USL-1 North Carolina FC

RailHawks Host Rochester Rhinos Sunday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m.

September 12, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC (Friday, September 12, 2008) - The Carolina RailHawks (7-11-9) are set to host the Rochester Rhinos (11-8-8) in another must-win match on Sunday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. The match is presented by Sign Designs and Cricket wireless and Cricket Communications, Inc. and the first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a limited edition Swoops trading card courtesy of the Official Wireless Provider of the Carolina RailHawks. Tickets, including a special 4 for $44 package with four tickets, four hotdogs and four soft drinks, are still available at the LGFCU Box Office, by calling 919-859-KICK (5425), at all Ticketmaster outlets or by visiting www.carolinarailhawks.com.

The RailHawks will also be celebrating Swoops' birthday. The bets mascot in professional soccer will turn two and many of his friends will be on hand to sign autographs and meet and greet children of all ages. Mr. and Ms. Wuf from NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill's Ramses, Wool E. Bull and Stormy will all be on hand and participate in a halftime soccer match among mascots. Fans of all ages are encouraged to come out to WakeMed Soccer Park and wish Swoops a happy second birthday.

"We have to approach the game with the mindset that we can't lose," said RailHawks Head Coach Scott Schweitzer. "It will be a great game for our fans to watch as we continue to fight for a playoff spot."

The RailHawks are continuing their fight for post-season playing and are building on a tremendous 3-1 victory over the Charleston Battery last Saturday night. Every point counts and the RailHawks will undoubtedly come out fighting for the win against their arch-rivals from New York.

Carolina RailHawks midfielder/forward Rey Martinez will most likely want to continue to score goals for the RailHawks as he did in his first WakeMed Soccer Park outing, assisted by USL Team of the Week honoree, midfielder Matt Watson.

"I am looking forward to the match against Carolina this weekend," said Rhinos head Coach Darren Tilley. "They always present a challenge anytime we play them."

The Rhinos clinched a playoff spot on September 8 after the Portland Timbers were defeated by the Montreal Impact mathematically putting Rochester into the post-season. They are led by Johnny Menyongar and Matt Delicate who have scored six and five goals respectively this season. Mauricio Salles, who also scored five goals for the Rhinos this season is injured and most likely will not travel with the team.

The RailHawks travel to Charleston on Friday, September 19, to face the Battery for one last time this season. A win or a draw will ensure the RailHawks will keep their Southern Derby Cup title for the second straight year. The match will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel and it is the fourth and final match to be nationally televised. The RailHawks return home the following day to host the Portland Timbers in the final home game of the USL-1 Regular Season. Tickets four hotdogs and four soft drinks, are still available at the LGFCU Box Office, by calling 919-859-KICK (5425), at all Ticketmaster outlets or by visiting www.carolinarailhawks.com.

NOTES:

Schedule of Events

Doors open at 4:30 PM

Match presented by Sign Designs and Cricket Communications, Inc.

First 2,000 fans will receive Limited Edition Swoops Trading Card

Inflatables for the kids on the East Concourse

Kids human tunnel to greet the starting lineup (meet at 5:30 PM at the Northwest corner of the field)

Kickoff at 6:00 PM

Head to Head

The RailHawks are 0-0-2 against the Rhinos this season with both matches played so fare resulting in a 1-1 and 3-3 draw. The RailHawks are 0-2-3 overall in all five meetings with Rochester.

Happy Birthday Swoops

Swoops is celebrating his second birthday and has enlisted the help of many area mascots to celebrate with him. Mr. and Ms. Wuf from NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill's Ramses, Wool E. Bull and Stormy will all be on hand and participate in a halftime soccer match among mascots. Fans of all ages are encouraged to come out to WakeMed Soccer Park and wish Swoops a happy second birthday.

St. Baldricks

The day before the match several RailHawks players will shave their heads to raise money and awareness for children cancer research. The RailHawks have partnered with XIOS restaurant and the St. Baldrick's foundation and the event is set to kick off at noon on Saturday, September 13, at XIOS on Highway 55 in Apex.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



USL First Division Stories from September 12, 2008


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