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NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks look to avenge last league loss on Saturday

July 6, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - The Carolina RailHawks (5-5-5, 20 pts.) will host league rival, Fort Lauderdale Strikers (5-4-6, 19 pts.) looking to avenge their last loss, a 2-1 result in Fort Lauderdale on June 30th. The RailHawks quickly returned to their winning ways in a 2-1 victory over an Eric Wynalda led Atlanta Silverbacks on Tuesday night and have won 6 out of their last 8 matches in all competitions. Saturday's match against the Strikers will kickoff at 7:00 PM at WakeMed Soccer Park and will be streamed live on CarolinaRailHawks.com. A fireworks show will immediately follow the match.

"We were able to respond to our last loss (against the Strikers on 6/30) with an important win over Atlanta on Tuesday night," said Head Coach Colin Clarke. "The team showed a lot of character to perform and get the win while dealing with the weather delays. Now we are fortunate to have another shot against Fort Lauderdale in a weeks time and continue to climb in the league standings."

LAST TIME OUT

The RailHawks hosted Atlanta on Tuesday, July 3rd, in what was Eric Wynalda's first match as Interim Head Coach of the Silverbacks. The RailHawks won 2-1 with two goals by Nick Zimmerman. Forward Jason Garey assisted on the first goal and defender Cory Elenio gave the assist for the second goal. Elenio and Brian Shriver returned to the lineup after missing games with injuries. The match was temporarily suspended twice due to thunder storms in the area, totaling nearly two hours of stoppage.

SERIES HISTORY

Saturday night's match will be the third meeting this season between the RailHawks and the Strikers. Carolina is looking for the first win of the series after a 3-3 draw at WakeMed Soccer Park on May 2nd and a 2-1 loss in Fort Lauderdale that ended their 4-game league win streak.

In the June 30th match in Fort Lauderdale, Carolina's slow start cost them two first half goals by Mark Anderson. In the second half, the RailHawks attempted yet another come from behind rally. Zimmerman scored his seventh goal of the season late in the second half but the RailHawks were unable to secure the equalizer. The RailHawks were without Elenio, Shriver, and Amir Lowery, who will all be available for Saturday's match.

LEADING THE NASL

The RailHawks continue to lead the NASL in goals with 25 for the season, 3 ahead of the San Antonio Scorpions and the Minnesota Stars. Zimmerman's two goals on Tuesday put him on top of the Golden Boot race with 9 goals on the season. Kupono Low continues to co-lead the NASL in minutes played, with 1,350 minutes.

NEXT GAME

The RailHawks have a two-week hiatus in league play and will return to NASL action on Saturday, July 21st against the Minnesota Stars. Prior to the game fans can participate in the Inaugural Pregame Pig Pickin' Festival. Entry to the festival will be $10 and include barbeque and beer. Tickets for the match can be purchased online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com . For more information about tickets to the match and entry bracelets for the festival contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

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