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USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

RailHawks Roll 4-0 Over Minnesota

October 9, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - The Carolina RailHawks earned their first playoff victory in franchise history Saturday night, thumping the NSC Minnesota Stars 4-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park. Daniel Paladini notched a goal and two assists in the RailHawks' rout, and Josh Gardner and Amir Lowery also scored for Caroolina.

"I think it was a nervous night, we're usually quite confident" said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "Having not scored a playoff goal as a franchise, having not won a playoff game as a franchise, and having a few good opportunities in the first half that we didn't finish, it was getting a little frustrating. But we kept our patience and I think the second half performance by everyone, in particular Daniel Paladini, really changed the game, and in the end we were comfortable winners."

The RailHawks tried to jump on top early, as Josh Gardner nearly scored on a 20th-minute blast. Etienne Barbara made himself comfortable on the right wing, making deep runs and playing in dangerous balls. RailHawks goalkeeper Eric Reed was tested for the first time in the 34th minute and came up with a diving save on Simone Bracalello's powerful shot.

The dynamic of the game changed drastically in the 36th minute, when Floyd Franks was hauled down on a breakaway by Minnesota captain Andres Arango. A scrum ensued in which Arango was given a red card for head-butting Franks. RailHawks forward Tom Heinemann received a yellow during the altercation as well.

Down a man, the Stars had a tough time containing the RailHawks second-half attack. In the 64th minute, Paladini scored the first playoff goal in franchise history with a fantastic volley. The scoring sequence began with another Barbara cross from the right flank that the Stars initially cleared. Without allowing the ball to touch the ground, Paladini skipped the ball past Warren to put the RailHawks on top 1-0.

Unsatisfied with a one-goal cushion, the RailHawks continued to push for another goal. Gardner put the RailHawks on top 2-0 in the 71st minute after a Paladini cross. Paladini beat his defender on the right and played in a ball that Matt Watson dummied, allowing Gardner to rip a shot into the left side of the goal.

Carolina kept rolling in the 84th minute, and Amir Lowery added his name to the score sheet. Paladini bent in a low cross that Lowery deflected past Warren. The wheels came completely off for the Stars four minutes later when Brian Kallman directed the ball into his own goal to put the RailHawks on top 4-0.

Next, the RailHawks take on the winner of the Montreal Impact, Austin Aztex series, which wraps up later Saturday night. Stay tuned to CarolinaRailHawks.com for information regarding the schedule and ticket information for the USSF D-2 Pro League semifinals.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from October 9, 2010


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