NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks Fall in U.S. Open Cup Matchup

Published on May 28, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - The Carolina RailHawks came up a goal short to Charlotte Independence at WakeMed Soccer Park in the Third Round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in a hard-fought match that could have gone either way.

"It is hard to lose this way because we won't get the opportunity to play one of the elite teams and have our players showcase their talent," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "We need to bring more excitement to our home fans and we need to make things happen."

A 30-minute delay was enforced due to inclement weather, which made for a slippery pitch. The old rivals traded possession throughout the first half with physical play all-around. RailHawks defenders Wes Knight and Connor Tobin made their marks on the field by bodying up on Charlotte strikers and deflecting shots.

Neither team was able to connect on their generous amount of free kicks and corner kicks they created in the first half. The RailHawks nearly had a goal in the 44th minute when Nazmi Albadawi fired an open look from nine yards out, but it went right into the hands of Charlotte goalkeeper Diego Restrepo.

A new energy was in the air as the home side came out of the second half gates with proficient passing and great ball movement. Despite a number of great offensive looks, the RailHawks could not break the tie.

Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre made the most of his return to Cary after being loaned to the MLS' Philadelphia Union. The rising star had a number of athletic plays including an acrobatic leaping save in the 61st minute where he was forced to extend his entire body.

Charlotte turned up the pressure late in the game despite their slow start. In the 81st minute, forward Ryan Finley beat the RailHawks defensive line in a footrace to receive a well-placed chip pass. He ripped a shot into the back of the net that proved to be the game-winner. The RailHawks failed to convert on a last-gasp attempt in stoppage time when Futty Danso redirected a cross and Charlotte Independence advanced to the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup.

The Carolina RailHawks will continue NASL play at 7:30 ET on Saturday, May 30th at Jacksonville Armada FC. The squad will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30 PM ET to take on Minnesota United FC.

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