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NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks Fall 1-0 at Tampa Bay Rowdies

October 24, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


ST. PETERSBURG, FL (October 24, 2015) - The Carolina RailHawks lost 1-0 in a hard fought match at Al Lang Stadium Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. In spite of the impressive team performance, the result officially eliminated the RailHawks from postseason play.

The RailHawks started the match with intensity, as they looked to create chances early and keep the Rowdies off the scoreboard.

The RailHawks' first notable opportunity came in the 9th minute when Tiyi Shipalane swiftly found Nacho Novo in space. However, the forward's shot bounded over the net. Undeterred, the RailHawks continued to press and earned two dangerous chances with two free kicks from Tiyi Shipalane in the 19th and 21st minutes, as the Rowdies had trouble containing the talented midfielder.

Shipalane's first free kick was found by Futty Danso but the shot soared over the bar. The next chance arrived only moments later when the team was again awarded another attempt. Nevertheless, Shipalane's shot and Engel's rebound attempt were both blocked.

Despite an impressive first half from RailHawks goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap and intense pressure from the rest of the squad, the RailHawks entered halftime down 1-0 when a Richard Menjivar goal in the 12th minute. Gilstrap's striking efforts kept the RailHawks in prime position for the rest of the game, as the goalkeeper saved five shots in the first half.

The RailHawks returned to the second half looking to equalize. However, they experienced a bout of bad luck, despite maintaining high possession during the second half. Attempts included a Shipalane shot over the bar as a result of a beautiful pass from Novo in the 69th minute and additional chances from Daniel Jackson, Danso, Novo, and Shipalane, yet again as the entire team battled.

Nacho Novo was close to giving the RailHawks the goal they needed in the 71st minute when the Spaniard was nearly face to face with Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Unfortunately Novo's shot sailed over the bar. The RailHawks added late excitement in the 92nd minute with a blocked shot from Jackson and then a second attempt from Shipalane, but they were both unable to find the back of the net.

The last regular season home game will feature Fan Appreciation Night festivities including a postgame fireworks display, team poster giveaway and an extended autograph session with RailHawks players. On Fan Appreciation Night the RailHawks will host the Indy Eleven at WakeMed Soccer Park on Friday, October 30th at 7:30 pm ET.

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