NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks Earn Road Draw in Minnesota

Published on May 4, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


Minneapolis, Minn. - The Carolina RailHawks (2W-2T-0L, 8pts) earned a valuable 2-2 draw on the road against Minnesota United (2W-2T-0L, 8 pts), after a wonder strike from the RailHawks newly acquired midfielder, Enzo Martinez, drew the teams level in the 84th minute of play. The undefeated teams remain tied atop the league standings after Week 5 of NASL play. The RailHawks struck first in the 40th minute with a goal from Jordan Graye. Two goals by former RailHawks and current Minnesota striker Etienne Barbara in the 58th and 65th minute gave Minnesota the lead before Martinez would bring the RailHawks back even.

"It was a good game and probably a fair result on the reflection of play," said RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke. "We sat back early in the second and that allowed them to come back. Enzo [Martinez] had a great strike. He has a lot of talent and ability and we are pleased to have him."

With the debut of Enzo Martinez, he becomes the 11th player with North Carolina soccer ties to make an appearance in 2013 for the RailHawks and the 8th former RailHawks U-23's member.

In the 40th minute a series of corner kicks, led to a quick restart between RailHawks midfielders Floyd Franks and Austin da Luz. The quick passing resulted in a pinpoint cross from da Luz who found the head of a leaping Graye giving the RailHawks a 1-0 lead.

Minnesota United responded in the second half with two goals from Barbara to jump ahead 2-1. In the 58th minute Barbara broke through the RailHawks defense and calmly flicked the ball past the on-rushing RailHawks goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald. In the 65th minute a Minnesota shot resulted in an apparent handball in the RailHawks box in favor of Minnesota. Barbara buried the ball into the top corner, leaving no chance for the diving Fitzgerald.

Martinez, who joined the RailHawks on loan from Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer, pulled the RailHawks level in the 84th minute with his strike from distance. After receiving the ball near midfield, Martinez pulled away from his defender and unleashed a shot that found the left corner of the United goal.

The RailHawks return to action on May 11th when they host the San Antonio Scorpions at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00p.m. Tickets for the match can be purchased by visiting www.CarolinaRailHawks.com or by calling the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144. Additional information on 2013 ticket packages is available by visiting www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/STH. In November 2012, the Carolina RailHawks announced that it will donate 10% of its total ticket revenue for each of the 2013-2015 seasons back to the Triangle community. The RailHawks donation will focus on supporting soccer-related programs that will help to further build and strengthen soccer in our area.

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North American Soccer League Stories from May 4, 2013


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