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Scorpions Win to Extend Unbeaten Run to 8

July 23, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


SAN ANTONIO, TX(July 23, 2014) - The San Antonio Scorpions stayed perfect in the NASL's Fall Season with a 2-0 victory over the Carolina RailHawks in front of a season-high 7,884 fans at Toyota Field Wednesday night.

It took most of the first half for the Scorpions to find their offense, but once they did they it came lightning fast. First, in the 64' minute Walter Restrepo found Josue Soto all alone 25 yards away from the Carolina goal. Soto sized up a shot and hit an absolute rocket that RailHawks 'keeper Scott Goodwin was unable to control. San Antonio midfielder Rafael Castillo finished off a deep run from midfield to collect the rebound just a few feet from the line and tap it into the net for his third goal of the season.

San Antonio doubled their lead only two minutes later when Trevin Caesar - who had been subbed on only five minutes earlier - set up Billy Forbes with a nice cross across the box. The Turks and Caicos rookie hit the ball first time and into the back of the net for his third goal of the season and the 2-0 lead. The Scorpions controlled possession and kept the RailHawks out of the offensive zone for the remainder of the game to close out their eighth straight match without a defeat. The unbeaten run is the club's second best ever behind a nine-match streak without a loss in their inaugural 2012 season.

The RailHawks were on the front foot for the opening 20 minutes of the first half. The Scorpions had difficulty controlling possession through the midfield for more than a couple of passes, and as a result they absorbed heavy Carolina pressure. The best chance for the visitors came early in the 7'. Striker Aaron King took what looked to be an open shot from the middle of the San Antonio area, but Scorpions midfielder Rafael Castillo slid in front of the path of the ball at the last second in an attempt to block the shot. The ball skipped up in the air and over San Antonio goalie David Bingham's head, but came down quickly and just glanced off the top of the crossbar.

About the 25 minute mark, the flow of the match ebbed back towards the home side and the Scorpions began creating some chances of their own. In the 31', Castillo got all of the ball from about 25 yards and rattled the crossbar behind Goodwin. Forward Sainey Touray collected and netted the rebound, but the linesman had long since raised his flag. San Antonio had a golden chance nine minutes later off of a corner kick. Castillo curled an in-swinger from the attacking right that defender Greg Janicki was able to get a foot on and send towards goal. But Goodwin showed nice reactions to kick the ball off his line and the Carolina defense was able to clear the danger.

San Antonio hits the road for their next two matches, starting with this Saturday's match in St. Petersburg against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.Carolina will be back home hosting the Ottawa Fury at WakeMed Soccer Park.

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The Scorpions' next home match at Toyota Field is August 9th against Indy Eleven. Tickets can be purchased at Toyota Field Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Call 210.495.8686 for more information on season tickets or log onto SAScorpions.com.

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