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USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

RailHawks Fall to Tampa Bay 2-1

May 14, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC - The Carolina RailHawks (1-2-2) fell to the Tampa Bay Rowdies (2-1-2) 2-1 at WakeMed Soccer Park on Friday Night. Gregory Richardson scored the Railhawks' only goal on a penalty kick in the first half. Joe Donoho and Aaron Wheeler scored in the second half to give Tampa Bay the win.

The RailHawks controlled much of the pace in the first half, tallying four shots and five corner kicks. In the 41st minute, Gregory Richardson lifted a pass for Matt Watson over the Rowdies' defense. Watson took one touch and was brought down in the box by Rowdies' defender Yendry Diaz, leading to a RailHawks penalty kick. Gregory Richardson put home the penalty kick in the 42nd minute to give the RailHawks a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

"I'm disappointed in the loss because we played some of our best soccer tonight," said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "We did a lot of the right things tonight, we dominated in the first half and we controlled the tempo in the second half. We created chances and we have to execute on several things we do in training."

Tampa Bay came out strong in the second and equalized in the 61st, when Joe Donoho slotted a header past RailHawks goalkeeper Nic Platter. The Rowdies took the lead in the 84th minute when Aaron Wheeler connected on a cross from Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe.

The Rowdies held off a furious comeback attempt from the RailHawks in the final stages of the game. A Joseph Kabwe shot in the 87th minute prompted a flurry of RailHawks chances. Cory Elenio nearly tied the game during the late RailHawk surge, but his shot was steered wide by a defender. Tampa Bay was able to stave off the RailHawks attack and close out the game 2-1.

"I thought we played well to be honest," said RailHawks midfielder Matt Watson. "I think the difference is that they were able to finish their chances. Finishing is so crucial at this level."

Next the RailHawks embark on a four game road trip beginning with the Puerto Rico Islanders on May 26 at Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, PR. The next regular season home match will be Saturday June 19 at 7 p.m. against Crystal Palace Baltimore. It will be Bark in the Park Night at WakeMed Soccer Park and fans are encouraged to bring their pets to the stadium for some affordable family fun. Tickets for all home matches are available at the LGFCU Box Office, by calling 919-859-5425 or by visiting www.carolinarailhawks.com.

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


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