USL-1 North Carolina FC

RailHawks win season ender 1-0 but are unable to make it into the post-season

Published on September 20, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC - The Carolina RailHawks ended their season on a very high note with a 1-0 victory and a phenomenal stoppage time goal by Martin Nunez in the 90th minute. Unfortunately this was a season ending victory as the Minnesota-Montreal 3-1 result officially puts the RailHawks out of the playoff race. The end of the season was bittersweet as the RailHawks rallied late in the season and brought back the fan based Southern Derby Cup to WakeMed Soccer Park for the second consecutive year.

It was an intense and physical first half as both teams looked to score early. In the first minute Dan Antoniuk sent a go ahead ball into the box for Hamed Diallo who narrowly missed the connection for a Timbers goal kick. The half continued with the RailHawks continued to search for the advantage but the Timbers continued to slow down the game with continuous fouls on the RailHawks. In the 17th minute Portland defender Cameron Knowles was issued a yellow card for a bad tackle on Dan Antoniuk outside the 18 yard box. The half ended scoreless as both teams were not able to capitalize on scoring chances.

The second half started with the same physical intensity with which the first ended. In the 52nd minute Santiago Fusilier was brought down in the box by Leonard Griffin and center referee Saeed Mohammed was quick to point to the penalty spot. Kupono Low took the kick but the ball hit the right post and bounced back into play. In the 70th minute Leonard Griffin was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a tackle on Santiago Fusilier. The RailHawks continued to lay siege to the Timbers goal and, in stoppage time, Martin Nunez found himself in front of the empty net tapping the ball in for the 1-0 lead and the win.

Even though the RailHawks are out of the post-season they will continue to be a strong presence in the community in the off-season with local school visits as well as other community oriented events. Stay tuned to the Carolina RailHawks website at www.carolinarailhawks.com for news regarding and other exciting events.

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USL First Division Stories from September 20, 2008


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