2013 Archive

RailHawks Match Against Puebla FC Postponed

The Carolina RailHawks match against Puebla FC of the Mexican First Division (Liga MX) has been postponed due to a Volcano Eruption. Mexico City & Toluca Airport flights have been grounded after the Popocatepetl Volcano spewed volcanic ash, steam and glowing rock. The match will be rescheduled in the near future. We will release more details on Monday, July 8th. For up-to-date information follow the RailHawks at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com, www.FaceBook.com/CarolinaRailHawks, and www.Twitter.com/RailHawksFC.

2nd Annual Pregame Pig Pickin Festival on June 29th

The RailHawks will host the 2nd Annual Pregame Pig Pickin’ Festival on Saturday, June 29th at WakeMed Soccer Park, just prior to the RailHawks taking on NASL rivals, Atlanta Silverbacks at 7:00pm ET. The Pig Pickin’ opens at 4:45pm and individuals can enjoy live music, beer, and BBQ. A Fireworks Extravaganza will take place immediately following the soccer match. For more information visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/pig.

Entry bracelets are only $15 and includes; all-you-can-eat BBQ, beer from White Street Brewing Co., non-alcoholic beverages and other great items from Pig Pickin’ vendors. Local rock band, The Annuals presented with ReverbNation.com, will perform throughout the festival. All participating cooks, both amateur and professional, will prepare their pig and sauce before a fan vote lead by honorary judge, Diane Ramsey of Mix 101.5. RailHawks’ 2013 Season Ticket Holders receive a special discount on entry to the festival by calling the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144.

The 2nd Annual Pregame Pig Pickin’ Festival is sponsored by White Street Brewing Co., R.A. Jeffrey’s, McCalls Bar-B-Que & Seafood, ReverbNation.com, and Backyard Bistro. Festival vendors include: 99.9 The Fan, Sonic Pie Productions, Coke, Bojangles, AT&T and Southern Wine & Spirits.

Spots in the Pig Pickin’ BBQ contest are still available. If you would like to see how your skills measure up, you can enter by emailing Evan@CarolinaRailHawks.com by Friday, June 21st.

After the 2nd Annual Pregame Pig Pickin’ Festival concludes, the RailHawks will take on the Atlanta Silverbacks at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00 PM. The two clubs are currently competing for the top spot of the NASL and sit in first-place and second-place. Fans, are encouraged to stick around following the match to enjoy the Fireworks Extravaganza. Fans will be allowed to join RailHawks players on the field to watch the fireworks show. On Saturday, June 22nd the RailHawks will host another highly competitive NASL Regular Season match when Minnesota United comes to WakeMed Soccer Park. With only three points separating Atlanta, the RailHawks and Minnesota in the NASL Spring Season standings, each match will play a great importance in crowning the Spring Season Champion. For more information on the Pig Pickin’ festival, Fireworks Extravaganza, and June 22nd and 29th match tickets call the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144 or email Evan@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Spots in the Pig Pickin’ BBQ contest are still available. If you would like to see how your skills measure up, you can enter by emailing Evan@CarolinaRailHawks.com by Friday, June 21st.

RailHawks Host Rematch vs Chivas USA Wednesday Night

The Carolina RailHawks will host Chivas USA of Major League Soccer on Wednesday, June 12th at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Round of 16 match in the 100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will kick off at 7:00pm ET. In 2012, it was Chivas USA that knocked the RailHawks out of the competition in the same round on a Juan Pablo Angel converted penalty kick in stoppage time. Come support the RailHawks as they will look to exact revenge on last year's Fourth Round loss Wednesday night and advance to the Quaterfinal Round as one of eight remaining teams in the U.S. Open Cup.

Tickets for the Wednesday's match are available for purchase by visiting CarolinaRailHawks.com For more information or questions about match tickets contact the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144.

A heart-breaking defeat in 2012 will surely give the RailHawks some additional motivation on Wednesday night.

The Carolina RailHawks will host Chivas USA of Major League Soccer on Wednesday, June 12th at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Round of 16 match in the 100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will kick off at 7:00pm ET. In 2012, it was Chivas USA that knocked the RailHawks out of the competition in the same round on a Juan Pablo Angel converted penalty kick in stoppage time. Come support the RailHawks as they will look to exact revenge on last year’s Fourth Round loss Wednesday night and advance to the Quaterfinal Round as one of eight remaining teams in the U.S. Open Cup.

Tickets for the Wednesday’s match are available for purchase by visiting CarolinaRailHawks.com For more information or questions about match tickets contact the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144.

A heart-breaking defeat in 2012 will surely give the RailHawks some additional motivation on Wednesday night.

RailHawks Host Chivas USA on June 12th

Only four matches remain in the RailHawks pursuit of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy. After the 2-0 victory over MLS Defending Champion, LA Galaxy, the RailHawks have advanced to the Fourth Round of the 100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and will host Chivas USA of MLS on Wednesday, June 12th at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00pm ET.

The Chivas USA 3-Pack is also currently available for purchase and includes tickets to the June 12th Chivas USA match, June 29th Atlanta match with postgame fireworks, and the August 17th match against the New York Cosmos.

Fans can purchase tickets to the match by:

Visiting the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at WakeMed Soccer Park
Calling the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144
Purchasing individual match tickets online
Ordering a Chivas USA 3-Pack with tickets to the June 12th Chivas USA match, June 29th Atlanta match with postgame fireworks, and the August 17th match versus the New York Cosmos
Ordering a Chivas USA 3-Pack with a ticket to the June 12th Chivas USA match and two vouchers for the 2013 RailHawks regular season home match of your choice

The RailHawks return to NASL action on the road this Saturday when they face the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 8th when they host league rival Tampa Bay Rowdies. To purchase tickets for the June 8th match call the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Fans can purchase tickets to the match by:

Visiting the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at WakeMed Soccer Park
Calling the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144
Purchasing individual match tickets online
Ordering a Chivas USA 3-Pack with tickets to the June 12th Chivas USA match, June 29th Atlanta match with postgame fireworks, and the August 17th match versus the New York Cosmos
Ordering a Chivas USA 3-Pack with a ticket to the June 12th Chivas USA match and two vouchers for the 2013 RailHawks regular season home match of your choice

RailHawks Host LA Galaxy Tomorrow Night

The Carolina RailHawks will host the Major League Soccer’s reigning Champion, LA Galaxy, in the Third Round of the 100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00pm ET. The match will be broadcast locally on WRAL2, 99.9 The Fan, and streamed on www.CarolinaRailHawks.com. Tickets for the match are still available in Terrace, Premium, and Spectator seating categories and can be purchased by calling the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144 or online through Etix.com.

“We will have another great crowd for our game against the Galaxy,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson. “Tickets have been purchased from 107 different cities and 15 different states. VIP and Club sections have sold out, but good seats are still available in Terrace, Premium, and Spectator seating categories.”

The match will be the third RailHawks match broadcast on WRAL2 in 2013 and will be available for viewing over the air on channel 5.2 and Time Warner Cable channel 106. Wednesday night’s clash can also be heard over the radio on 99.9 The Fan or The Fan’s internet stream on WRALSportsFan.com.

Wednesday night will be the second all-time meeting between the RailHawks and the Galaxy, with the first occurring in the Third Round of the 2012 U.S. Open Cup at WakeMed Soccer Park. In front of a sold-out, the RailHawks upended the Galaxy with a 2-1 come from behind victory with goals from Tiyi Shipalane and Brian Shriver. In U.S. Open Cup competitions the RailHawks are 11W-1T-4L with 34 goals scored and 17 goals allowed.

To purchase tickets to the RailHawks Third Round match in the 100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, May 29th at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00pm, call the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144 or e-mail Tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

RailHawks Advance to Host LA Galaxy in U.S. Open Cup

The Carolina RailHawks have advanced to the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup and will host LA Galaxy on Wednesday, May 29 at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00pm. A 3-1 victory on Tuesday night over the Carolina Dynamo of the Premier Development League advanced the RailHawks into the next round. The RailHawks enjoyed the attacking advantage, outshooting the Dynamo 19 to 6 and receiving goals from Tiyiselani Shipalane in the 26th minute, Austen King in the 53rd minute, and Zack Schilawski in the 76th minute.

“We are happy with the result and that we are through to the next round,” said RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke. “Advancing and hosting the LA Galaxy in the next round is a great occasion for the organization and for the supporters. It was a lot of fun last year and I expect to have another great match next Wednesday.”

The May 29 U.S. Open Cup Third Round match will be the return of the back-to-back MLS Champion, LA Galaxy, to WakeMed Soccer Park. In 2012, the RailHawks upset the Galaxy in front of a sold-out crowd at WakeMed Soccer Park with a 2-1 victory in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round.

RailHawks Season Ticket Holders and Flex Plan Holders have a special opportunity to purchase additional tickets for the Third Round matchup versus the LA Galaxy prior to tickets going on-sale to the general public. Fans can also purchase a Galaxy 3-Pack that includes discount pricing on a ticket to three RailHawks home games including: the May 29th LA Galaxy match and the RailHawks regular season matches on June 29th that include postgame fireworks, and the August 17th match against the New York Cosmos. Individual tickets will go on-sale to the general public on Thursday, May 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at 919-459-8144 or online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

LINEUPS

CAR: GK Murray, D Graye, D King, D Rutkiewicz, D Low (Ababio,63), M da Luz, M Millington, M Franks, M Shipalane, F Shriver (Elizondo,90), F Ackley (Schilawski,74);

DYN: GK Ford, D Ibeagha, D Dunker, D McBride, M Davis (Nyepon, 64), M Durand (Bronico, 72), M Fender, M Lovitz, M Martinez (Rex, 72), M Reittinger, F Ilhan;

GOALS

CAR: Shipalane (unassisted), 26; Own Goal, 40; King (da Luz), 53; Schilawski (Shipalane), 76;

DYN:

CAUTIONS

CAR:

DYN: Durand, 7;

SHOTS

CAR: 16

DYN: 9

SAVES

CAR: 0

DYN: 6

LINEUPS

CAR: GK Murray, D Graye, D King, D Rutkiewicz, D Low (Ababio,63), M da Luz, M Millington, M Franks, M Shipalane, F Shriver (Elizondo,90), F Ackley (Schilawski,74);

DYN: GK Ford, D Ibeagha, D Dunker, D McBride, M Davis (Nyepon, 64), M Durand (Bronico, 72), M Fender, M Lovitz, M Martinez (Rex, 72), M Reittinger, F Ilhan;

GOALS

CAR: Shipalane (unassisted), 26; Own Goal, 40; King (da Luz), 53; Schilawski (Shipalane), 76;

DYN:

CAUTIONS

CAR:

DYN: Durand, 7;

SHOTS

CAR: 16

DYN: 9

SAVES

CAR: 0

DYN: 6

100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round Tonight

Tomorrow night’s match between the Carolina RailHawks and the Greensboro-based Carolina Dynamo in the Second Round of the 100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will be the first match between the North Carolina based soccer clubs. The RailHawks of the North American Soccer League will host the Dynamo of the Premier Development League at WakeMed Soccer Park on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00pm. The winner will advance to host back-to-back Major League Soccer Champion, LA Galaxy in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 29.

“It means a lot to be able to play U.S. Open Cup matches in front of our home crowd,” said RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke. “This tournament means a lot to me, the team, and the entire organization. The team will need to be at our best to get a result. The Dynamo will be ready to play and we can’t take anything for granted.”

In 2012, U.S. Soccer introduced the current U.S. Open Cup format that includes all U.S. based professional clubs registered under U.S. Soccer and amateur teams that have qualified for the knockout-style tournament. Under the new format, the RailHawks faced Los Angeles-based amateur squad PSA Elite in the Second Round, LA Galaxy (MLS) in the Third Round, and Chivas USA (MLS) in the Fourth Round. After a 6-0 victory over PSA Elite, the RailHawks defeated the Galaxy 2-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at WakeMed Soccer Park. A week later, another crowd over 7,000 fans traveled to WakeMed Soccer Park to watch the RailHawks in a dramatic 2-1 loss at the hands of Chivas USA and a stoppage time penalty kick from MLS Designated Player Juan Pablo Angel.

The RailHawks have participated in five U.S. Open Cups and are 10W-1T-4L with 31 goals scored and 16 goals allowed. RailHawks forward Brian Shriver won the 2012 U.S. Open Cup Golden Boot, scoring 5 goals throughout the competition to lead all players.

Tickets for the Second Round match in the 100th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup are available for purchase through the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office by calling 919-459-8144 or available online through www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

RailHawks Host Dynamo in Cross-State Matchup

A cross-state matchup with the Carolina Dynamo of the Premier Development League highlights the Carolina RailHawks Second Round matchup of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, May 21st at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00pm.

The Dynamo completed a come-from-behind 4-4 draw that sent the First Round match into overtime and eventually penalty kicks. After converting their entire share of penalty kicks the Dynamo would send Chattanooga FC home in the knockout style tournament.

“We’re in it to win it and bring the U.S. Open Cup back here,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson, who won the Cup in 2004 as General Manager of the Kansas City Wizards. “It is a fantastic competition and it really does mean something special and it’s an important tournament that you want to win.”

Tickets for the match are on-sale now and can be purchased online or at the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office by calling 919-459-8144 or e-mailing Tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

In the 2012 edition of the Open Cup, the RailHawks hosted PSA Elite in the Second Round at WakeMed Soccer Park. The RailHawks would start the tournament strong with a 6-0 victory over the amateur side. Triangle fans saw MLS Champion, LA Galaxy, and Chivas USA travel out to Cary, NC for the Third and Fourth Round, respectively. The RailHawks would shock the Galaxy with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory, before dropping a 2-1 heartbreaker to Chivas USA. A Penalty kick in second half stoppage time saw Chivas USA advance to the Quarterfinal Round.

Brian Shriver scored 5 goals across the three Open Cup matches, earning the 2012 U.S. Open Cup Golden Boot. For more information on the U.S. Open Cup and each round’s pairings visit www.ussoccer.com.

Tickets for the match are on-sale now and can be purchased online or at the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office by calling 919-459-8144 or e-mailing Tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

New Elite Technique Supplemental Training Program

The Carolina RailHawks professional soccer team announced today that it is launching a new RailHawks Elite Technique supplemental training program for the dedicated youth soccer player that wants to supplement his or her current club training. The program's curriculum will be uniquely patterned upon the most successful professional youth academy programs worldwide with a focus on breaking down fundamental techniques and mastering them to become a "complete" player. The curriculum has been developed by the RailHawks technical staff based on decades of direct youth academy and professional experience in Europe and the U.S.

"Starting at age eight, I trained at the Southampton Academy in England and learned first hand the skills needed to master the game and build a professional soccer career," said Sam Stockley, Director of RailHawks Elite Technique and current Carolina RailHawks player. "I am excited to apply this knowledge and professional experience to help further develop the area's top players."

RailHawks Elite Technique is a 40-week program for boys and girls ages 7-16 that is split into two, 10-week Fall sessions running from early August through mid December and two, 10-week Spring sessions running from early February through mid June. Training sessions will be held once per week on the world-class grass fields at WakeMed Soccer Park and led by Sam Stockley and other RailHawks professional coaching staff.

"Over the past couple of years, we have received repeated requests from youth soccer players and their parents for the RailHawks to offer a more extensive weekly training program that is targeted at the higher-level soccer player. Elite Technique isn't a new soccer club – there are already great clubs in the area. Our goal is to offer a program that provides specialized training to dedicated soccer players that supplements their current club training," said RailHawks Senior Vice President, Peter Sciandra.

Interested players must attend a Player Evaluation Event to determine their readiness and acceptance into the Elite Technique program. Player Evaluation Events are scheduled for Sunday, 5/5, Sunday, 5/12 and Sunday, 5/19.

The Carolina RailHawks professional soccer team announced today that it is launching a new RailHawks Elite Technique supplemental training program for the dedicated youth soccer player that wants to supplement his or her current club training. The program’s curriculum will be uniquely patterned upon the most successful professional youth academy programs worldwide with a focus on breaking down fundamental techniques and mastering them to become a “complete” player. The curriculum has been developed by the RailHawks technical staff based on decades of direct youth academy and professional experience in Europe and the U.S.

“Starting at age eight, I trained at the Southampton Academy in England and learned first hand the skills needed to master the game and build a professional soccer career,” said Sam Stockley, Director of RailHawks Elite Technique and current Carolina RailHawks player. “I am excited to apply this knowledge and professional experience to help further develop the area’s top players.”

“Over the past couple of years, we have received repeated requests from youth soccer players and their parents for the RailHawks to offer a more extensive weekly training program that is targeted at the higher-level soccer player. Elite Technique isn’t a new soccer club – there are already great clubs in the area. Our goal is to offer a program that provides specialized training to dedicated soccer players that supplements their current club training,” said RailHawks Senior Vice President, Peter Sciandra.

RailHawks Positively Impact Triangle Economy

On March 20th the Carolina RailHawks hosted Pumas UNAM in front of the largest crowd in club history at the newly renovated WakeMed Soccer Park. The record crowd of 8,054, traveling from 5 different states along the East coast, was entertained with an edge of your seat game that Pumas UNAM ended up narrowly winning 2-1. Chants from the jam-packed crowd echoed throughout the stadium for the full 90 minutes and even after the referee blew the final whistle. In total, ticket buyers from 107 different cities and towns attended the Wednesday night International Friendly.

“It is the RailHawks goal to continue to bring high level soccer matches to the Triangle and expand upon the passion and excitement for professional soccer in our community,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson. “Over the past 7 seasons, the RailHawks have hosted dozens of home matches that have brought tens of thousands of individuals from surrounding areas and other states to WakeMed Soccer Park and The Triangle. We are proud to positively impact the local economy and in combination with partners such as the Town of Cary, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, BB&T, McDonald’s and WakeMed Health and Hospitals will continue to host meaningful events that benefit soccer fans and our local economy.”

Only ten months ago, during the 2012 U.S. Open Cup run, the RailHawks hosted 2011 and 2012 MLS Champion, LA Galaxy, in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The RailHawks 2-1 upset victory over the Galaxy was witnessed by a sold-out crowd of 7,939 (a club record at the time) from 13 different states and 123 cities.

After an exciting preseason, the RailHawks open North American Soccer League play on the road in Tampa Bay on April 6th before returning to North Carolina on April 13th for their NASL Regular Season Home Opener and the Grand Opening of the New WakeMed Soccer Park. Follow the April 6th NASL Opener by watching the game broadcast on www.CarolinaRailHawks.com. Tickets for the April 13th match against Canadian foe, FC Edmonton, are on-sale now at the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office and can be purchased by calling (919) 459-8144 or by visiting www.CarolinaRailHawks.com. The New WakeMed Soccer Park Grand Opening will be televised live on WRAL-2 and broadcast over the radio on 99.9-HD3 The Ticket. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a RailHawks 12th Man t-shirt compliment of the Town of Cary and WakeMed Health and Hospitals.