NASL North Carolina FC

Tiyi Shipalane Re-Signs with the RailHawks

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


CARY, NC (October 30, 2015) - The RailHawks have announced that explosive midfielder Tiyi Shipalane has signed a new multiyear contract with the Carolina RailHawks. Shipalane enters his fifth consecutive season with the RailHawks and sixth overall in 2016.

Carolina RailHawks owner Steve Malik played an integral role in securing the deal, despite the fact that several teams had courted the dynamic, game-changing player in the past month.

"Tiyi has been a big part of our success over the years. He is a player the fans recognize and identify with," said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. "The club is determined to keep its best players and signing Tiyi to a long term contract is a big step toward the successful future of this organization."

Shipalane is having his best professional season ever. He has scored six goals this year and currently ranks second in assists in the NASL with eight.

The South Africa native is no stranger to success. In 2012, he scored the equalizer and assisted on the game-winning goal against MLS' defending Champion L.A. Galaxy in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

"This is a strong statement by our new owner Steve Malik ahead of the 2016 season," said RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson. "He understands what our fans and supporters want. Winning is a priority. Tiyi is a dynamic, edge of your seat player. He is a great teammate, leader and someone that other teams have to adapt to. He makes plays that no one else can make and we are thrilled he will be with us for many years to come."

Shipalane moved to the U.S. to play college soccer at Lindsey Wilson College, where he was the 2006 NAIA Region XI Player of the Year and a three-time All-American. He began his professional career with the Harrisburg City Islanders and made his professional debut on April 18, 2009 against the Richmond Kickers. After 18 appearances and six goals for the Islanders in the 2009 season, Shipalane spent one season with D.C. United of Major League Soccer.

After a brief stint with his former USL team, Harrisburg City Islanders, Shipalane signed with the Carolina RailHawks in 2010. Since joining the RailHawks, Shipalane has amassed over 7,800 minutes in 119 appearances. In 2012, he was awarded the Summit Hospitality Community Service Award for his work in the Triangle community. This year, Tiyi has been selected five times to the NASL Team of the Week.

Shipalane and the RailHawks will host Indy Eleven in their Regular Season Finale at WakeMed Soccer Park on Friday, October 30th at 7:30 pm ET.

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