Scorpions Fall 3-1 at Carolina RailHawks, But Maintain Lead in NASL

Published on September 13, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


(September 13, 2014) - The San Antonio Scorpions maintained first place in the NASL Fall Season standings in spite of a 3-1 loss at WakeMed Soccer Park to the Carolina RailHawks.

The Scorpions controlled much of the offensive possession in the first half, but the opener was scored by the RailHawks against the run of play in the 24'. Ty Shipalane found Nazmi Albadawi just outside the San Antonio 18-yard-box and the American midfielder dribbled his way into open space and sent a left-footed shot across goal and past Josh Saunders for the score. San Antonio continued to create chances regularly through fullback Jonathan Borrajo's deep runs and crosses on the right and forward César Elizondo's dribbling and through balls on the left, but they were unable to get on the scoresheet before the break.

The RailHawks came out on the front foot in the second half and put the Scorpions' defense under consistent pressure. The home side doubled their advantage to 2-0 in the 61' minute when Albadawi led a 2-1 break with midfielder Leo Osaki. Albadawi slid the ball over to Osaki when San Antonio centerback Adrian Cann committed to the play and Osaki finished to the open side of Saunders' net.

San Antonio continued to press forward and finally pulled one back in the 73'. Fullback Stephen DeRoux sent an early ball into the box from the left sideline that two RailHawks defenders failed to clear. The ball bounced to striker Thomasz Zahorski, who hit a left-footed half volley into the top left corner for his sixth goal of the season that gave the visitors life at 2-1.

The Scorpions came into the match having scored 29% of their goals after the 76' minute, but a comeback was not meant to be on this night as Carolina sealed their win in the 87' on a goal by Enzo Martinez. Martinez started the play with a shot on goal that was saved by Saunders, but off the rebound Shipalane and Devon Sandoval got touches before Martinez found the finish for the final score.

San Antonio will look to tie their franchise-best home unbeaten streak against Minnesota United next Saturday when the top two teams in the table face off at Toyota Field. Carolina will be home again to take on the third place New York Cosmos.

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The Scorpions' next home match at Toyota Field is September 20th against Minnesota United. Tickets can be purchased at the Toyota Field Box Office, by calling 210.495.8686 or log onto SAScorpions.com.

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