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USL-1 North Carolina FC

Whitecaps and RailHawks Trade Players

July 27, 2007 - USL First Division (USL-1)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, NC - The Carolina RailHawks and the Vancouver Whitecaps announced Friday that they have come to an agreement concerning a player trade. Forward Joel Bailey will join the RailHawks while defender Sola Abolaji will go to the Whitecaps.

Sola Abolaji was the first pick in the USL-1 collegiate draft last winter and a native of Carbondale, Illinois. Prior to joining the RailHawks, Sola spent two successful seasons at the University of Buffalo. This year he played about 300 minutes and started in key games against Rochester and Montreal.

"I am grateful to the Carolina RailHawks for starting my professional career," said Abolaji. "I look forward to going to Vancouver and continue playing and possibly coming back to North Carolina someday."

Joel Bailey, a native of Trinidad and Tobago played 14 games with the Whitecaps this year after being acquired from the Montreal Impact in the off-season. He recorded one assist and 11 shots in the 600 minutes he played.

"It was a tough decision to let Sola go," said RailHawks head coach Scott Schweitzer. "He has a bright future in this league but we needed to look at the immediate future and make a serious run at the playoffs. Joel is a skillful player that has proven himself in this league. He's a fast forward that can score goals and we are very excited to have him."

Joel Bailey is expected to arrive in the North Carolina this weekend and possibly make his debut on Wednesday August 1st in Montreal against the Impact.

"I had seen Sola at the USL combine," said Vancouver head coach Bob Lilley, "he has the physical tools to strengthen our defense and I hope he'll adapt well here. We had to make a sacrifice in acquiring him by losing Joel who is a very talented player."

Tickets for all remaining RailHawks soccer matches at SAS Soccer Park including Saturday, July 28th versus Miami FC are available at the SAS Soccer Park Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, www.carolinarailhawks.com or charge by phone at (919) 834-4000. Group discounts for purchases of 10 or more tickets are available by contacting the RailHawks ticket office at (919) 859-5425.

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