Sports stats



NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks Sign Defender Safi

March 16, 2010 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. (March 16, 2010) - The Carolina RailHawks today announced the signing of defender Ramak Safi, pending U.S. Soccer Federation approval.

Safi is set to play his first professional season in 2010 with Carolina. He came to the RailHawks through an open tryout during the offseason and earned an invite to training camp. Though predominately an attacking midfielder throughout his youth and collegiate career, Safi has been used as a right back while on trial at WakeMed Soccer Park. Though new to the position, Safi's versatility and willingness to learn led to Carolina coach Martin Rennie's desire to have him join the club.

"It's an amazing feeling. You come to a tryout and you have no idea how it will be. You pay some money to get in, you come try out and you make it," Safi said. "I felt like I can play on this level, I just needed an opportunity and the RailHawks gave it to me."

Safi played collegiately at Jacksonville University from 2006-08. As a senior in 2008, he led the Dolphins in scoring with 10 goals and two assists in 21 appearances. In three years at Jacksonville, Safi appeared in 57 matches and had 15 goals and five assists.

"At the moment, he's understanding what we want from him," Rennie said. "He's definitely a good player and a very good athlete. We're teaching him what we want from him tactically. It's going to take a bit, but he's very eager to learn and he wants to do well and work hard. He could be quite good, given time. He's going to get that time and I'm excited to work with him."

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...

North American Soccer League Stories from March 16, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central