CARY, N.C. – Former Carolina RailHawks star midfielder Matt Watson will be joining former RailHawks coaches Martin Rennie and Paul Ritchie in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC announced the signing of Watson today, pending his international transfer certificate.
Watson joined the RailHawks in March 2008 after two successful seasons with the Richmond Kickers. The Redditch, England native led the RailHawks to one of the organizations best years in 2011 while being honored as a member of the NASL’s Best XI. In 2011, Watson appeared in 24 matches and registered 3 goals and two assist. Watson departs the RailHawks with his stamp on the club’s record books. In four seasons with the club, Watson ranks second all-time in appearances (107), starts (98), minutes played (8,196), and assist (11).
“I have really enjoyed being a part of the RailHawks,” said Watson. “The organization is top notch and the facilities are first class. I have been lucky enough to watch the club grow into an established NASL contender and know that Carolina is doing big things. I look forward to joining Martin and Paul in Vancouver. I thank everyone involved in the organization for everything they have done for me during my time there, as well as the fans for all their support.”
Watson and Vancouver Whitecaps FC will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, March 4th in an exhibition match against the RailHawks. Watson becomes the sixth player over the past two seasons to move on to a first division club joining former RailHawks midfielder Josh Gardner of the Montreal Impact (MLS), forward Tom Heinneman of the Columbus Crew (MLS), midfielder Daniel Paladini of the Chicago Fire (MLS), defender Brad Rusin of HB Koge (Danish SuperLiga), and defender Daniel Woolard of DC United (MLS).
“We are thrilled to see Matt get this opportunity,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson. “He has been an excellent player for us on the field and a great ambassador off. I look forward to his return on March 4th when we play Vancouver.”
Tickets to the Vancouver Exhibition match on March 4th and to the RailHawks NASL home opener on April 14th can be purchased by signing up for your 2012 Season Tickets or RailHawks Holiday Pack. All-Inclusive season ticket packages start at $119 and Flex Plan ticket packages start as low as $50. The RailHawks Holiday Pack includes tickets and a RailHawks winter fleece and winter hat. For more information on RailHawks tickets and game information call the Cruizers box office at 919-459-8144 or e-mail tickets@carolinarailhawks.com.
CARY, N.C. – Former Carolina RailHawks star midfielder Matt Watson will be joining former RailHawks coaches Martin Rennie and Paul Ritchie in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC announced the signing of Watson today, pending his international transfer certificate.
Watson joined the RailHawks in March 2008 after two successful seasons with the Richmond Kickers. The Redditch, England native led the RailHawks to one of the organizations best years in 2011 while being honored as a member of the NASL’s Best XI. In 2011, Watson appeared in 24 matches and registered 3 goals and two assist. Watson departs the RailHawks with his stamp on the club’s record books. In four seasons with the club, Watson ranks second all-time in appearances (107), starts (98), minutes played (8,196), and assist (11).
“I have really enjoyed being a part of the RailHawks,” said Watson. “The organization is top notch and the facilities are first class. I have been lucky enough to watch the club grow into an established NASL contender and know that Carolina is doing big things. I look forward to joining Martin and Paul in Vancouver. I thank everyone involved in the organization for everything they have done for me during my time there, as well as the fans for all their support.”
Watson and Vancouver Whitecaps FC will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, March 4th in an exhibition match against the RailHawks. Watson becomes the sixth player over the past two seasons to move on to a first division club joining former RailHawks midfielder Josh Gardner of the Montreal Impact (MLS), forward Tom Heinneman of the Columbus Crew (MLS), midfielder Daniel Paladini of the Chicago Fire (MLS), defender Brad Rusin of HB Koge (Danish SuperLiga), and defender Daniel Woolard of DC United (MLS).
“We are thrilled to see Matt get this opportunity,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson. “He has been an excellent player for us on the field and a great ambassador off. I look forward to his return on March 4th when we play Vancouver.”
Tickets to the Vancouver Exhibition match on March 4th and to the RailHawks NASL home opener on April 14th can be purchased by signing up for your 2012 Season Tickets or RailHawks Holiday Pack. All-Inclusive season ticket packages start at $119 and Flex Plan ticket packages start as low as $50. The RailHawks Holiday Pack includes tickets and a RailHawks winter fleece and winter hat. For more information on RailHawks tickets and game information call the Cruizers box office at 919-459-8144 or e-mail tickets@carolinarailhawks.com.
