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USL-1 North Carolina FC

Undefeated RailHawks host 2007 USL-1 Champion Seattle Sounders

May 27, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC (Tuesday, May 27th, 2008) - The undefeated Carolina RailHawks (2-0-4) will be tested this week when the 2007 USL-1 Champion Seattle Sounders (3-1-3) descend on WakeMed Soccer Park on Wednesday, May 28th at 7:30 PM for what will be a battle for position in the USL First Division tables. The match is presented by Whole Foods and by the Talking Phone Book and fans can still purchase tickets at the LGFCU Box Office by calling 919-859-KICK (5425) or by visiting www.carolinarailhawks.com.

The RailHawks come off a 1-1 tie against their arch rival Rochester Rhinos last Saturday night that left fans on their feet until the very end. Uruguayan midfielder Martin Nuñez put the RailHawks on top in the 14th minute only to see Mauricio Salles and the Rhinos tie it all up in the 89th after the RailHawks had dominated most of the game.

The Sounders return to WakeMed Soccer Park after a 2-0 victory over Vancouver at Swangard Stadium last Friday night. French forward and 2007 USL-1 MVP Sebastien LeToux recorded one goal and one assist in the match.

"Seattle has just started to play like they did at the end of the season," said RailHawks Head Coach Scott Schweitzer. "They are one of the best teams in the league; they retained most of their starting eleven and made some key additions in the off season that make them even stronger."

"Having seen the quality of Carolina as an expansion team, now that they have a year of experience under their belt, we can't take them lightly," said Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. "Scott is a good coach and he will get the players mentally ready".

The RailHawks quest for the USL-1 Championship will continue on the road for almost a month as they visit Atlanta (May 31st), Puerto Rico (June 12th), Miami (June 14th), Rochester (June 20th) and Montreal (June 22nd), before returning to WakeMed Soccer Park for the first of four Fox Soccer Channel televised matches on Friday, June 27th at 8:00 PM at WakeMed Soccer Park. All away matches can be viewed on www.USLLive.com; fans are encouraged to sign up with the USL's video streaming partner to catch all the USL-1 action for the 2008 Season.

Notes:

Schedule of Events

Doors open 6:00 PM

Inflatables and Rock Climbing Wall for Kids

Kids Human Tunnel for both games line up 7:15 at the northwest corner of the field

Autograph Session at Autograph Alley on the North end of the field following the match

Kick Off 7:30 PM.

US Open Cup Begins June 10th

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will start in June and the RailHawks will be looking to build on the excellent showing they had last year and making it all the way this season. The first match will be on Tuesday June 10th. Venue and opponent will be announced on May 28th.

Head to Head

The RailHawks are 0-2-0 in regular season and 0-2-0 in the playoffs against the Sounders. They will be looking to change that and post their first win against the 2007 Champions. USL-1 2007 MVP scored two game winners in the regular season.

Keep em coming

The RailHawks have had a player on the USL-1 Team of the Week every week this season. The latest addition to this list was goalkeeper Chris McClellan who was honored for his outstanding job against the Minnesota Thunder Sunday May 18th.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics

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USL First Division Stories from May 27, 2008


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