2016 Archive

The Carolina RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park this Saturday, March 26th at 12:00 p.m. for the 8th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match against Mexican squad Deportivo Toluca F.C. in a marquee international match. This world-class match will also be the first time the RailHawks appear on network TV, with the game set to show on FOX50.

Click here to find out how to watch Fox 50 in your area

The RailHawks are looking to carry their strong preseason momentum into Saturday’s match. The RailHawks have won an impressive four games this preseason, downing UNC-Wilmington 4-0, NC State University 3-0, Charlotte Independence 1-0, and Richmond Kickers 2-1. The squad’s lone loss came in a 0-1 match against Richmond Kickers, who the RailHawks avenged in the teams’ rematch on March 16th.

The RailHawks are no strangers to competition from Mexico’s top teams. The club has participated in numerous topnotch international matches against Mexican teams in the past, including home matches against Pumas UNAM in 2013 and Puebla FC in 2014. The RailHawks will continue their strong relationship with Mexican squads in Saturday’s match versus Toluca.

Toluca FC has established itself as one of the most successful Mexican clubs in Mexico’s top league, Liga MX. The 10-time champions have won two CONCACAF Champions Cups and finished second in the league last season and currently holds a Liga MX record of 2-5-4. They earned a record of 2-1-0 in its group stage of the 2016 Copa Libertadores tournament, earning the squad the top spot in the group. The “Red Devils” return to the Copa Libertadores pitch on Tuesday, April 5th against LDU Quito.

Toluca F.C. squad vs. Carolina RailHawks

NUMBER	NAME	POSITION	COUNTRY
3	Aaron Galindo	D	Mexico
5	Christian Pérez	D	Mexico
6	Oscar Rojas	D	Mexico
7	Moisés Velasco	M	Mexico
8	Roberto Saucedo	F	Mexico
10	Lucas Lobos	M	Mexico
11	Carlos Esquivel	F	Mexico
12	Miguel A. Centeno	GK	Mexico
15	Antonio Ríos	M	Mexico
16	Carlos Rodríguez	D	Mexico
19	Edy Bambrila	M	Mexico
21	Enrique Triverio	F	Argentina
22	Liborio Sánchez	GK	Mexico
23	Omar Arellano	F	Mexico
25	Alejandro Navarro	D	Mexico
26	Erbin Trejo	M	Mexico
28	Marco Jaime	D	United States
33	Gerardo Flores	M	Mexico
291	Alexis Márquez	F	Mexico
298	Diego Aguilar	M	Mexico

The RailHawks-Toluca preseason match is fans’ best opportunity to see top-tier international soccer live, and the last opportunity to check out the RailHawks during the preseason. Come help the RailHawks prepare to surge into the 2016 NASL season and kickoff the franchise’s 10th anniversary celebrations before the first home regular-season match on Saturday, April 2nd against Minnesota United FC.

The 8th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match against Toluca F.C. will be included in the RailHawks Season Ticket Package. Season ticket holders who wish to purchase additional tickets for this match may do so today by calling 919-459-8144. “Toluca Two” Pack is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.

Individual game tickets for this match will go on sale on Monday, February 15th. Fans who purchase tickets to this match will be granted access to a Deportivo Toluca F.C. training session on Friday, March 25th at 11:30 a.m. For more information on Season Tickets and Flex Plans, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

The Carolina RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park this Saturday, March 26th at 12:00 p.m. for the 8th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match against Mexican squad Deportivo Toluca F.C. in a marquee international match. This world-class match will also be the first time the RailHawks appear on network TV, with the game set to show on FOX50.

Click here to find out how to watch Fox 50 in your area

The RailHawks are looking to carry their strong preseason momentum into Saturday’s match. The RailHawks have won an impressive four games this preseason, downing UNC-Wilmington 4-0, NC State University 3-0, Charlotte Independence 1-0, and Richmond Kickers 2-1. The squad’s lone loss came in a 0-1 match against Richmond Kickers, who the RailHawks avenged in the teams’ rematch on March 16th.

The RailHawks are no strangers to competition from Mexico’s top teams. The club has participated in numerous topnotch international matches against Mexican teams in the past, including home matches against Pumas UNAM in 2013 and Puebla FC in 2014. The RailHawks will continue their strong relationship with Mexican squads in Saturday’s match versus Toluca.

Toluca FC has established itself as one of the most successful Mexican clubs in Mexico’s top league, Liga MX. The 10-time champions have won two CONCACAF Champions Cups and finished second in the league last season and currently holds a Liga MX record of 2-5-4. They earned a record of 2-1-0 in its group stage of the 2016 Copa Libertadores tournament, earning the squad the top spot in the group. The “Red Devils” return to the Copa Libertadores pitch on Tuesday, April 5th against LDU Quito.

Toluca F.C. squad vs. Carolina RailHawks

NUMBER	NAME	POSITION	COUNTRY
3	Aaron Galindo	D	Mexico
5	Christian Pérez	D	Mexico
6	Oscar Rojas	D	Mexico
7	Moisés Velasco	M	Mexico
8	Roberto Saucedo	F	Mexico
10	Lucas Lobos	M	Mexico
11	Carlos Esquivel	F	Mexico
12	Miguel A. Centeno	GK	Mexico
15	Antonio Ríos	M	Mexico
16	Carlos Rodríguez	D	Mexico
19	Edy Bambrila	M	Mexico
21	Enrique Triverio	F	Argentina
22	Liborio Sánchez	GK	Mexico
23	Omar Arellano	F	Mexico
25	Alejandro Navarro	D	Mexico
26	Erbin Trejo	M	Mexico
28	Marco Jaime	D	United States
33	Gerardo Flores	M	Mexico
291	Alexis Márquez	F	Mexico
298	Diego Aguilar	M	Mexico

The RailHawks-Toluca preseason match is fans’ best opportunity to see top-tier international soccer live, and the last opportunity to check out the RailHawks during the preseason. Come help the RailHawks prepare to surge into the 2016 NASL season and kickoff the franchise’s 10th anniversary celebrations before the first home regular-season match on Saturday, April 2nd against Minnesota United FC.

The 8th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match against Toluca F.C. will be included in the RailHawks Season Ticket Package. Season ticket holders who wish to purchase additional tickets for this match may do so today by calling 919-459-8144. “Toluca Two” Pack is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.

Individual game tickets for this match will go on sale on Monday, February 15th. Fans who purchase tickets to this match will be granted access to a Deportivo Toluca F.C. training session on Friday, March 25th at 11:30 a.m. For more information on Season Tickets and Flex Plans, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

The Carolina RailHawks announced a new multi-year regional television agreement with Time Warner Cable SportsChannel today. This partnership, coupled with the previously announced Capitol Broadcasting Company agreement, provides the Carolina RailHawks the broadest platform of visibility in the club’s history.

With the greatest broadcast reach in RailHawks history, TWC SportsChannel viewers in North and South Carolina will have the opportunity to watch all 32 RailHawks home and away regular season matches LIVE in HD. The RailHawks will be making their Time Warner Cable SportsChannel debut on Saturday, April 2nd at 3:00 p.m., when they host Minnesota United FC in their NASL Regular Season Opener. 

“We are laser focused on entrenching ourselves as the top professional soccer brand in the Carolinas and this historic programming agreement takes us one giant step closer to accomplishing this short term goal," said RailHawks President and General Manager, Curt Johnson. The RailHawks are proud to partner with Time Warner Cable SportsChannel as we all work to grow the game of soccer in North and South Carolina and to make it easier for fans of the RailHawks to follow our team during our 10th anniversary season.”

In addition to the RailHawks, TWC SportsChannel is the local cable partner of the Carolina Panthers and the Durham Bulls and is the home of high school sports in the Carolinas. TWC SportsChannel can be seen on Time Warner Cable channel 323. Click HERE for a map of the coverage area of TWC SportsChannel in the Carolinas.  

The programming agreement also sees the return of Dean Linke and Sam Stockley to the RailHawks broadcast booth, with Linke on play-by-play and Stockley providing analysis. This will be Linke’s 10th season with the team. Linke provides fans with some of the best commentary in the NASL, with prior experience calling professional and college soccer games for ESPN, the Big Ten Network, Comcast, Fox Soccer and the ACC Digital Network. Joining them will be longtime RailHawks producer Kyle Lang.

The RailHawks will take on 10-time Liga MX Champions, Toluca F.C. on Saturday, March 26th at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kick-off for the match against Toluca is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Tickets to the RailHawks regular-season Home Opener on April 2nd and the RailHawks match versus Toluca are on-sale now on CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Keep up with all RailHawks news by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Carolina RailHawks announced a new multi-year regional television agreement with Time Warner Cable SportsChannel today. This partnership, coupled with the previously announced Capitol Broadcasting Company agreement, provides the Carolina RailHawks the broadest platform of visibility in the club’s history.

With the greatest broadcast reach in RailHawks history, TWC SportsChannel viewers in North and South Carolina will have the opportunity to watch all 32 RailHawks home and away regular season matches LIVE in HD. The RailHawks will be making their Time Warner Cable SportsChannel debut on Saturday, April 2nd at 3:00 p.m., when they host Minnesota United FC in their NASL Regular Season Opener. 

“We are laser focused on entrenching ourselves as the top professional soccer brand in the Carolinas and this historic programming agreement takes us one giant step closer to accomplishing this short term goal,” said RailHawks President and General Manager, Curt Johnson. The RailHawks are proud to partner with Time Warner Cable SportsChannel as we all work to grow the game of soccer in North and South Carolina and to make it easier for fans of the RailHawks to follow our team during our 10th anniversary season.”

In addition to the RailHawks, TWC SportsChannel is the local cable partner of the Carolina Panthers and the Durham Bulls and is the home of high school sports in the Carolinas. TWC SportsChannel can be seen on Time Warner Cable channel 323. Click HERE for a map of the coverage area of TWC SportsChannel in the Carolinas.  

The programming agreement also sees the return of Dean Linke and Sam Stockley to the RailHawks broadcast booth, with Linke on play-by-play and Stockley providing analysis. This will be Linke’s 10th season with the team. Linke provides fans with some of the best commentary in the NASL, with prior experience calling professional and college soccer games for ESPN, the Big Ten Network, Comcast, Fox Soccer and the ACC Digital Network. Joining them will be longtime RailHawks producer Kyle Lang.

The RailHawks will take on 10-time Liga MX Champions, Toluca F.C. on Saturday, March 26th at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kick-off for the match against Toluca is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Tickets to the RailHawks regular-season Home Opener on April 2nd and the RailHawks match versus Toluca are on-sale now on CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Keep up with all RailHawks news by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Imagine a RailHawks game with no parking fee, VIP entry into the stadium, and a free Kupono Captain’s Ale. Well, it’s finally happening. A RailHawks Fan Bus will be traveling through Downtown Raleigh and Cary to snag fans at various bars and restaurants before each home game and provide a return trip post-game.

The free-of-charge bus provides limo-style seating, music, and VIP treatment making the gameday experience more enjoyable to fans – and most importantly, it promotes safe driving. The bus, in collaboration with Oak City Shuttle, will launch on Saturday, April 2nd prior to the season-opener against Minnesota United FC.

The following are the key points you need to know to enjoy the RailHawks Fan Bus:

• RailHawks Fan Bus will pick up & drop off fans for free at participating bars and restaurants
• See map below for locations and times, or click here for more information
• Free Lonerider Kupono Captain’s Ale, soda or water  
• VIP experience: no parking fee and priority lane entering and exiting the stadium
• Avoid drinking and driving
• Fans must enter participating bar or restaurant to claim free bus ticket from attendant

The “Toluca Two” Pack, which includes one ticket for the Toluca match on Saturday, March 26th and one ticket for the RailHawks regular-season home opener on Saturday, April 2nd is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.  For even greater packaged savings the “Toluca Tri” Pack is also available and includes a ticket to the Toluca match and any two RailHawks regular season home games of choice.  The “Toluca Tri” pack can be ordered by calling 919-459-8144.  "Toluca Two" packs start as low as $28 and the “Toluca Tri” packs begin at $38.

Carolina RailHawks regular season individual game tickets are now available.  For more information, visit CarolinaRailHawks.com or call today to speak with a ticket representative.

Imagine a RailHawks game with no parking fee, VIP entry into the stadium, and a free Kupono Captain’s Ale. Well, it’s finally happening. A RailHawks Fan Bus will be traveling through Downtown Raleigh and Cary to snag fans at various bars and restaurants before each home game and provide a return trip post-game.

The free-of-charge bus provides limo-style seating, music, and VIP treatment making the gameday experience more enjoyable to fans – and most importantly, it promotes safe driving. The bus, in collaboration with Oak City Shuttle, will launch on Saturday, April 2nd prior to the season-opener against Minnesota United FC.

The following are the key points you need to know to enjoy the RailHawks Fan Bus:

• RailHawks Fan Bus will pick up & drop off fans for free at participating bars and restaurants
• See map below for locations and times, or click here for more information
• Free Lonerider Kupono Captain’s Ale, soda or water  
• VIP experience: no parking fee and priority lane entering and exiting the stadium
• Avoid drinking and driving
• Fans must enter participating bar or restaurant to claim free bus ticket from attendant

The “Toluca Two” Pack, which includes one ticket for the Toluca match on Saturday, March 26th and one ticket for the RailHawks regular-season home opener on Saturday, April 2nd is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.  For even greater packaged savings the “Toluca Tri” Pack is also available and includes a ticket to the Toluca match and any two RailHawks regular season home games of choice.  The “Toluca Tri” pack can be ordered by calling 919-459-8144.  “Toluca Two” packs start as low as $28 and the “Toluca Tri” packs begin at $38.

Carolina RailHawks regular season individual game tickets are now available.  For more information, visit CarolinaRailHawks.com or call today to speak with a ticket representative.

The Carolina RailHawks have added to their roster with the signing of Capital Area RailHawks Academy U-18 team captain, Jeremy Kelly, to an amateur contract. Kelly will be available for selection for the 2016 Spring Season.

“Jeremy is a player from our academy that we have been following for some time.  One of our main goals as an organization is to grow and develop young talent and Jeremy is a product of this youth organization system and we are thrilled he has accepted this opportunity,” said RailHawks Head Coach, Colin Clarke. Still at a young age, Jeremy will now have the opportunity to train and play with our senior squad.”

The Chapel Hill, N.C. resident is a product of the Capital Area RailHawks U-18 Academy Team and plays as a midfielder.

Kelly began his soccer career in France, where he lived until he was 11. Upon coming to the United States, Kelly joined the Triangle United Soccer Association, where he played until the start of the 2012-2013 season.

Kelly later joined the RailHawks Academy as a member of the U-15/16 team and was also a member of the 2014-2015 USSDA Southeastern Conference champion team. Kelly started all 20 games of the 2015-2016 season with the U-18 team and scored four goals.

The Capital Area RailHawks Academy is a collaboration between the Capital Area Soccer League and the RailHawks for U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams in the U-13/14, U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups and is designed to attract the highest caliber players and coaches possible, regardless of their previous club affiliations. 

Academy players are eligible to train and play with professional soccer players prior to their enrollment in college and keep their NCAA eligibility. Kelly has committed to join his hometown university UNC-Chapel Hill Men’s Soccer program next fall. With the inclusion of Kelly, both Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News have ranked Carolina’s signing class as No. 1 in the country.

The RailHawks roster is now comprised of 20 players: two goalkeepers (Akira Fitzgerald and Brian Sylvestre), seven defenders (Drew Beckie, Paul Black, Kupono Low, Simon Mensing, Steven Miller, Kareem Moses and Connor Tobin), eight midfielders (Nazmi Albadawi, Marvin Ceballos, Austin da Luz, James Marcelin, Alex Pérez, Tiyi Shipalane, Matt Watson, and Jeremy Kelly) and three forwards (Aly Alberto Hassan, Billy Schuler and Brian Shriver).

The “Toluca Two” Pack, which includes one ticket for the Toluca match on Saturday, March 26th and one ticket for the RailHawks regular-season home opener on Saturday, April 2nd is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.  For even greater packaged savings the “Toluca Tri” Pack is also available and includes a ticket to the Toluca match and any two RailHawks regular season home games of choice.  The “Toluca Tri” pack can be ordered by calling 919-459-8144.  "Toluca Two" packs start as low as $28 and the “Toluca Tri” packs begin at $38.

Carolina RailHawks regular season individual game tickets are now available.  For more information, visit CarolinaRailHawks.com or call today to speak with a ticket representative.

The Carolina RailHawks have added to their roster with the signing of Capital Area RailHawks Academy U-18 team captain, Jeremy Kelly, to an amateur contract. Kelly will be available for selection for the 2016 Spring Season.

“Jeremy is a player from our academy that we have been following for some time.  One of our main goals as an organization is to grow and develop young talent and Jeremy is a product of this youth organization system and we are thrilled he has accepted this opportunity,” said RailHawks Head Coach, Colin Clarke. Still at a young age, Jeremy will now have the opportunity to train and play with our senior squad.”

The Chapel Hill, N.C. resident is a product of the Capital Area RailHawks U-18 Academy Team and plays as a midfielder.

Kelly began his soccer career in France, where he lived until he was 11. Upon coming to the United States, Kelly joined the Triangle United Soccer Association, where he played until the start of the 2012-2013 season.

Kelly later joined the RailHawks Academy as a member of the U-15/16 team and was also a member of the 2014-2015 USSDA Southeastern Conference champion team. Kelly started all 20 games of the 2015-2016 season with the U-18 team and scored four goals.

The Capital Area RailHawks Academy is a collaboration between the Capital Area Soccer League and the RailHawks for U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams in the U-13/14, U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups and is designed to attract the highest caliber players and coaches possible, regardless of their previous club affiliations. 

Academy players are eligible to train and play with professional soccer players prior to their enrollment in college and keep their NCAA eligibility. Kelly has committed to join his hometown university UNC-Chapel Hill Men’s Soccer program next fall. With the inclusion of Kelly, both Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News have ranked Carolina’s signing class as No. 1 in the country.

The RailHawks roster is now comprised of 20 players: two goalkeepers (Akira Fitzgerald and Brian Sylvestre), seven defenders (Drew Beckie, Paul Black, Kupono Low, Simon Mensing, Steven Miller, Kareem Moses and Connor Tobin), eight midfielders (Nazmi Albadawi, Marvin Ceballos, Austin da Luz, James Marcelin, Alex Pérez, Tiyi Shipalane, Matt Watson, and Jeremy Kelly) and three forwards (Aly Alberto Hassan, Billy Schuler and Brian Shriver).

The “Toluca Two” Pack, which includes one ticket for the Toluca match on Saturday, March 26th and one ticket for the RailHawks regular-season home opener on Saturday, April 2nd is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.  For even greater packaged savings the “Toluca Tri” Pack is also available and includes a ticket to the Toluca match and any two RailHawks regular season home games of choice.  The “Toluca Tri” pack can be ordered by calling 919-459-8144.  “Toluca Two” packs start as low as $28 and the “Toluca Tri” packs begin at $38.

Carolina RailHawks regular season individual game tickets are now available.  For more information, visit CarolinaRailHawks.com or call today to speak with a ticket representative.

The Carolina RailHawks will host the 8th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match on Saturday, March 26th, against Mexican first division Liga MX team, Deportivo Toluca F.C. The Community Shield Match is presented by Bud Light and is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 pm ET.

Carolina RailHawks season ticket holders will have the match against Toluca included in their season ticket package.  Season tickets afford the opportunity to secure the best available seats for the match at the best prices.  Current RailHawks season ticket holders can also purchase additional individual tickets at this time.  Season ticket holders can call 919-459-8144 to take advantage of this offer.

The “Toluca Two” Pack, which includes one ticket for the Toluca match and one ticket for the RailHawks regular-season home opener on Saturday, April 2nd is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.  For even greater packaged savings, the “Toluca Tri” Pack is also available and includes a ticket to the Toluca match and any two RailHawks regular season home games of choice.  The “Toluca Tri” pack can be ordered by calling 919-459-8144.

“We are thrilled to be hosting yet another marquee event for the organization,” said RailHawks President and General Manager, Curt Johnson. “Toluca F.C. is one of the most decorated professional soccer teams in Mexico. We anticipate high ticket demand for this match and suggest fans get their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this unique game.”

Toluca F.C., a 10-time champion of Mexico, currently plays in Mexico’s top flight, Liga MX, and has enjoyed international success, capturing two CONCACAF Champions Cups and reaching the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League final. Toluca also finished 2nd in the league this past season.   

Toluca F.C. boasts a strong roster for the 2016 Clausura season, led by current Head Coach and former Paraguayan National Team striker, José Saturnino Cardozo, who played for 10 years for Toluca and still holds the club's all-time top goal scorer record with 249 goals in 332 appearances.

Toluca’s roster includes 2008’s Mexican First Division best player, Paulo da Silva, CONCACAF Gold Cup winner and 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League Golden Glove, Alfredo Talavera, Gerardo Rodríguez (14 caps for Mexico and over 185 Liga MX appearances), Carlos Esquivel (19 caps for Mexico and over 300 appearances for Toluca), Darío Bottinelli (over 220 appearances in Brazilian, Chilean, and Mexican First Division League teams), Christian Cueva (23 caps for Peru), and Omar Arellano (over 200 Liga MX appearances and 2007 Champions Cup Winner).  

The match against Toluca will conclude the 2016 preseason series of exhibition matches for the RailHawks, who will open the 2016 NASL season at home, when they host Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 2nd at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Ticketing
Toluca Individual Game Pricing: Individual tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, February 15th.  
 

Seating Category	Field Seating	VIP	Terrace	Club	Premium	Supporters	Spectator
ADVANCED	$98	$60	$60	$45	$30	$22	$20
DAY OF	$100	$62	$62	$47	$32	$24	$22

  
The “Toluca Two” Pack, which includes one ticket for the Toluca match and one ticket for the RailHawks regular-season home opener on Saturday, April 2nd is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.

Seating Category	Price
Spectator	$28
Premium	$44
Club	$58
VIP/Terrace	$76
Field Seating	$135

  
The “Toluca Tri” Pack is also available and includes a ticket to the Toluca match and any two RailHawks regular season home games of choice.  The “Toluca Tri” pack can be ordered by calling 919-459-8144.

Seating Category	Price
Spectator	$38
Premium	$58
Club	$78
VIP/Terrace	$99
Field Seating	$199

 
The 8th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match against Toluca F.C. will be included in the RailHawks Season Ticket Package. Season ticket holders who wish to purchase additional tickets for this match may do so today by calling 919-459-8144. “Toluca Two” Pack is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.  

Individual game tickets for this match will go on sale on Monday, February 15th. Fans who purchase tickets to this match will be granted access to a Deportivo Toluca F.C. training session on Friday, March 25th at 11:30 a.m. For more information on Season Tickets and Flex Plans, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

The Carolina RailHawks will host the 8th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match on Saturday, March 26th, against Mexican first division Liga MX team, Deportivo Toluca F.C. The Community Shield Match is presented by Bud Light and is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 pm ET.

Carolina RailHawks season ticket holders will have the match against Toluca included in their season ticket package.  Season tickets afford the opportunity to secure the best available seats for the match at the best prices.  Current RailHawks season ticket holders can also purchase additional individual tickets at this time.  Season ticket holders can call 919-459-8144 to take advantage of this offer.

The “Toluca Two” Pack, which includes one ticket for the Toluca match and one ticket for the RailHawks regular-season home opener on Saturday, April 2nd is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.  For even greater packaged savings, the “Toluca Tri” Pack is also available and includes a ticket to the Toluca match and any two RailHawks regular season home games of choice.  The “Toluca Tri” pack can be ordered by calling 919-459-8144.

“We are thrilled to be hosting yet another marquee event for the organization,” said RailHawks President and General Manager, Curt Johnson. “Toluca F.C. is one of the most decorated professional soccer teams in Mexico. We anticipate high ticket demand for this match and suggest fans get their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this unique game.”

Toluca F.C., a 10-time champion of Mexico, currently plays in Mexico’s top flight, Liga MX, and has enjoyed international success, capturing two CONCACAF Champions Cups and reaching the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League final. Toluca also finished 2nd in the league this past season.   

Toluca F.C. boasts a strong roster for the 2016 Clausura season, led by current Head Coach and former Paraguayan National Team striker, José Saturnino Cardozo, who played for 10 years for Toluca and still holds the club’s all-time top goal scorer record with 249 goals in 332 appearances.

Toluca’s roster includes 2008’s Mexican First Division best player, Paulo da Silva, CONCACAF Gold Cup winner and 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League Golden Glove, Alfredo Talavera, Gerardo Rodríguez (14 caps for Mexico and over 185 Liga MX appearances), Carlos Esquivel (19 caps for Mexico and over 300 appearances for Toluca), Darío Bottinelli (over 220 appearances in Brazilian, Chilean, and Mexican First Division League teams), Christian Cueva (23 caps for Peru), and Omar Arellano (over 200 Liga MX appearances and 2007 Champions Cup Winner).  

The match against Toluca will conclude the 2016 preseason series of exhibition matches for the RailHawks, who will open the 2016 NASL season at home, when they host Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 2nd at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Ticketing
Toluca Individual Game Pricing: Individual tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, February 15th.  
 

Seating Category	Field Seating	VIP	Terrace	Club	Premium	Supporters	Spectator
ADVANCED	$98	$60	$60	$45	$30	$22	$20
DAY OF	$100	$62	$62	$47	$32	$24	$22

  
The “Toluca Two” Pack, which includes one ticket for the Toluca match and one ticket for the RailHawks regular-season home opener on Saturday, April 2nd is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.

Seating Category	Price
Spectator	$28
Premium	$44
Club	$58
VIP/Terrace	$76
Field Seating	$135

  
The “Toluca Tri” Pack is also available and includes a ticket to the Toluca match and any two RailHawks regular season home games of choice.  The “Toluca Tri” pack can be ordered by calling 919-459-8144.

Seating Category	Price
Spectator	$38
Premium	$58
Club	$78
VIP/Terrace	$99
Field Seating	$199

 
The 8th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match against Toluca F.C. will be included in the RailHawks Season Ticket Package. Season ticket holders who wish to purchase additional tickets for this match may do so today by calling 919-459-8144. “Toluca Two” Pack is now available by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or ONLINE HERE.  

Individual game tickets for this match will go on sale on Monday, February 15th. Fans who purchase tickets to this match will be granted access to a Deportivo Toluca F.C. training session on Friday, March 25th at 11:30 a.m. For more information on Season Tickets and Flex Plans, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

For the first time in their 10-year history, the Carolina RailHawks in partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company will broadcast all 2016 RailHawks home and away games live via CBC’s platforms. A minimum of two games will be available on network television through CBC’s broadcast companies, WRAL (NBC) or FOX 50 (FOX). See Follow the RailHawks Broadcast Quick Facts below for detailed information on television, radio, online, and app based broadcast information. 

The RailHawks will make their network television debut on Fox 50 Saturday, March 26th at 12:00 pm when they host 10-time Mexican Champion Toluca F.C., and will return to Fox 50 April 2nd at 3:00 pm, when they open the NASL regular season against Minnesota United FC. Click here to find out how to watch Fox 50 in your area.

All additional RailHawks matches will be televised live on WRAL2 and streamed online (audio & video) through CBC’s virtual platforms, on WRAL.com and WRALSportsFan.com.

“This is an important moment as we work to grow our fan base regionally. Our expanded partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company is another significant step in that direction,” said RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “Our overall audience and viewership will grow significantly in 2016 because of this tremendous collaboration with CBC and our new owner Steve Malik’s vision of building a professional organization of the highest level.”

“For nearly a decade, the RailHawks organization has been providing quality, affordable entertainment for the entire area.  With the support of their new ownership, the franchise will help the local soccer community grow even stronger and raise the visibility of the Triangle nationally,” said WRAL-TV and FOX 50 Vice President and General Manager, Steven D. Hammel. “CBC is proud to do its part by ensuring that all of their hard work can be enjoyed throughout the region.”

WRAL2 is available to viewers over the air on channel 5.2 and on Time Warner Cable digital channel 1255 (a full listing of all outlets is below in Quick Facts). 

In addition, all 32 regular season RailHawks home and away matches will be live on the radio at 1550 The Ticket, and 99.9HD-3 The Ticket.  The stream of The Ticket is also available on WRALSportsFan.com and through their mobile app.

Special games, including marquee U.S. Open Cup home games and additional exhibition games will also likely be available on the aforementioned Capital Broadcasting Company outlets.

Dean Linke, Voice of the RailHawks, will return for his 10th season and will partner with RailHawks Technical Staff Coach and current RailHawks Elite Technique Director, Sam Stockley.  Linke brings 20 years of broadcast experience to the RailHawks, having called professional and college soccer games for Fox Soccer, ESPN, the Big Ten Network, Comcast, the ACC Digital Network and Time Warner Cable, while Stockley will call upon more than 17 years of professional playing experience and give expert analysis. Linke and Stockley will be joined by longtime RailHawks producer Kyle Lang to provide RailHawks fans with one of the best broadcasts in the NASL.

“Dean has been an integral part of this organization since year one. I am thrilled that our broadcast package is bigger and better than ever and that Dean will be calling all of the action,” said Johnson. “Dean is truly the ‘voice of the RailHawks’ and we look forward to celebrating many of his most famous calls during our 10th anniversary season.”

Follow the RailHawks Quick Facts:

• Watch the RailHawks’ international exhibition match against Toluca F.C. on Saturday, March 26th at 12:00 pm on Fox 50.
• Watch the RailHawks’ regular season home opener against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 2nd at 3:00 pm on Fox 50.
• Watch all remaining 31 regular season Carolina RailHawks home and away games on TV at WRAL2 (see full channel listing below)
• Listen to the Carolina RailHawks games on the radio at 1550 The Ticket, 99.9HD-3 The Ticket or at WRALSportsFan.com by downloading their mobile app.
• Stream audio and video for all 32 regular season Carolina RailHawks home and away matches online at WRAL.com and WRALSportsFan.com
• Download the iPhone WRALSportsFan.com mobile app here
• Download the Android WRALSportsFan.com mobile app here

WRAL2 is available on the following channels:

• Over the Air – 5.2
• Time Warner Digital – 1255
• Suddenlink – 144
• Charter – 80
• Greenlight – 406
• Star TV – 6
• CenturyLink – 6

FOX 50 is available on the following channels:

• Over the Air – 50.1
• Time Warner Digital – 13/1206
• Dish Network – 50
• DirecTV – 50
• AT&T U-verse – 50/1050
• Suddenlink – 2/102
• Charter – 13/713
• Greenlight – 10/401
• CenturyLink – 50/1050

Keep up with all RailHawks news by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

For the first time in their 10-year history, the Carolina RailHawks in partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company will broadcast all 2016 RailHawks home and away games live via CBC’s platforms. A minimum of two games will be available on network television through CBC’s broadcast companies, WRAL (NBC) or FOX 50 (FOX). See Follow the RailHawks Broadcast Quick Facts below for detailed information on television, radio, online, and app based broadcast information. 

The RailHawks will make their network television debut on Fox 50 Saturday, March 26th at 12:00 pm when they host 10-time Mexican Champion Toluca F.C., and will return to Fox 50 April 2nd at 3:00 pm, when they open the NASL regular season against Minnesota United FC. Click here to find out how to watch Fox 50 in your area.

All additional RailHawks matches will be televised live on WRAL2 and streamed online (audio & video) through CBC’s virtual platforms, on WRAL.com and WRALSportsFan.com.

“This is an important moment as we work to grow our fan base regionally. Our expanded partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company is another significant step in that direction,” said RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “Our overall audience and viewership will grow significantly in 2016 because of this tremendous collaboration with CBC and our new owner Steve Malik’s vision of building a professional organization of the highest level.”

“For nearly a decade, the RailHawks organization has been providing quality, affordable entertainment for the entire area.  With the support of their new ownership, the franchise will help the local soccer community grow even stronger and raise the visibility of the Triangle nationally,” said WRAL-TV and FOX 50 Vice President and General Manager, Steven D. Hammel. “CBC is proud to do its part by ensuring that all of their hard work can be enjoyed throughout the region.”

WRAL2 is available to viewers over the air on channel 5.2 and on Time Warner Cable digital channel 1255 (a full listing of all outlets is below in Quick Facts). 

In addition, all 32 regular season RailHawks home and away matches will be live on the radio at 1550 The Ticket, and 99.9HD-3 The Ticket.  The stream of The Ticket is also available on WRALSportsFan.com and through their mobile app.

Special games, including marquee U.S. Open Cup home games and additional exhibition games will also likely be available on the aforementioned Capital Broadcasting Company outlets.

Dean Linke, Voice of the RailHawks, will return for his 10th season and will partner with RailHawks Technical Staff Coach and current RailHawks Elite Technique Director, Sam Stockley.  Linke brings 20 years of broadcast experience to the RailHawks, having called professional and college soccer games for Fox Soccer, ESPN, the Big Ten Network, Comcast, the ACC Digital Network and Time Warner Cable, while Stockley will call upon more than 17 years of professional playing experience and give expert analysis. Linke and Stockley will be joined by longtime RailHawks producer Kyle Lang to provide RailHawks fans with one of the best broadcasts in the NASL.

“Dean has been an integral part of this organization since year one. I am thrilled that our broadcast package is bigger and better than ever and that Dean will be calling all of the action,” said Johnson. “Dean is truly the ‘voice of the RailHawks’ and we look forward to celebrating many of his most famous calls during our 10th anniversary season.”

Follow the RailHawks Quick Facts:

• Watch the RailHawks’ international exhibition match against Toluca F.C. on Saturday, March 26th at 12:00 pm on Fox 50.
• Watch the RailHawks’ regular season home opener against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 2nd at 3:00 pm on Fox 50.
• Watch all remaining 31 regular season Carolina RailHawks home and away games on TV at WRAL2 (see full channel listing below)
• Listen to the Carolina RailHawks games on the radio at 1550 The Ticket, 99.9HD-3 The Ticket or at WRALSportsFan.com by downloading their mobile app.
• Stream audio and video for all 32 regular season Carolina RailHawks home and away matches online at WRAL.com and WRALSportsFan.com
• Download the iPhone WRALSportsFan.com mobile app here
• Download the Android WRALSportsFan.com mobile app here

WRAL2 is available on the following channels:

• Over the Air – 5.2
• Time Warner Digital – 1255
• Suddenlink – 144
• Charter – 80
• Greenlight – 406
• Star TV – 6
• CenturyLink – 6

FOX 50 is available on the following channels:

• Over the Air – 50.1
• Time Warner Digital – 13/1206
• Dish Network – 50
• DirecTV – 50
• AT&T U-verse – 50/1050
• Suddenlink – 2/102
• Charter – 13/713
• Greenlight – 10/401
• CenturyLink – 50/1050

Keep up with all RailHawks news by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

o all Carolina RailHawk supporters:

First and foremost, I am delighted to have re-signed with the Carolina RailHawks. I am excited to remain in the Triangle area and play a role in helping to grow the game here. I owe a big thank you to Steve Malik, Curt Johnson, and Colin Clarke for the loyalty they have shown me. They have shown a ton of faith in me, which for me, made the decision to remain at the club an easy one.

I feel like there is nothing but exciting times ahead for the club. The new season is quickly approaching, and I could not be more upbeat. On every front the club is moving forward. Every player that the club has signed not only has ability but has strong character as well. The front office has expanded and is doubling down on their efforts in the community. The fans, lead by the Triangle Soccer Fanatics and Oak City Supporters, have a buzz about them going into the new year. I am just lucky to be involved.

The Triangle area deserves a NASL championship. We all (players, coaches, front office, supporters, and the greater Triangle community) have a role to play in rallying behind our new owner Steve Malik and making this a reality in 2016.

Cheers

Connor Tobin

o all Carolina RailHawk supporters:

First and foremost, I am delighted to have re-signed with the Carolina RailHawks. I am excited to remain in the Triangle area and play a role in helping to grow the game here. I owe a big thank you to Steve Malik, Curt Johnson, and Colin Clarke for the loyalty they have shown me. They have shown a ton of faith in me, which for me, made the decision to remain at the club an easy one.

I feel like there is nothing but exciting times ahead for the club. The new season is quickly approaching, and I could not be more upbeat. On every front the club is moving forward. Every player that the club has signed not only has ability but has strong character as well. The front office has expanded and is doubling down on their efforts in the community. The fans, lead by the Triangle Soccer Fanatics and Oak City Supporters, have a buzz about them going into the new year. I am just lucky to be involved.

The Triangle area deserves a NASL championship. We all (players, coaches, front office, supporters, and the greater Triangle community) have a role to play in rallying behind our new owner Steve Malik and making this a reality in 2016.

Cheers

Connor Tobin

The Carolina RailHawks have announced the re-signing of established leader Connor Tobin ahead of the 2016 season. Tobin, one of the strongest defenders in the NASL, will return to the RailHawks for his third year with the franchise as the team celebrates its tenth anniversary.

“We are thrilled to have Connor back in Cary,” said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. “He was not only our captain and leader last year, but also our defender of the year and one of the most consistent players in the league, so we knew we had to have him return this season.”

Tobin signed with the RailHawks in 2014 and immediately bolstered the team’s back line thanks to his prior two years of NASL experience and five years of professional soccer experience.

Tobin earned the RailHawks’ captain’s armband in 2015 and played 2,542 minutes in 29 matches, ending the season with more matches started, matches played, and minutes played than any of his current teammates. The assertive defender also scored two goals in 2015 and his passionate play and commitment to building a strong relationship with supporters quickly made him a fan favorite.

Tobin has become a face of the RailHawks defensive line thanks to his commanding presence and his confident and reliable play. Tobin and the RailHawks will open the 2016 season at home against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 2nd.

RailHawks 2016 Ticket Packages are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or e-mailing Tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com. For more information on Season Tickets and Flex Plans, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Keep up with all RailHawks news by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

The Carolina RailHawks have announced the re-signing of established leader Connor Tobin ahead of the 2016 season. Tobin, one of the strongest defenders in the NASL, will return to the RailHawks for his third year with the franchise as the team celebrates its tenth anniversary.

“We are thrilled to have Connor back in Cary,” said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. “He was not only our captain and leader last year, but also our defender of the year and one of the most consistent players in the league, so we knew we had to have him return this season.”

Tobin signed with the RailHawks in 2014 and immediately bolstered the team’s back line thanks to his prior two years of NASL experience and five years of professional soccer experience.

Tobin earned the RailHawks’ captain’s armband in 2015 and played 2,542 minutes in 29 matches, ending the season with more matches started, matches played, and minutes played than any of his current teammates. The assertive defender also scored two goals in 2015 and his passionate play and commitment to building a strong relationship with supporters quickly made him a fan favorite.

Tobin has become a face of the RailHawks defensive line thanks to his commanding presence and his confident and reliable play. Tobin and the RailHawks will open the 2016 season at home against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 2nd.

RailHawks 2016 Ticket Packages are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or e-mailing Tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com. For more information on Season Tickets and Flex Plans, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Keep up with all RailHawks news by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

Entering its 103rd year of competition, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is set to kick off the 2016 tournament on May 11 and will feature a tiered-bracket and single-game knockout format, with a record number of teams participating.

As in 2015, teams will be paired geographically from the First Round through the Fourth Round. After the Fourth Round, a geographically-based random draw will take place to determine the Round of 16 matchups and set a fixed bracket to the Final, scheduled for Sept. 21.

This year's U.S. Open Cup features 92 teams, a record in the tournament's modern era (1995 to present). Berths for teams from the Open Division, which includes clubs from all leagues other than Division I, II, and III outdoor professional leagues, have expanded from the 36 announced last September to a modern era-record 48 as a result of the number of First Round places available after slotting Division I, II, and III teams into later rounds.

The Third Qualifying Round, which was set to take place April 2-3, is now eliminated due to the expansion of berths for Open Division sides. Teams from local qualifying have been awarded six new slots, allowing all 14 clubs still alive in this qualifying track to be placed directly into the First Round.

Additionally, four new berths have been awarded to the Premier Development League (PDL), a nationwide amateur league, giving it 19 total teams in the competition, while the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), another nationwide amateur league, has been awarded two additional slots to reach 15 participating teams.

Open Division teams will enter in the First Round, Division III (United Soccer League) sides will start in the Second Round, Division II (North American Soccer League) clubs will see their first action in the Third Round and Division I (Major League Soccer) teams will take the field starting in the Fourth Round. Teams playing in their first Open Cup match will not be paired against another club from the same qualifying pool (an exception will be made in the Fourth Round when two MLS teams will meet in their first tournament game).

This year's winning team will receive $250,000, a berth in the 2017-18 CONCACAF Champions League and have its name engraved on the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy, one of the oldest nationally contested trophies in American team sports. The runner-up will earn $60,000, while the team that advances the furthest from each lower division will take home a $15,000 cash prize.

Sporting Kansas City is the defending U.S. Open Cup Champion, having won a second tournament title (following its triumph in 2012) after a penalty shootout road victory against the Philadelphia Union on Sept. 30, 2015 at PPL Park, in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recognized as U.S. Soccer's National Club Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 102 consecutive years dating from 1914. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.

Tournament Format, Schedule and Other Key Dates:

Initial Pairings Announcement – April 6

â—¦First Round games as well as Second Round possibilities announced.

First Round – May 11

â—¦Number of Games: 24

â—¦Participants: 48 Open Division teams (14 local qualifiers, 19 PDL sides and 15 NPSL clubs).

â—¦Description: Teams will be paired geographically with the restriction that teams from the same qualifying pool (e.g. local qualifiers, PDL, NPSL, etc.) cannot be paired to play each other.

Second Round – May 18

â—¦Number of Games: 21

â—¦Participants: Winners of 24 First Round games are joined by 18 USL clubs.

â—¦Description: At the time the First Round pairings are made, each USL team will be matched geographically to a specific First Round pairing and be scheduled to play its winner. The remaining First Round matchups not paired with a Division III side will be paired up geographically, with the winners playing each other to complete the round.

Third Round – June 1

â—¦Number of Games: 15

â—¦Participants: Winners of 21 Second Round games are joined by nine NASL sides.

â—¦Description: After each Second Round matchup has been determined, each NASL team will be paired geographically to a specific Second Round matchup and be scheduled to play its winner. The 12 remaining Second Round matchups not paired with a Division II side will be paired up geographically, with the winners playing each other to complete the round.

Fourth Round – June 15

â—¦Number of Games: 16

â—¦Participants: Winners from 15 Third Round games are joined by 17 MLS clubs.

â—¦Description: After each Third Round matchup has been determined, 15 of 17 MLS teams will be paired geographically to a specific Third Round matchup and be scheduled to play these winners, while two MLS teams will face each other to complete the bracket.

Round of 16 Draw – June 16

â—¦The Fourth Round winners will be divided geographically (regardless of league affiliation) into groups of four, with teams who are precluded from playing each other until the Final (see list elsewhere) placed in different groups. A random draw will determine the pairings within each group, resulting in a fixed bracket for the remainder of the tournament. Should a precluded pair of teams reach the Semifinal Round and be scheduled to face each other, the matches will be re-drawn after the quarterfinals to avoid this outcome.

Round of 16 – June 29

â—¦Number of Games: 8

â—¦Fourth Round winners face each other as determined by the Round of 16 Draw.

Quarterfinals – July 20

Semifinals – Aug. 10

Final – Sept. 21

Note: The day following each of the dates listed above is reserved as a make-up date in the event of a weather postponement. Additionally, any game from the Fourth Round until the Semifinals where one of the participants has a league game the following Friday will be moved up a day (exception to this is when the team's opponent is scheduled for a league game the preceding Sunday; in this case, the provisions in the Open Cup Handbook to resolve such an issue prevail). Finally, any game chosen by U.S. Soccer to be broadcast nationally is subject to being moved up a day.

2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Participating Teams

Division I, II and III Professional Teams Eligible to Participate (44 total):

Division I – Major League Soccer (17 teams, entering in the Fourth Round): Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew SC, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City

Division II – North American Soccer League (9 teams, entering in the Third Round): Carolina RailHawks, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Indy Eleven, Jacksonville Armada FC, Miami FC, Minnesota United, New York Cosmos, Rayo OKC, Tampa Bay Rowdies

Division III – United Soccer League (18 teams, entering in the Second Round): Arizona United, Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, Colorado Springs Switchbacks, FC Cincinnati, Harrisburg City Islanders, Louisville City FC, Oklahoma City Energy, Orange County Blues, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Rio Grande Valley FC, Rochester Rhinos, Sacramento Republic, Saint Louis FC, San Antonio, Tulsa Roughnecks, Wilmington Hammerheads

Open Division Teams (48 total, all entering in the First Round):

Local Qualifiers (14 places, listed alphabetically by state): California (5): La Maquina, LA Wolves FC, Outbreak FC, San Francisco City Football Club*, San Nicolas FC; Colorado (1): Harpo's FC*; Florida (1): Boca Raton Football Club; Louisiana (1): CD Motagua of New Orleans; Massachusetts (1): Southie FC; New York (2): Lansdowne Bhoys FC, New York Pancyprian Freedoms; Pennsylvania (1): West Chester United; Texas (1): NTX Rayados*; Virginia (1): Aromas Cafe FC

Premier Development League (19 places): Division Winners: Burlingame Dragons* (Calif.), Charlotte Eagles (N.C.), Des Moines Menace* (Iowa), FC Tucson* (Ariz.), GPS Portland Phoenix (Maine), Kitsap Pumas* (Wash.), Michigan Bucks*, Mississippi Brilla, New York Red Bulls U-23, The Villages SC* (Fla.); At-Large Berths previously awarded: Jersey Express* (N.J.), Long Island Rough Riders* (N.Y.), Reading United* (Pa.), Seacoast United Phantoms* (N.H.), Ventura County Fusion* (Calif.); At-Large Berths newly awarded: Albuquerque Sol FC (N.M.), Cincinnati Dutch Lions (Ohio), Portland Timbers U-23, Sounders FC U-23. The PDL is a nationwide league affiliated with the U.S. Adult Soccer Association and opted to use 2015 league results to determine its qualifiers for the 2016 Open Cup.

National Premier Soccer League (15 places): Qualified via 2015 NPSL playoffs: AFC Cleveland (Ohio), CD Aguiluchos USA (Calif.), Chattanooga FC* (Tenn.), Clarkstown SC Eagles (N.Y.), Indiana Fire, Myrtle Beach Mutiny (S.C.), Sacramento Gold (Calif.); At-Large Berths previously awarded: Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, FC Wichita (Kan.), Fredericksburg FC (Va.), Miami Fusion FC; At-Large Berths newly awarded: Chesterfield United FC (Va.), Corinthians FC of San Antonio (Texas), Detroit City FC*, Kraze United (Florida). New York Cosmos B and New York Athletic Club, previously awarded places in the 2016 competition, have withdrawn. The NPSL is a nationwide league affiliated with the U.S. Adult Soccer Association and opted to use 2015 league results to determine its qualifiers for the 2016 Open Cup.

* Participated in 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (The Villages SC played as Ocala Stampede)

Teams not eligible to play each other until the Final (result of ownership affiliation or level of control over another squad participating in the tournament):

â—¦Houston Dynamo (MLS), Rio Grande Valley FC (USL)

â—¦New York Red Bulls (MLS), New York Red Bulls U-23 (PDL)

â—¦Portland Timbers (MLS), Portland Timbers U-23 (PDL)

â—¦Seattle Sounders FC (MLS), Sounders FC U-23 (PDL)

In the instances listed above, the lower-division teams are allowed to participate per Section 202(d) of the Open Cup Policy (which limits an organization to fielding its top professional team when owning more than one pro side) because the teams either do not share an ownership affiliation (in the case of Houston and Rio Grande Valley FC) or are not professional teams (in the case of PDL squads).

Entering its 103rd year of competition, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is set to kick off the 2016 tournament on May 11 and will feature a tiered-bracket and single-game knockout format, with a record number of teams participating.

As in 2015, teams will be paired geographically from the First Round through the Fourth Round. After the Fourth Round, a geographically-based random draw will take place to determine the Round of 16 matchups and set a fixed bracket to the Final, scheduled for Sept. 21.

This year’s U.S. Open Cup features 92 teams, a record in the tournament’s modern era (1995 to present). Berths for teams from the Open Division, which includes clubs from all leagues other than Division I, II, and III outdoor professional leagues, have expanded from the 36 announced last September to a modern era-record 48 as a result of the number of First Round places available after slotting Division I, II, and III teams into later rounds.

The Third Qualifying Round, which was set to take place April 2-3, is now eliminated due to the expansion of berths for Open Division sides. Teams from local qualifying have been awarded six new slots, allowing all 14 clubs still alive in this qualifying track to be placed directly into the First Round.

Additionally, four new berths have been awarded to the Premier Development League (PDL), a nationwide amateur league, giving it 19 total teams in the competition, while the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), another nationwide amateur league, has been awarded two additional slots to reach 15 participating teams.

Open Division teams will enter in the First Round, Division III (United Soccer League) sides will start in the Second Round, Division II (North American Soccer League) clubs will see their first action in the Third Round and Division I (Major League Soccer) teams will take the field starting in the Fourth Round. Teams playing in their first Open Cup match will not be paired against another club from the same qualifying pool (an exception will be made in the Fourth Round when two MLS teams will meet in their first tournament game).

This year’s winning team will receive $250,000, a berth in the 2017-18 CONCACAF Champions League and have its name engraved on the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy, one of the oldest nationally contested trophies in American team sports. The runner-up will earn $60,000, while the team that advances the furthest from each lower division will take home a $15,000 cash prize.

Sporting Kansas City is the defending U.S. Open Cup Champion, having won a second tournament title (following its triumph in 2012) after a penalty shootout road victory against the Philadelphia Union on Sept. 30, 2015 at PPL Park, in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Club Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 102 consecutive years dating from 1914. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.

Tournament Format, Schedule and Other Key Dates:

Initial Pairings Announcement – April 6

â—¦First Round games as well as Second Round possibilities announced.

First Round – May 11

â—¦Number of Games: 24

â—¦Participants: 48 Open Division teams (14 local qualifiers, 19 PDL sides and 15 NPSL clubs).

â—¦Description: Teams will be paired geographically with the restriction that teams from the same qualifying pool (e.g. local qualifiers, PDL, NPSL, etc.) cannot be paired to play each other.

Second Round – May 18

â—¦Number of Games: 21

â—¦Participants: Winners of 24 First Round games are joined by 18 USL clubs.

â—¦Description: At the time the First Round pairings are made, each USL team will be matched geographically to a specific First Round pairing and be scheduled to play its winner. The remaining First Round matchups not paired with a Division III side will be paired up geographically, with the winners playing each other to complete the round.

Third Round – June 1

â—¦Number of Games: 15

â—¦Participants: Winners of 21 Second Round games are joined by nine NASL sides.

â—¦Description: After each Second Round matchup has been determined, each NASL team will be paired geographically to a specific Second Round matchup and be scheduled to play its winner. The 12 remaining Second Round matchups not paired with a Division II side will be paired up geographically, with the winners playing each other to complete the round.

Fourth Round – June 15

â—¦Number of Games: 16

â—¦Participants: Winners from 15 Third Round games are joined by 17 MLS clubs.

â—¦Description: After each Third Round matchup has been determined, 15 of 17 MLS teams will be paired geographically to a specific Third Round matchup and be scheduled to play these winners, while two MLS teams will face each other to complete the bracket.

Round of 16 Draw – June 16

â—¦The Fourth Round winners will be divided geographically (regardless of league affiliation) into groups of four, with teams who are precluded from playing each other until the Final (see list elsewhere) placed in different groups. A random draw will determine the pairings within each group, resulting in a fixed bracket for the remainder of the tournament. Should a precluded pair of teams reach the Semifinal Round and be scheduled to face each other, the matches will be re-drawn after the quarterfinals to avoid this outcome.

Round of 16 – June 29

â—¦Number of Games: 8

â—¦Fourth Round winners face each other as determined by the Round of 16 Draw.

Quarterfinals – July 20

Semifinals – Aug. 10

Final – Sept. 21

Note: The day following each of the dates listed above is reserved as a make-up date in the event of a weather postponement. Additionally, any game from the Fourth Round until the Semifinals where one of the participants has a league game the following Friday will be moved up a day (exception to this is when the team’s opponent is scheduled for a league game the preceding Sunday; in this case, the provisions in the Open Cup Handbook to resolve such an issue prevail). Finally, any game chosen by U.S. Soccer to be broadcast nationally is subject to being moved up a day.

2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Participating Teams

Division I, II and III Professional Teams Eligible to Participate (44 total):

Division I – Major League Soccer (17 teams, entering in the Fourth Round): Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew SC, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City

Division II – North American Soccer League (9 teams, entering in the Third Round): Carolina RailHawks, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Indy Eleven, Jacksonville Armada FC, Miami FC, Minnesota United, New York Cosmos, Rayo OKC, Tampa Bay Rowdies

Division III – United Soccer League (18 teams, entering in the Second Round): Arizona United, Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, Colorado Springs Switchbacks, FC Cincinnati, Harrisburg City Islanders, Louisville City FC, Oklahoma City Energy, Orange County Blues, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Rio Grande Valley FC, Rochester Rhinos, Sacramento Republic, Saint Louis FC, San Antonio, Tulsa Roughnecks, Wilmington Hammerheads

Open Division Teams (48 total, all entering in the First Round):

Local Qualifiers (14 places, listed alphabetically by state): California (5): La Maquina, LA Wolves FC, Outbreak FC, San Francisco City Football Club*, San Nicolas FC; Colorado (1): Harpo’s FC*; Florida (1): Boca Raton Football Club; Louisiana (1): CD Motagua of New Orleans; Massachusetts (1): Southie FC; New York (2): Lansdowne Bhoys FC, New York Pancyprian Freedoms; Pennsylvania (1): West Chester United; Texas (1): NTX Rayados*; Virginia (1): Aromas Cafe FC

Premier Development League (19 places): Division Winners: Burlingame Dragons* (Calif.), Charlotte Eagles (N.C.), Des Moines Menace* (Iowa), FC Tucson* (Ariz.), GPS Portland Phoenix (Maine), Kitsap Pumas* (Wash.), Michigan Bucks*, Mississippi Brilla, New York Red Bulls U-23, The Villages SC* (Fla.); At-Large Berths previously awarded: Jersey Express* (N.J.), Long Island Rough Riders* (N.Y.), Reading United* (Pa.), Seacoast United Phantoms* (N.H.), Ventura County Fusion* (Calif.); At-Large Berths newly awarded: Albuquerque Sol FC (N.M.), Cincinnati Dutch Lions (Ohio), Portland Timbers U-23, Sounders FC U-23. The PDL is a nationwide league affiliated with the U.S. Adult Soccer Association and opted to use 2015 league results to determine its qualifiers for the 2016 Open Cup.

National Premier Soccer League (15 places): Qualified via 2015 NPSL playoffs: AFC Cleveland (Ohio), CD Aguiluchos USA (Calif.), Chattanooga FC* (Tenn.), Clarkstown SC Eagles (N.Y.), Indiana Fire, Myrtle Beach Mutiny (S.C.), Sacramento Gold (Calif.); At-Large Berths previously awarded: Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, FC Wichita (Kan.), Fredericksburg FC (Va.), Miami Fusion FC; At-Large Berths newly awarded: Chesterfield United FC (Va.), Corinthians FC of San Antonio (Texas), Detroit City FC*, Kraze United (Florida). New York Cosmos B and New York Athletic Club, previously awarded places in the 2016 competition, have withdrawn. The NPSL is a nationwide league affiliated with the U.S. Adult Soccer Association and opted to use 2015 league results to determine its qualifiers for the 2016 Open Cup.

* Participated in 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (The Villages SC played as Ocala Stampede)

Teams not eligible to play each other until the Final (result of ownership affiliation or level of control over another squad participating in the tournament):

â—¦Houston Dynamo (MLS), Rio Grande Valley FC (USL)

â—¦New York Red Bulls (MLS), New York Red Bulls U-23 (PDL)

â—¦Portland Timbers (MLS), Portland Timbers U-23 (PDL)

â—¦Seattle Sounders FC (MLS), Sounders FC U-23 (PDL)

In the instances listed above, the lower-division teams are allowed to participate per Section 202(d) of the Open Cup Policy (which limits an organization to fielding its top professional team when owning more than one pro side) because the teams either do not share an ownership affiliation (in the case of Houston and Rio Grande Valley FC) or are not professional teams (in the case of PDL squads).

The day finally arrived. 15 top Capital Area RailHawks Academy players launched their college soccer career yesterday, as they made their signings official during National Signing Day.

RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke attended the event at the WRAL Soccer Center in Raleigh and witnessed local youth players get the ultimate joy as they made their commitment to local and national universities.

“This is a fantastic pathway for our Academy players,” Clark said. “I have seen some of these players develop and their level of play is simply fantastic. Some of them will turn pro and hopefully will come back and play for the RailHawks senior team in the future.” 

Capital Area RailHawks Academy’s goal is to identify and coach the top talent in the state to provide young soccer players an opportunity to develop to their full potential and level.

“The most important thing is to offer these players a solid base,” said Capital Area RailHawks USSDA Academy Director John Bradford. “Some of our U-18 players are good enough to have a chance in the senior team and that’s definitely something we are interested in promoting.”

2016 Capital Area RailHawks Academy College Commitments:

NAME	COLLEGE
Harry Adanuty	North Carolina State University
Colby Agu	Duke University
Dylan Chain	University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Josh Coan	University of Pittsburgh
Zack Doernberg	Emory University
Isaac Drooz	University of North Carolina at Asheville
Jamil  Gracia	University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Jackson Hawthorne	University of Kentucky
Connor Jones	High Point University
Jeremy Kelly	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bruno Lazaro	Campbell University
Austin Mullins	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Spencer Saunders	University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Ryan Spaulding	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Mikey Thomas	Elon University

 

RailHawks 2016 Ticket Packages are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or e-mailing Tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com. For more information on Season Tickets and Flex Plans, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Keep up with all RailHawks news by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

The day finally arrived. 15 top Capital Area RailHawks Academy players launched their college soccer career yesterday, as they made their signings official during National Signing Day.

RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke attended the event at the WRAL Soccer Center in Raleigh and witnessed local youth players get the ultimate joy as they made their commitment to local and national universities.

“This is a fantastic pathway for our Academy players,” Clark said. “I have seen some of these players develop and their level of play is simply fantastic. Some of them will turn pro and hopefully will come back and play for the RailHawks senior team in the future.” 

Capital Area RailHawks Academy’s goal is to identify and coach the top talent in the state to provide young soccer players an opportunity to develop to their full potential and level.

“The most important thing is to offer these players a solid base,” said Capital Area RailHawks USSDA Academy Director John Bradford. “Some of our U-18 players are good enough to have a chance in the senior team and that’s definitely something we are interested in promoting.”

2016 Capital Area RailHawks Academy College Commitments:

NAME	COLLEGE
Harry Adanuty	North Carolina State University
Colby Agu	Duke University
Dylan Chain	University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Josh Coan	University of Pittsburgh
Zack Doernberg	Emory University
Isaac Drooz	University of North Carolina at Asheville
Jamil  Gracia	University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Jackson Hawthorne	University of Kentucky
Connor Jones	High Point University
Jeremy Kelly	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bruno Lazaro	Campbell University
Austin Mullins	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Spencer Saunders	University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Ryan Spaulding	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Mikey Thomas	Elon University

 

RailHawks 2016 Ticket Packages are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the RailHawks Box Office at 919-459-8144 or e-mailing Tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com. For more information on Season Tickets and Flex Plans, visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Keep up with all RailHawks news by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.