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USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

RailHawks Top Islanders 2-1

September 25, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - The Carolina RailHawks (12-9-8, 44 pts) topped the Puerto Rico Islanders (9-11-9, 36 pts) 2-1 on Saturday night. Goals from Matt Watson and Tom Heinemann were enough to lift the RailHawks to victory.

"This time we started the second half really, really well and continued the game on to the end. I feel we were a little bit nervous at the end where we could have just kept possession a little better. But ultimately this was a really big win because going into the last game of the season, this franchise has its first chance its ever had to win [a championship] and that's a really big deal."

The Islanders broke open the initially tentative game in the 19th minute after Noah Delgado back heeled a pass to Kendall Jagdeosingh who slotted home the goal. The RailHawks maintained their composure and evened up the game just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Daniel Paladini played a pass diagonally through the box to Watson who found the lower left corner of the goal to tie the game up at 1-1.

In the second half, the RailHawks wasted no time opening up the attack. In the 47th minute, Josh Gardner played in a corner kick to a sliding Tom Heinemann who blasted it past goalkeeper Bill Gaudette. With efficient passing through the midfield, the RailHawks were able to control the remainder of the game, limiting the Islanders to only a handful of opportunities. Watson nearly sealed the game with a second goal in the 66th minute, but his wide open shot sailed just over the crossbar.

With tonight's win, the RailHawks sit atop the NASL Conference, tied with the Vancouver Whitecaps with 44 points. In the overall playoff standings, the RailHawks sit at fifth place, 4 points behind the Portland Timbers with a game at hand.

Next, the RailHawks close out the regular season on Friday, October 1, when they face the Austin Aztex at 7 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park. The RailHawks will look to avenge a 3-2 loss to the Aztex in the teams' only other meeting this season, at House Park in Austin. For tickets and information please visit the LGFCU Box Office at WakeMed Soccer Park, call 919-859-5425 or visit www.carolinarailhawks.com.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from September 25, 2010


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