NASL North Carolina FC

Second Half Penalties the Difference in a Hard Fought RailHawks Defeat

Published on August 30, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


HEMPSTEAD, NY (August 30, 2015) - The Carolina RailHawks lost a close match to the New York Cosmos 3-2 Sunday afternoon at James M. Shuart Stadium.

Looking to redeem themselves against the Cosmos in a very important game, Akira Fitzgerald and the RailHawks had a stellar first half. A quick goal in the 2nd minute of the game from Cosmo's midfielder Andres Flores didn't deter the RailHawks, as the team was up 2-1 by the end of the first half.

The RailHawks' first retaliation came from Nazmi Albadawi in the 24th minute, after two corner kicks and continued minutes of RailHawks pressure, the midfielder charged into the box and put away Tiyi Shipalane's cross.

After an extended exchange of opportunities, the RailHawks struck again with Albadawi's second goal of the game in the 42nd minute when the midfielder ripped one from inside the box. It would be the Raleigh native's first two goals of the season as well as the first time Albadawi has scored twice in a match.

After much back and forth between the two teams in the beginning of the second half, the Cosmos were awarded a penalty kick in a questionable decision in the 61st minute as Austin da Luz appeared to have possibly tripped up Mkosana. Raúl Gonzalez took the kick in which Fitzgerald guessed the correct direction, but barely missed blocking the shot, evening up the score 2-2.

RailHawks' captain Daniel Scott was sent off with a straight red card in the 66th minute, after fouling Lucky Mkosana. In the 85th minute, Mkosana scored to put the Cosmos ahead 3-2; neither team would score again, despite last minute efforts from the RailHawks.

The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Friday, September 4th at 7:30 pm to host the Atlanta Silverbacks.

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North American Soccer League Stories from August 30, 2015


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