USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

RailHawks Edge Charlotte Eagles to Advance to Second Round of US Open Cup

June 15, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. (Tuesday, June 15, 2010) - The Carolina RailHawks defeated the Charlotte Eagles 1-0 on Tuesday night to advance to the second round of the US Open Cup. Sallieu Bundu scored the lone goal in the 23rd minute assisted by Floyd Franks. The RailHawks will travel to Charleston to face the Battery in the second round on Tuesday, June 22 but not before returning to league play on Saturday June 19 against Crystal Palace at WakeMed Soccer Park.

"I am very pleased that we are able to advance to the second round of the tournament." Said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "I would've liked to capitalize a little better on our chances but overall I am happy with the result."

After a half hour lightning delay, the game started with both teams sizing each other up. The RailHawks started to attack more after about ten minutes and almost came close in the 14th minute when Matt Watson cleared a ball from the sideline with a spectacular slide and brought it into the box but the ensuing cross was deflected by a Charlotte defender. Mark Schulte tried a few minutes later in the 17th minute with a shot from the top left corner of the box easily saved by Eagles' keeper Brian Edwards. The goal came after a couple of efforts by Daniel Paladini in the 18th and 21st minutes. In the 23rd, Watson sent Floyd Franks down the right side with the ball and, after beating his defender, Franks crossed it into the middle of the box where Sallieu Bundu was waiting to tap it in for the lead. The RailHawks defended the lead well and the Eagles only got dangerous in the 29th minute with a point blank shot by forward Ogunseye easily saved by Reed.

Reed would prove to be the hero of the match as he was called into play several times during the second half. Floyd Franks and Sallieu Bundu tried another one-two in the 59th minute but the ball ended in the side netting. In the 61st minute Paladin ihad a cracking shot from the top of the 18 yard box that was sived again by Edwards. The Eagles had some clear chances towards the end of the match with Joel Delass and Miguell Ferrer but Reed was ready on every ball.

"it was a fantastic battle," said RailHawks keeper Eric Reed. "Charlotte has great players who bring everything they have and it is always great to play against them. At first I felt they sat back and let the heat subside in the first half. In the second half they put a lot of pressure on us but we were able to control and come away with the win."

Next the RailHawks return to league play on Saturday June 19 as they host Crystal Palace Baltimore at 7 p.m. It will be "Bark in the Park" night and special dog tickets will benefit the Wake County SPCA. It will also be our Father's day celebration and all fathers in attendance will receive two passes to the 10th anniversary of the SAS Championship in September.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 15, 2010


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