NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks Win Thriller 3-2 at Rayo OKC

Published on April 9, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


YUKON, OKLAHOMA - The Carolina RailHawks remained unbeaten to start the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) spring season earning a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory Saturday against first-year NASL club Rayo OKC at Miller Stadium in Yukon, Okla.

Midfielder Austin da Luz scored his second goal of the game and third of the season late in extra time to secure the victory and push the RailHawks record to 2-0-0. RailHawks veteran Kupono Low delivered a picture-perfect corner kick to the head of da Luz, who snapped it past Rayo OKC goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes.

"Nobody was marking me so I made a good run to the near post and Kupono did the rest," said da Luz, who scored two goals in an injury-plagued 2015 season. "I am so proud of this team. We got off to a great start, let OKC back into the game and then fought to the final whistle. This team has heart and we showed it tonight. We can't wait to get back to Carolina and play next Saturday (April 16, 7:30 pm vs Ottawa Fury FC) in front of our fans."

The RailHawks squandered a 1-0 lead, falling behind 2-1 early in the second half, before storming back with goals from Aly Hassan and da Luz to earn the victory.

da Luz scored his second goal in as many games in the 23rd minute to open the scoring.

Haitian international James Marcelin, one of many key offseason acquisitions by the RailHawks new owner Steve Malik and president/general manager Curt Johnson, served a brilliant ball over the top to RailHawks captain Nazmi Albadawi. Albadawi took one small touch and delivered a pass to da Luz in front of the net. da Luz also took a touch before firing a shot past Fernandes.

da Luz's goal followed a flurry of action from the visiting RailHawks. In the 16th minute, Albadawi, who played at NC State and for the RailHawks U23s, appeared to have his first goal of the season but was whistled for a foul inside the box before his shot. Two minutes later, Ty Shipalane, who joined da Luz on this week's NASL Team of the Week, served a ball to da Luz that just missed. Forward Brian Shriver would provide an exceptional flick to Shipalane one minute later but the offside flag was up.

"We could feel a goal coming," said da Luz, the all-time assist leader at Wake Forest University. "After the first 10 minutes of the game, we settled in and pushed the action."

Rayo OKC would respond in front of 5,851 fans at Miller Park. Jamaican Ryan Johnson tied the match at 1-1 in the 33rd minute with an assist from Marvin Chavez. Chavez delivered a cross to the far post that a sliding Johnson would knock in.

Rayo OKC head coach Alen Marcina would go to his bench in the second half bringing on Greece international Georgios Samaras, who played in two World Cups. In the 52nd minute, Samaras would provide a spark opening up space before dropping a ball to Billy Forbes. Forbes passed it quickly to Brazilian Michel, who went top shelf over RailHawks goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald from very close range at a sharp angle.

Rayo OKC would hold the lead for 22 minutes before Albadawi again provided excellent service. Albadawi drove a ball over the top to RailHawks substitute Hassan, who with his first touch of the game and of his RailHawks career pushed it forward and beat Fernandes to tie the score at 2-2. Albadawi would finish with two assists.

After several stoppages for injuries, including one to Marcelin, Low rushed over to take the corner kick in the 96th minute.

"Just a remarkable finish," said fifth-year RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "The boys never game up. Kupono showed great leadership rushing over to take the corner and Austin had a big-time finish. We have some great depth on this team and this is a great way to start the season."

The RailHawks return home to host Ottawa Fury FC at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m. The match will include an exciting postgame fireworks show. Tickets are available for purchase at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from April 9, 2016


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