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RailHawks, Silverbacks Aim for Spots in U.S. Open Cup Semifinals

July 8, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL) News Release


NEW YORK, NY (July 9, 2014) - Having eliminated three opponents each thus far, including a combined four MLS clubs, Atlanta Silverbacks and Carolina RailHawks continue their quest for Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup glory representing the North American Soccer League (NASL). The clubs once again take on MLS (Major League Soccer) opposition on Wednesday in the quarterfinals with both NASL vs. MLS encounters shown on the NASL family of websites (NASL.com, NASLLive.com).

The NASL clubs move a step closer as they attempt to secure one of the four U.S. representatives to the CONCACAF Champions League which goes to the annual Open Cup winner.

Carolina RailHawks will put their 23-game unbeaten streak (NASL and Open Cup matches) at WakeMed Soccer Park on the line when they take on FC Dallas in their first-ever meeting at the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday. The encounter is set for 7:30 pm ET on NASLLive.com and locally on WRAL2 TV and on radio at 99.9 The Fan ESPN Radio, 99.9HD-3 The Ticket.

RailHawks reached The Cups' Quarterfinals for the second consecutive year after defeating four-time MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy, 1-0, after extra time in the 'Round-of-16' last month. The game-winner by forward Daniel Jackson along with an eight-save performance from goalkeeper - and U.S. Open Cup Player of the Round - Scott Goodwin eliminated the two-time Open Cup champion Galaxy that were led by forwards Robbie Keane and U.S. Soccer/MLS All-Time Leading goal scorer Landon Donovan.

If victorious on Wednesday evening, the RailHawks will host a semifinal encounter against the winner of the MLS matchup between Philadelphia Union-New England Revolution on August 12 or 13.

Also on Wednesday's #NASLTheCup will be the Atlanta Silverbacks hosting the Chicago Fire at Silverbacks Park for the first-time at the Open Cup at 7:30 pm ET on NASL.com (via Chicago-Fire.com)

The Silverbacks reached The Cups' Quarterfinals for the first time after posting a 2-1 victory on the road - playing three-players down - against Colorado Rapids of MLS last month, thanks to a pair of tallies from forward Jaime Chavez.

"I think the fact that we were able to overcome that adversity and finish off the game in Colorado is a testament to the great work ethic and communication that we have within our team," said Silverbacks Technical Director, Eric Wynalda, who also played with Chicago Fire in 2001. "We're looking forward to playing another Cup game, and we certainly hope that our run can continue, even if it's at the expense of one of my former clubs, the Chicago Fire.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for our players to continue to show the quality inside our organization. We want to keep showing that the MLS level is not beyond our reach by any means."

If Silverbacks reach the semifinals they will travel to face MLS sides Seattle Sounders FC or Portland Timbers on August 13.

Four quarterfinal winners will compete in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals (Aug. 12-13) with the tournament final scheduled for September 30 or October 1

In only their third year the NASL teams have outscored their opposition 84 to 60 in 45 total games while posting a 24-3-18 overall record along with 13 shutouts.

The Quarterfinal Matches for NASL clubs:

Game Date/Time Venue

Chicago Fire (MLS) at Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) July 9 7:30 p.m. ET Atlanta Silverbacks Park; Atlanta, Ga. Watch Live: NASL.com

FC Dallas (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL ) July 9 7:30 p.m. ET WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, NC Watch Live: NASLLive.com

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