NASL North Carolina FC

Top Local Talent Returns Home to Play for RailHawks

Published on February 10, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - The Carolina RailHawks have announced the addition of two local players who are returning to play in the Triangle: Tommy Drake and Brian Ackley. Both players were very active in club soccer in the area and extremely successful in High School before deciding to attend college out of state. Drake attended Clemson University and Ackley went to Indiana.

Brian Ackley decided to play out of state during college and went to Indiana University. The powerful midfielder, or forward, led the Hoosiers with 19 points in 2006 with 7 goals and 5 assists. Brian played in the RailHawks' U23 program from 2007 through 2009. Following his collegiate career Ackley went to play professionally in New Zealand where he played a total of 13 matches in 2010 recording 7 goals and 8 assists. He then signed in the Czech Republic where he appeared in 8 matches scoring 2 goals and 3 assists in 2011. He returned to the US where he spent time with Reading United and was signed late in the season by the Harrisburg City Islanders, where he contributed to the playoff run, where they lost in the final.

"I'm excited to be back in Raleigh with the opportunity to play in front of friends and family," said Ackley. "I have huge respect for what the RailHawks are about on and off the field and look forward to bringing a championship to NC."

Tommy Drake, who plays midfield, has played with the RailHawks U23 program for several years like Ackley, and will be making his debut as a professional. A standout for Clemson, where he led the team in points with 15, tied in goals (5), and led in assists (5) in his senior season. He finished his career with 14 goals and 13 assists for 41 points and received an invitation to the 2011 MLS Combine.

"I'm very happy to sign with the RailHawks and get to play at home. I want to play a big part this season to win a championship," said Drake. "I am looking forward to continue learning from Coach Bader, who I worked with in the U23 program, and Coach Clarke."

"We are lucky to have Tommy and Brian be a part of our team for this season. Both are talented and can provide options in the midfield or up top," said Head Coach Colin Clarke. "It is great that we are able to sign players that played in our U23s and they demonstrate the level of talent that the youth systems have in North Carolina."

Drake and Ackley, along with the rest of the 2012 RailHawks will make their debut on Sunday, March 4 at 3:00 pm against Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 4th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match. Fans may purchase tickets for the match through the Community Shield Pack and Season Tickets are still available. Individual tickets can be purchased for any home match this season online or at the Cruizers box office. For more information on RailHawks tickets and game details call the Cruizers box office at or e-mail tickets@carolinarailhawks.com.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from February 10, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central