at the top of the 18 yard box but Gardner shot the ball too high. Just a minute later Montreal had a few moments of clarity with Reda Agourram who had Eric Reed beat but sent the ball inches to the left. The RailHawks continued to monopolize the first half but both teams were unable to capitalize on their few chances sending the teams to the locker rooms tied at zero at the half.

The second half saw more of the same with both teams searching for the ever elusive tally. In the 54th minute Paladini got dangerous in front of the box only to see his shot go out wide. The RailHawks would also find opportunities in the 63rd and 69th minute but to no avail. The turning point came in the 73rd minute when Peter Byers received a ball from Rocco Placentino 20 yards out and proceeded to blast it past Eric Reed for the 1-0 lead. Montreal was able to preserve the win but not after feeling the RailHawks pressure in the last 15 minutes of the match. The best opportunity for Carolina came in the 87th minute when Etienne Barbara found himself on the near post but was not able to getthe ball through Djekanovic. Stoppage time proved to be controversial again for these two teams as Daniel Paladini earned a second yellow card and was sent off and immediately after the RailHawks clamored for a handball in the box while the Impact kept calling for the end of the match as they felt stoppage went too long. The rivalry between these two teams will be continued in Cary on August 7th.

Next the RailHawks finish their four-game road trip in Rochester as they face the Rhinos on Saturday, July 17 at 7 p.m. This will also be the halfway point for the RailHawks USSF D-2 campaign. They return home for a midweek game on July 27 when they host the Rochester Rhinos at 7 p.m. It will be Brewsday Tuesday as all draft beer will only be $1. $49 Family Four-packs are also available for advance purchase for this match. To purchase tickets or for more information visit the LGFCU Box Office at WakeMed Soccer Park, call 919-859-5425 or visit www.carolinarailhawks.com.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from July 14, 2010


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