USSF D-2 North Carolina FC

Stoppage Time Goal by Paladini Gives RailHawks 2-1 Win over Puerto Rico

Published on May 26, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
North Carolina FC News Release


BAYAMON, PR (Wednesday, May 26, 2010) - The Carolina RailHawks (2-2-2, 8 pts) defeated the Puerto Rico Islanders(2-2-0, 6 pts) 2-1 at Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon Puerto Rico for the first time in franchise history on Wednesday night. An early goal by Sallieu Bundu in the 5th minute held the RailHawks on top until Dave Foley drew the score even in the 73rd minute. The RailHawks had a chance to win the game in the 84th minute with a Gregory Richardson penalty that was saved by Islanders keeper Bill Gaudette. Daniel Paladini scored the game winner in stoppage time with a free kick to give the RailHawks three important points.

"The team showed a lot of character and determination," said RailHawks head coach Martin Rennie. "They showed great unity and confidence and created some very clear chances. This has been the most exciting game I have been involved in since I started coaching the RailHawks. Both teams were very good and it was great to come away with the win in Puerto Rico"

The RailHawks set out to control the game early on a pitch that seemed very heavy due to rain in the area for three days straight leading up to the match. The key to the first half for the RailHawks was to score early which happened in the 5th minute when Josh Gardner took a ball all the way to the line on the left side and crossed it in to the box. Bundu picked up the ball and tapped it in behind Puerto Rico net-minder Bill Gaudette for the 1-0 lead. The RailHawks were able to control the first half at midfield and create more chances with Franks and Bundu while Puerto Rico relied on getting long balls to forward Kendall Jagdeosingh who got dangerous a few times but had his attempts thwarted by an attentive Eric Reed.

In the second half the Islanders attacked hard looking for the equalizer but the RailHawks defense and Eric Reed were able to stop most of the chances. In the 73rd minute, however, the Islanders found the elusive goal after Dave Foley knocked a ball past Reed in a melee ensued after a free kick. In the 84th minute the RailHawks had a chance to get back on top when they were awarded a penalty shot but Richardson saw his attempt swatted away by Bill Gaudette. Puerto Rico's David Horst was ejected in stoppage time for a challenge on Sallieu Bundu and the following free kick taken by Daniel Paladini put the RailHawks on top for the 2-1 win. This is the first time the RailHawks win in Puerto Rico and the second win in a row against the Caribbean powerhouse.

Next the RailHawks continue their road trip on Sunday, May 30 in Montreal where they face the Impact before continuing on to Portland and Vancouver on June 6 and 9. Their next regular season home game will be on Saturday, June 19 at 7 p.m. when they host Crystal Palace Baltimore. It will be Bark in the Park Night and fans will also not want to miss the Father's Day celebrations the RailHawks are planning. Tickets for this and all RailHawks home games can be purchased at the LGFCU Box Office, by calling 919-859-5425 or by visiting www.carolinarailhawks.com.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 26, 2010


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