2012 Archive

The 2012 Carolina RailHawks season was a record-breaking year for professional soccer in the Triangle.  For the first time in the RailHawks 6-year history, three games exceeded 7,000 fans in attendance.  On May 29th, the RailHawks hosted the LA Galaxy in front of a sold out crowd of 7,939 fans; on June 5th, the Chivas USA-U.S. Open Cup match was played in front of 7,117 fans and on September 22nd, 7,310 fans watched the RailHawks close out the 2012 NASL Regular Season.  The passion for professional soccer witnessed in 2012 has already carried over into 2013.  RailHawks season ticket sales for the 2013 NASL season have surpassed the 2012 total for season ticket sales.

“We are thrilled with the initial fan response to our 2013 Season Ticket Packages,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson. “The New Suite Season Ticket sold out in a week of being on sale, prompting us to open a second suite.  Currently, less than 10 seats remain in the second suite.”

After undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, the New WakeMed Soccer Park will offer updated amenities for all soccer fans in the Triangle.  The new construction on the East side of the stadium includes four additional suites and two open-air party decks on the second level.  The third level is highlighted by the new Terrace level seating offering some of the best views in the stadium.

“From the Terrace seating, the view of the field is unmatched and the scenic outlook over the entire soccer park makes these seats something special,” said Johnson.  “With end-to-end action on the field and the most scenic soccer park in the country in full view, the new Terrace seats are going to be highly valuable to our fans.”

RailHawks Season Tickets and Flex Plans for the 2013 season are on sale now.  In order to guarantee your seat for all 2013 RailHawks home matches, and to receive an invitation to the RailHawks Holiday Party, sign up before October 29th.  For more information on 2013 RailHawks ticket packages, call the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/STH.

The 2012 Carolina RailHawks season was a record-breaking year for professional soccer in the Triangle.  For the first time in the RailHawks 6-year history, three games exceeded 7,000 fans in attendance.  On May 29th, the RailHawks hosted the LA Galaxy in front of a sold out crowd of 7,939 fans; on June 5th, the Chivas USA-U.S. Open Cup match was played in front of 7,117 fans and on September 22nd, 7,310 fans watched the RailHawks close out the 2012 NASL Regular Season.  The passion for professional soccer witnessed in 2012 has already carried over into 2013.  RailHawks season ticket sales for the 2013 NASL season have surpassed the 2012 total for season ticket sales.

“We are thrilled with the initial fan response to our 2013 Season Ticket Packages,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson. “The New Suite Season Ticket sold out in a week of being on sale, prompting us to open a second suite.  Currently, less than 10 seats remain in the second suite.”

After undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, the New WakeMed Soccer Park will offer updated amenities for all soccer fans in the Triangle.  The new construction on the East side of the stadium includes four additional suites and two open-air party decks on the second level.  The third level is highlighted by the new Terrace level seating offering some of the best views in the stadium.

“From the Terrace seating, the view of the field is unmatched and the scenic outlook over the entire soccer park makes these seats something special,” said Johnson.  “With end-to-end action on the field and the most scenic soccer park in the country in full view, the new Terrace seats are going to be highly valuable to our fans.”

RailHawks Season Tickets and Flex Plans for the 2013 season are on sale now.  In order to guarantee your seat for all 2013 RailHawks home matches, and to receive an invitation to the RailHawks Holiday Party, sign up before October 29th.  For more information on 2013 RailHawks ticket packages, call the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/STH.

Four of the top ten women's soccer teams in the country will be in Cary this weekend. WakeMed Soccer Park will be hosting the ACC Women's Soccer Tournament on Friday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 4th. The Semifinal matches will kickoff Friday night with #5 Virginia vs. #1 Florida State at 5:00PM and #3 Wake Forest vs. #2 Maryland at 7:30PM. 

To order tickets simply click the above link, click "Buy Tickets," and print your tickets at home. Tickets purchased in advance are only $7!!! The winners of the Semifinal matches will meet in Sunday's Championship game is at 1:00pm.

All tickets are general admission so come early for a good seat.

Four of the top ten women’s soccer teams in the country will be in Cary this weekend. WakeMed Soccer Park will be hosting the ACC Women’s Soccer Tournament on Friday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 4th. The Semifinal matches will kickoff Friday night with #5 Virginia vs. #1 Florida State at 5:00PM and #3 Wake Forest vs. #2 Maryland at 7:30PM. 

To order tickets simply click the above link, click “Buy Tickets,” and print your tickets at home. Tickets purchased in advance are only $7!!! The winners of the Semifinal matches will meet in Sunday’s Championship game is at 1:00pm.

All tickets are general admission so come early for a good seat.

The Carolina RailHawks, in conjunction with Summit Hospitality Group, announced the winners of the 2012 Summit Hospitality Community Service Award.  Summit Hospitality is the corporate sponsor of the community outreach efforts of the Carolina RailHawks.  This is Summit's 4th year sponsoring the RailHawks community outreach efforts.  The mission of the RailHawks community outreach activities is to actively reach out to young people in the Triangle community and promote an active healthy lifestyle, teach life skills and help build self esteem.

In 2012, the RailHawks have made well over 300 hundred community outreach player appearances that reached over 100,000 people.  Appearances included elementary schools, middle schools, hospitals, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Club, Durham Rescue Mission, inner city youth outreach organizations, local festivals, local fundraisers, local soccer clubs, etc.

Summit Hospitality recognized three RailHawks’ players at the RailHwaks' regular season finale for their community service efforts during the course of the 2012 season. The winners were Jason Garey, Ty Shipalane and Austen King.  Each recipient received a three-night stay at a Summit hotel in Wrightsville Beach, two rounds of golf in the area, lunch and dinner for two, and a spa package for two.

Carolina RailHawks “Community Outreach” initiatives are made possible through the support of the Summit Hospitality Group, a premier hotel and restaurant management company and one of North Carolina’s largest operators of hotels.  Summit manages a combined 1,500 hotel rooms throughout North Carolina  with locations spanning from Charlotte to Chapel Hill, Durham, RDU Airport, Cary, Raleigh, Wilmington and Pinehurst, under the brands Residence Inn by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton Inn.  Summit Hospitality – where service is their ultimate amenity.

The Carolina RailHawks, in conjunction with Summit Hospitality Group, announced the winners of the 2012 Summit Hospitality Community Service Award.  Summit Hospitality is the corporate sponsor of the community outreach efforts of the Carolina RailHawks.  This is Summit’s 4th year sponsoring the RailHawks community outreach efforts.  The mission of the RailHawks community outreach activities is to actively reach out to young people in the Triangle community and promote an active healthy lifestyle, teach life skills and help build self esteem.

In 2012, the RailHawks have made well over 300 hundred community outreach player appearances that reached over 100,000 people.  Appearances included elementary schools, middle schools, hospitals, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Club, Durham Rescue Mission, inner city youth outreach organizations, local festivals, local fundraisers, local soccer clubs, etc.

Summit Hospitality recognized three RailHawks’ players at the RailHwaks’ regular season finale for their community service efforts during the course of the 2012 season. The winners were Jason Garey, Ty Shipalane and Austen King.  Each recipient received a three-night stay at a Summit hotel in Wrightsville Beach, two rounds of golf in the area, lunch and dinner for two, and a spa package for two.

Carolina RailHawks “Community Outreach” initiatives are made possible through the support of the Summit Hospitality Group, a premier hotel and restaurant management company and one of North Carolina’s largest operators of hotels.  Summit manages a combined 1,500 hotel rooms throughout North Carolina  with locations spanning from Charlotte to Chapel Hill, Durham, RDU Airport, Cary, Raleigh, Wilmington and Pinehurst, under the brands Residence Inn by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton Inn.  Summit Hospitality – where service is their ultimate amenity.

Curt Johnson, Eddie Robinson and the late Barry Howard have been selected as the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2013, which will be inducted at the annual Hall of Fame dinner, January 26, 2013 in Greensboro, NC.

The ‘77 Raleigh Spartans, winners of the 1995 US Youth Soccer Under-18 Francis J. “Frank” Kelly Cup national championship, have also been selected as the second team to be recognized on the NCSHOF National Champions Hall of Honor. That Spartans team was coached by longtime Raleigh Broughton HS coach, Izzy Hernandez, who is also a member of the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame.

Curt Johnson, a native of Raleigh and Capitol Area Soccer League product, was an All-State midfielder at Ravenscroft School, and stayed in the area for college. He played for the N.C. State Wolfpack from 1987-90. During that time, Johnson started 72 games during his four-year career, and as a senior, helped the Pack to the ACC Championship and the NCAA semifinals as a team captain. He would later serve as head coach at Ravenscroft and later as an assistant coach at N.C. State.

Johnson is currently President of the North American Soccer League’s Carolina RailHawks, winning the 2011 NASL Regular Season Championship. Johnson’s administrative resume also includes holding the General Manager position with the Richmond Kickers and Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards. He spent seven years in Kansas City as GM, leading the club to capture the 2000 MLS Supporter’s Shield, 2000 MLS Cup, and 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Robinson, who grew up in Greensboro and was an all-state player at Page High School, was a four-year letterwinner at UNC Chapel Hill (1996-2000). He was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes as the #20 overall pick of the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. He played 11 seasons with the same MLS franchise, first with the Earthquakes and then with the Houston Dynamo when the franchise moved to Texas in 2005.

A starter on defense, Robinson was a member of four MLS Cup championship teams and was selected as an MLS All-Star in 2005. He made 166 total MLS appearances with the Earthquakes and Dynamo.

He played for the U.S. Men’s National Team in a 2-0 win against Sweden in 2008, scoring his only international goal in his only international appearance.

Howard grew up in Buies Creek and saw his first soccer game when he watched the Campbell University men play. He helped start the first high school soccer team in Harnett County at Buies Creek High School. Upon graduation he enrolled at Campbell where he was a four-year letterwinner and was coached by the legendary Jim “Catfish” Cole, also a member of the N.C. Soccer Hall of Fame. Upon graduation from Campbell he began a career as a teacher at Buies Creek High School, and as that school’s boys soccer coach, and later after consolidation at Harnett Central.

Howard was instrumental in helping to bring youth soccer to numerous communities throughout eastern North Carolina, and assisted in the formation of high school programs in many of those communities. He was also an assistant men’s coach for seven seasons at Campbell, and later served two years as the Camels head coach (1989-1990).

Howard resigned his coaching position after the 1990 season to devote full-time as the administrator of the Howard Fund, which had been established in 1926 by his father, Rev. Charles Barrett Howard, Sr. Howard was inducted into the Campbell University Sports Hall Of Fame in 2003. He passed away on Dec. 5, 2008 at the age of 63

The North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame inducted its first class in 1997. The three-member class of 2013 will bring the total number of honorees to 46. The HOF dinner will be held at the Sheraton Four Seasons in Greensboro. Tickets to the event are available to the general public.

For more information about the North Carolina Soccer Hall Of Fame, visit www.ncsoccerhalloffame.com.

Curt Johnson, Eddie Robinson and the late Barry Howard have been selected as the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2013, which will be inducted at the annual Hall of Fame dinner, January 26, 2013 in Greensboro, NC.

The ‘77 Raleigh Spartans, winners of the 1995 US Youth Soccer Under-18 Francis J. “Frank” Kelly Cup national championship, have also been selected as the second team to be recognized on the NCSHOF National Champions Hall of Honor. That Spartans team was coached by longtime Raleigh Broughton HS coach, Izzy Hernandez, who is also a member of the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame.

Curt Johnson, a native of Raleigh and Capitol Area Soccer League product, was an All-State midfielder at Ravenscroft School, and stayed in the area for college. He played for the N.C. State Wolfpack from 1987-90. During that time, Johnson started 72 games during his four-year career, and as a senior, helped the Pack to the ACC Championship and the NCAA semifinals as a team captain. He would later serve as head coach at Ravenscroft and later as an assistant coach at N.C. State.

Johnson is currently President of the North American Soccer League’s Carolina RailHawks, winning the 2011 NASL Regular Season Championship. Johnson’s administrative resume also includes holding the General Manager position with the Richmond Kickers and Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards. He spent seven years in Kansas City as GM, leading the club to capture the 2000 MLS Supporter’s Shield, 2000 MLS Cup, and 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Robinson, who grew up in Greensboro and was an all-state player at Page High School, was a four-year letterwinner at UNC Chapel Hill (1996-2000). He was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes as the #20 overall pick of the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. He played 11 seasons with the same MLS franchise, first with the Earthquakes and then with the Houston Dynamo when the franchise moved to Texas in 2005.

A starter on defense, Robinson was a member of four MLS Cup championship teams and was selected as an MLS All-Star in 2005. He made 166 total MLS appearances with the Earthquakes and Dynamo.

He played for the U.S. Men’s National Team in a 2-0 win against Sweden in 2008, scoring his only international goal in his only international appearance.

Howard grew up in Buies Creek and saw his first soccer game when he watched the Campbell University men play. He helped start the first high school soccer team in Harnett County at Buies Creek High School. Upon graduation he enrolled at Campbell where he was a four-year letterwinner and was coached by the legendary Jim “Catfish” Cole, also a member of the N.C. Soccer Hall of Fame. Upon graduation from Campbell he began a career as a teacher at Buies Creek High School, and as that school’s boys soccer coach, and later after consolidation at Harnett Central.

Howard was instrumental in helping to bring youth soccer to numerous communities throughout eastern North Carolina, and assisted in the formation of high school programs in many of those communities. He was also an assistant men’s coach for seven seasons at Campbell, and later served two years as the Camels head coach (1989-1990).

Howard resigned his coaching position after the 1990 season to devote full-time as the administrator of the Howard Fund, which had been established in 1926 by his father, Rev. Charles Barrett Howard, Sr. Howard was inducted into the Campbell University Sports Hall Of Fame in 2003. He passed away on Dec. 5, 2008 at the age of 63

The North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame inducted its first class in 1997. The three-member class of 2013 will bring the total number of honorees to 46. The HOF dinner will be held at the Sheraton Four Seasons in Greensboro. Tickets to the event are available to the general public.

For more information about the North Carolina Soccer Hall Of Fame, visit www.ncsoccerhalloffame.com.

The North American Soccer League announced Tuesday morning the players selected to the 2012 NASL Best XI team.  Carolina RailHawks midfielder Nick Zimmerman was chosen to the Best XI team as a unanimous selection, joining San Antonio’s Pablo Campos and Fort Lauderdale’s Walter Restrepo as players unanimously voted to the Best XI.  The NASL’s Best XI was chosen by a vote of the coaches of the eight teams that played in the 2012 season.

“This is a great recognition for Nick and one that was well deserved,” said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke.  “Scoring 15 goals is not an easy task, especially as a midfielder.  Nick put in the hard work on and off the field that has made him a consistent presence for the team.”

The selection is Zimmerman’s first selection to the NASL Best XI.  The 25-year-old Tampa, Florida native has been a consistent scoring threat on the field, tallying 15 goals over 26 regular season games.  In his second season with the RailHawks, Zimmerman climbed into the record books.  His 15 goals in 2012 gave him the second best goal scoring regular season in club history and his 21 goals as a RailHawks player, across all competitions, puts him second all-time leading scorer in RailHawks and NASL history.

Zimmerman and his RailHawks teammates will travel to Tampa Bay on Saturday, October 13th at 7:30 PM to close out the NASL Semifinal Series. Currently, down a goal in the aggregate score, the RailHawks will need a win by two or more goals on Saturday night to advance to the NASL Championship Series.  A one-goal victory will force two 15-minute overtime periods following Saturday night’s match. 

The October 13th match will be shown live online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/live. Fans can join RailHawks players and fellow fans at Mellow Mushroom in Cary on Saturday for the RailHawks Viewing Party to watch the match. Mellow Mushroom, located at 4300 NW Cary Parkway, will have drink and food specials available including $3 pints and $12 pitchers of Lonerider’s Shotgun Betty.  RailHawks staff will be on hand with raffles and giveaways.  For more information on the viewing party and 2013 RailHawks ticket package call the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or email tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

 

2012 NASL Best XI

F – Mark Anderson, Fort Lauderdale Strikers

F – Pablo Campos, San Antonio Scorpions

M – Luke Mulholland, Tampa Bay Rowdies

M – Walter Ramirez, San Antonio Scorpions

M – Walter Restrepo, Fort Lauderdale Strikers

M – Nick Zimmerman, Carolina RailHawks

D – Kyle Altman, Minnesota Stars

D – Ryan Cochrane, San Antonio Scorpions

D – Paul Hamilton, FC Edmonton

D – Takuya Yamada, Tampa Bay Rowdies

GK – Jeff Attinella, Tampa Bay Rowdies

The North American Soccer League announced Tuesday morning the players selected to the 2012 NASL Best XI team.  Carolina RailHawks midfielder Nick Zimmerman was chosen to the Best XI team as a unanimous selection, joining San Antonio’s Pablo Campos and Fort Lauderdale’s Walter Restrepo as players unanimously voted to the Best XI.  The NASL’s Best XI was chosen by a vote of the coaches of the eight teams that played in the 2012 season.

“This is a great recognition for Nick and one that was well deserved,” said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke.  “Scoring 15 goals is not an easy task, especially as a midfielder.  Nick put in the hard work on and off the field that has made him a consistent presence for the team.”

The selection is Zimmerman’s first selection to the NASL Best XI.  The 25-year-old Tampa, Florida native has been a consistent scoring threat on the field, tallying 15 goals over 26 regular season games.  In his second season with the RailHawks, Zimmerman climbed into the record books.  His 15 goals in 2012 gave him the second best goal scoring regular season in club history and his 21 goals as a RailHawks player, across all competitions, puts him second all-time leading scorer in RailHawks and NASL history.

Zimmerman and his RailHawks teammates will travel to Tampa Bay on Saturday, October 13th at 7:30 PM to close out the NASL Semifinal Series. Currently, down a goal in the aggregate score, the RailHawks will need a win by two or more goals on Saturday night to advance to the NASL Championship Series.  A one-goal victory will force two 15-minute overtime periods following Saturday night’s match. 

The October 13th match will be shown live online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/live. Fans can join RailHawks players and fellow fans at Mellow Mushroom in Cary on Saturday for the RailHawks Viewing Party to watch the match. Mellow Mushroom, located at 4300 NW Cary Parkway, will have drink and food specials available including $3 pints and $12 pitchers of Lonerider’s Shotgun Betty.  RailHawks staff will be on hand with raffles and giveaways.  For more information on the viewing party and 2013 RailHawks ticket package call the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or email tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

 

2012 NASL Best XI

F – Mark Anderson, Fort Lauderdale Strikers

F – Pablo Campos, San Antonio Scorpions

M – Luke Mulholland, Tampa Bay Rowdies

M – Walter Ramirez, San Antonio Scorpions

M – Walter Restrepo, Fort Lauderdale Strikers

M – Nick Zimmerman, Carolina RailHawks

D – Kyle Altman, Minnesota Stars

D – Ryan Cochrane, San Antonio Scorpions

D – Paul Hamilton, FC Edmonton

D – Takuya Yamada, Tampa Bay Rowdies

GK – Jeff Attinella, Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Carolina RailHawks (10W-10T-8L, 40 pts.) closed out the 2012 NASL Regular Season in front of 7,310 fans in a scoreless tie against the Tampa Bay Rowdies (12W-9T-7L, 45 pts.). The RailHawks presented an alternative lineup in order to rest some of the players that saw the bulk of minutes in the 3 road games over the last 10 days. The hard fought match ended with 13 shots per side and 38 fouls in total.

The RailHawks and the Rowdies ended the fourth match in the 2012 series between the teams in a 0-0 tie. All four matches between the two teams ended in draws. Austin Da Luz and Breiner Ortiz, who showed dominance in the midfield, led the RailHawks attack. Since early in the first half, the midfielder duo showed the form that allowed them to break into the starting lineup before being sidelined with injuries. In the final minutes of the game the RailHawks had a couple of scoring chances including one that was cleared off the line by a defender.

With the tie the RailHawks now finished the NASL in fourth place on 40 points and will have to wait for the outcome of the games on Sunday to know which team they will be hosting on Saturday, September 29th at 7:00 PM. Fort Lauderdale will face Edmonton while Minnesota will visit San Antonio.

Prior to the game the RailHawks players received the annual awards recognizing their performance and contributions. Defender Sam Stockley received the Team Leadership Award, Ty Shipalane was named the WakeMed Unsung Hero, and the fans chose Justin Willis as the Fan Favorite Player. Captain Kupono was named Defensive Player of the Year. Nick Zimmerman was named Offensive Player of the Year as well as team MVP for his tremendous year where he leads the team with 15 goals.

The Carolina RailHawks will host a NASL Playoff Quarterfinal Match on Saturday, September 29th at WakeMed Soccer Park.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm and gates will open at 6:00pm.  The parking lot will open at 4:30pm on Saturday afternoon and fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy tailgating at WakeMed Soccer Park. To receive information about the Playoff match, 2013 Season Tickets, or ticket information, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

 

LINEUPS

CAR: GK Burse, D Elenio, D Krause, D King, D Finch, M Sassano (Willis, 86), M Millington, M Ortiz (Shipalane, 73), M Da Luz, F Ackley (Lowery, 19), F Luzunaris

TBR: GK Attinella, D Sanfilippo, D Scott, D Yamada, D Rodrigues, M Hill, M Savage, M Frimpong, MCox, F Cort (Picault, 46), F Antoniuk

GOALS

CAR:  

TBR:

CAUTIONS

CAR:

TBR: Frimpong, 68; Hill, 90;

SHOTS

CAR: 13

TBR: 13

SAVES

CAR: 5

TBR: 3

The Carolina RailHawks (10W-10T-8L, 40 pts.) closed out the 2012 NASL Regular Season in front of 7,310 fans in a scoreless tie against the Tampa Bay Rowdies (12W-9T-7L, 45 pts.). The RailHawks presented an alternative lineup in order to rest some of the players that saw the bulk of minutes in the 3 road games over the last 10 days. The hard fought match ended with 13 shots per side and 38 fouls in total.

The RailHawks and the Rowdies ended the fourth match in the 2012 series between the teams in a 0-0 tie. All four matches between the two teams ended in draws. Austin Da Luz and Breiner Ortiz, who showed dominance in the midfield, led the RailHawks attack. Since early in the first half, the midfielder duo showed the form that allowed them to break into the starting lineup before being sidelined with injuries. In the final minutes of the game the RailHawks had a couple of scoring chances including one that was cleared off the line by a defender.

With the tie the RailHawks now finished the NASL in fourth place on 40 points and will have to wait for the outcome of the games on Sunday to know which team they will be hosting on Saturday, September 29th at 7:00 PM. Fort Lauderdale will face Edmonton while Minnesota will visit San Antonio.

Prior to the game the RailHawks players received the annual awards recognizing their performance and contributions. Defender Sam Stockley received the Team Leadership Award, Ty Shipalane was named the WakeMed Unsung Hero, and the fans chose Justin Willis as the Fan Favorite Player. Captain Kupono was named Defensive Player of the Year. Nick Zimmerman was named Offensive Player of the Year as well as team MVP for his tremendous year where he leads the team with 15 goals.

The Carolina RailHawks will host a NASL Playoff Quarterfinal Match on Saturday, September 29th at WakeMed Soccer Park.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm and gates will open at 6:00pm.  The parking lot will open at 4:30pm on Saturday afternoon and fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy tailgating at WakeMed Soccer Park. To receive information about the Playoff match, 2013 Season Tickets, or ticket information, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

 

LINEUPS

CAR: GK Burse, D Elenio, D Krause, D King, D Finch, M Sassano (Willis, 86), M Millington, M Ortiz (Shipalane, 73), M Da Luz, F Ackley (Lowery, 19), F Luzunaris

TBR: GK Attinella, D Sanfilippo, D Scott, D Yamada, D Rodrigues, M Hill, M Savage, M Frimpong, MCox, F Cort (Picault, 46), F Antoniuk

GOALS

CAR:  

TBR:

CAUTIONS

CAR:

TBR: Frimpong, 68; Hill, 90;

SHOTS

CAR: 13

TBR: 13

SAVES

CAR: 5

TBR: 3

Another FIFA international match date is approaching, and Nick Millington and John Krause have been called into national team camps for 2014 World Cup qualifiers.  Millington gathers more international experience with Guyana’s senior team and Krause returns to Puerto Rico’s back line.  Both players will be absent in the beginning of September for the international matches.

Millington and Guyana will be competing in a home and away qualifier series with El Salvador.  The first match will take place in El Salvador, then the team will return home for the second leg of the series.  The winner of the series will move on in an effort to win a spot in the 2014 World Cup.  Last month, Millington impressed the coaching staff in his first international match with Guyana, starting and playing 80 minutes of a friendly against Bolivia.  Guyana has already progressed further in World Cup qualifiers than ever before, and Millington will look to help continue the campaign. 

Krause and Puerto Rico will be competing in the Digicel Caribbean Cup, the Caribbean Qualifiers for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.  Puerto Rico will compete in Haiti against the host nation, as well as Bermuda and St. Martin.  Their last international match was against 2012 European Champion Spain, a game in which Puerto Rico performed remarkably well.  The top four finishers in the Caribbean region will move on to the Gold Cup, so expectations are understandably high for Puerto Rico.

The call-ups will force Krause and Millington to miss two RailHawks games, but Head Coach Colin Clarke sees it as an honor for his players to represent their countries.  “It’s a special thing for players to compete at the international level,” said Clarke.  “Nick and John’s experience competing as such a high level with so much to play for will only benefit the team as we continue our pursuit of the NASL Championship.”

The RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on league-leading San Antonio on Saturday, September 8th at 7PM.  Prior to the match, the RailHawks will host the Homebrew Soktoberfest.  Tickets for the match and more information about the Soktoberfest can be found by calling the Cruizers Box Office at (919) 459-8144 or by emailing tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com. 

Another FIFA international match date is approaching, and Nick Millington and John Krause have been called into national team camps for 2014 World Cup qualifiers.  Millington gathers more international experience with Guyana’s senior team and Krause returns to Puerto Rico’s back line.  Both players will be absent in the beginning of September for the international matches.

Millington and Guyana will be competing in a home and away qualifier series with El Salvador.  The first match will take place in El Salvador, then the team will return home for the second leg of the series.  The winner of the series will move on in an effort to win a spot in the 2014 World Cup.  Last month, Millington impressed the coaching staff in his first international match with Guyana, starting and playing 80 minutes of a friendly against Bolivia.  Guyana has already progressed further in World Cup qualifiers than ever before, and Millington will look to help continue the campaign. 

Krause and Puerto Rico will be competing in the Digicel Caribbean Cup, the Caribbean Qualifiers for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.  Puerto Rico will compete in Haiti against the host nation, as well as Bermuda and St. Martin.  Their last international match was against 2012 European Champion Spain, a game in which Puerto Rico performed remarkably well.  The top four finishers in the Caribbean region will move on to the Gold Cup, so expectations are understandably high for Puerto Rico.

The call-ups will force Krause and Millington to miss two RailHawks games, but Head Coach Colin Clarke sees it as an honor for his players to represent their countries.  “It’s a special thing for players to compete at the international level,” said Clarke.  “Nick and John’s experience competing as such a high level with so much to play for will only benefit the team as we continue our pursuit of the NASL Championship.”

The RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on league-leading San Antonio on Saturday, September 8th at 7PM.  Prior to the match, the RailHawks will host the Homebrew Soktoberfest.  Tickets for the match and more information about the Soktoberfest can be found by calling the Cruizers Box Office at (919) 459-8144 or by emailing tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com. 

Raleigh, NC— The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) announced today that its sports marketing department has a new name – the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance – and a new advisory board of local sports leaders.

The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, or GRSA, will market Raleigh and Wake County for the purpose of attracting sporting events, tournaments, championships and sports-related meetings to the area. The GRSA also will provide support and host services to existing events in order to help those events grow, become successful and ultimately remain in Wake County.

“The name Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance provides a more accurate description of who we are and what we do,” says Scott Dupree, vice president of the GRCVB, whose title will now become Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. “Occasionally there is confusion in the marketplace over a CVB’s role within the sports event industry. This will help to clear that up.”

The staff of the GRCVB Sports Marketing Department remains in place and is now the staff of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, with one notable addition: Michael Robson has been named Sports Coordinator and will join the staff later this month. Robson was previously the GRCVB’s destination database coordinator. The GRSA staff:

Scott Dupree, Executive Director (sdupree@raleighsports.org)

Tori Collins, Associate Director (tori@raleighsports.org)

Jason Philbeck, Sports Marketing Manager (jphilbeck@raleighsports.org)

Theresa Tyler, Sports Services Manager (ttyler@raleighsports.org)

Michael Robson, Sports Coordinator, (mrobson@raleighsports.org)

 

In addition, the GRSA will have a 21-member  Advisory Board, made up of sports, government, tourism and hospitality officials who play key roles in the sports event industry in Greater Raleigh. The GRSA Advisory Board will meet quarterly, beginning this fall.

Members of the GRSA Advisory Board are as follows:

Paul Campion, Senior Director of Sales, Octagon Global Events

Al Carter, Dean of Students, Shaw University

William Davis, Athletic Manager, Town of Cary

Alison Edmonds, Executive Director, Greater Raleigh Sports Council

Curt Johnson, President, Carolina RailHawks

Kelly Johnson, Director of Athletics, William Peace University

Chris Kingston, Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics, NC State University

Joe Kremer, General Manager, Carolina Mudcats

Brian Maloney, General Manager of Capitol Sports Radio, Capitol Broadcasting

Jeff Merritt, Executive Director, Centennial Authority

Barry Mitsch, Vice President, Pyramid Resource Group

Jackie Myers, Athletics Director, Meredith College

Laurie Okun, Director of Sales & Marketing, Raleigh Convention Center

Dave Olsen, Executive Vice President, Carolina Hurricanes/PNC Arena

David Perkins, Chief Operating Officer, USA Baseball

Larry Perkins, Vice President of Guest Relations, Carolina Hurricanes/PNC Arena

Diane Sauer, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Raleigh

Charlie Slagle, CEO, Capital Area Soccer League

Chris Snow, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Director; Wake County

George Williams, Director of Athletics, St. Augustine’s University

Hotel Representative (1-year term): Michele Bevevino, Director of Sales & Marketing, Raleigh Marriott City Center

“The single biggest strength of the sports event industry in Greater Raleigh  — and the most important factor in our success – is our tremendous partners,” Dupree says. “We have individuals and organizations that are among the best in the world at what they do, in terms of recruiting, creating and hosting sporting events. That’s why we chose the word “Alliance” in our name, because it highlights our greatest attribute – our superb partners.

“We figured now was the perfect time to bring many of our key partners together under one umbrella in the form of an Alliance. This will help to generate an even greater sense of teamwork, as we move forward and make decisions that help chart the future of the sports event industry in Greater Raleigh. This will also strengthen our relationships and improve the lines of communication between all members of the Alliance.”

 

All contact information for the GRSA remains the same:

Phone: 919-834-5900

Fax: 919-831-2887

Web site: raleighsports.org

Twitter: @raleighncsports

Raleigh, NC— The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) announced today that its sports marketing department has a new name – the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance – and a new advisory board of local sports leaders.

The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, or GRSA, will market Raleigh and Wake County for the purpose of attracting sporting events, tournaments, championships and sports-related meetings to the area. The GRSA also will provide support and host services to existing events in order to help those events grow, become successful and ultimately remain in Wake County.

“The name Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance provides a more accurate description of who we are and what we do,” says Scott Dupree, vice president of the GRCVB, whose title will now become Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. “Occasionally there is confusion in the marketplace over a CVB’s role within the sports event industry. This will help to clear that up.”

The staff of the GRCVB Sports Marketing Department remains in place and is now the staff of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, with one notable addition: Michael Robson has been named Sports Coordinator and will join the staff later this month. Robson was previously the GRCVB’s destination database coordinator. The GRSA staff:

Scott Dupree, Executive Director (sdupree@raleighsports.org)

Tori Collins, Associate Director (tori@raleighsports.org)

Jason Philbeck, Sports Marketing Manager (jphilbeck@raleighsports.org)

Theresa Tyler, Sports Services Manager (ttyler@raleighsports.org)

Michael Robson, Sports Coordinator, (mrobson@raleighsports.org)

 

In addition, the GRSA will have a 21-member  Advisory Board, made up of sports, government, tourism and hospitality officials who play key roles in the sports event industry in Greater Raleigh. The GRSA Advisory Board will meet quarterly, beginning this fall.

Members of the GRSA Advisory Board are as follows:

Paul Campion, Senior Director of Sales, Octagon Global Events

Al Carter, Dean of Students, Shaw University

William Davis, Athletic Manager, Town of Cary

Alison Edmonds, Executive Director, Greater Raleigh Sports Council

Curt Johnson, President, Carolina RailHawks

Kelly Johnson, Director of Athletics, William Peace University

Chris Kingston, Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics, NC State University

Joe Kremer, General Manager, Carolina Mudcats

Brian Maloney, General Manager of Capitol Sports Radio, Capitol Broadcasting

Jeff Merritt, Executive Director, Centennial Authority

Barry Mitsch, Vice President, Pyramid Resource Group

Jackie Myers, Athletics Director, Meredith College

Laurie Okun, Director of Sales & Marketing, Raleigh Convention Center

Dave Olsen, Executive Vice President, Carolina Hurricanes/PNC Arena

David Perkins, Chief Operating Officer, USA Baseball

Larry Perkins, Vice President of Guest Relations, Carolina Hurricanes/PNC Arena

Diane Sauer, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Raleigh

Charlie Slagle, CEO, Capital Area Soccer League

Chris Snow, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Director; Wake County

George Williams, Director of Athletics, St. Augustine’s University

Hotel Representative (1-year term): Michele Bevevino, Director of Sales & Marketing, Raleigh Marriott City Center

“The single biggest strength of the sports event industry in Greater Raleigh  — and the most important factor in our success – is our tremendous partners,” Dupree says. “We have individuals and organizations that are among the best in the world at what they do, in terms of recruiting, creating and hosting sporting events. That’s why we chose the word “Alliance” in our name, because it highlights our greatest attribute – our superb partners.

“We figured now was the perfect time to bring many of our key partners together under one umbrella in the form of an Alliance. This will help to generate an even greater sense of teamwork, as we move forward and make decisions that help chart the future of the sports event industry in Greater Raleigh. This will also strengthen our relationships and improve the lines of communication between all members of the Alliance.”

 

All contact information for the GRSA remains the same:

Phone: 919-834-5900

Fax: 919-831-2887

Web site: raleighsports.org

Twitter: @raleighncsports

Nick Millington and John Krause have been called into the camps for the Guyana and Puerto Rico Men’s national teams, respectively. With the upcoming FIFA International Date on August 15, national teams around the world will be competing in international friendlies.  Millington and Guyana head to South America to take on Bolivia.  Krause and Puerto Rico will host Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners and 2008, 2012 UEFA Championship winners.

Millington, a Raleigh native and Capital Area Soccer League product, will look to earn his first international cap and impress the Guyana coaching staff before next month’s World Cup qualifier against El Salvador. Millington has experience on the international stage as a member of the United States U-17 and U-18 Men’s National Teams. Under FIFA guidelines, Millington is currently eligible to participate at the senior international level for both Guyana and the United States.

A regular on the Puerto Rico national team backline since his first call up in 2010, Krause has represented Puerto Rico 11 times including the 2010 Caribbean Championship tournament. Krause will have the challenge of defending a Spanish national team roster that will include Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), and Fernando Torres (Chelsea).     

Both players will return to Cary following the international exhibitions and will be available for selection this Saturday.

The RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park to host FC Edmonton at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 18th. Tickets for the match can be purchased by clicking here. For questions about tickets or upcoming matches, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Nick Millington and John Krause have been called into the camps for the Guyana and Puerto Rico Men’s national teams, respectively. With the upcoming FIFA International Date on August 15, national teams around the world will be competing in international friendlies.  Millington and Guyana head to South America to take on Bolivia.  Krause and Puerto Rico will host Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners and 2008, 2012 UEFA Championship winners.

Millington, a Raleigh native and Capital Area Soccer League product, will look to earn his first international cap and impress the Guyana coaching staff before next month’s World Cup qualifier against El Salvador. Millington has experience on the international stage as a member of the United States U-17 and U-18 Men’s National Teams. Under FIFA guidelines, Millington is currently eligible to participate at the senior international level for both Guyana and the United States.

A regular on the Puerto Rico national team backline since his first call up in 2010, Krause has represented Puerto Rico 11 times including the 2010 Caribbean Championship tournament. Krause will have the challenge of defending a Spanish national team roster that will include Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), and Fernando Torres (Chelsea).     

Both players will return to Cary following the international exhibitions and will be available for selection this Saturday.

The RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park to host FC Edmonton at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 18th. Tickets for the match can be purchased by clicking here. For questions about tickets or upcoming matches, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

The RailHawks U-23’s head to Chicago to defend their 2011 Men’s U23 National Cup Title. The U-23’s will look to repeat its success after winning the National Cup Title last year in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This year’s tournament will be played at the MLS’ Chicago Fire’s Toyota Park.  On Friday, July 20th the RailHawks U-23’s will face the Croatian Eagles, the Regions II champions from Wisconsin, in the National Cup Semifinals.  Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 3:00pm.

The U-23’s earned their trip to Nationals with a dominating performance on its way to a second consecutive Region III Championship on June 22-24, winning the tournament with a plus-24 goal and shutouts in all four games.  In the other National Cup semifinal matchup on Friday, Real Caribe, the Region I champions from New York, will take on South Sound FC, the Region IV champions from Washington.

Head Coach Dewan Bader will lead his squad to Chicago hoping to continue its success on the score sheet while also emphasizing player development. Made up mostly of area college soccer players, the U-23 program creates a professional atmosphere in training and games that provides a crucial rung in the development ladder for soccer players in triangle.

“We’ve achieved our first goal in advancing to the National Cup and now we have the opportunity to fulfill our ultimate goal of winning another national championship,” said Bader. “It’s great to have the success, but our objective is to develop player and giving these player’s the experience of competing in a highly competitive tournament will only continue their development.”

The RailHawks U-23’s are sponsored by JRW Associates (www.jrwassoc.com), a United Benefit Advisors firm that covers over 10 million members. For more information on the RailHawks organization and the U-23 program visit CarolinaRailHawks.com, or (919) 859-KICK (5425).

The RailHawks U-23’s head to Chicago to defend their 2011 Men’s U23 National Cup Title. The U-23’s will look to repeat its success after winning the National Cup Title last year in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This year’s tournament will be played at the MLS’ Chicago Fire’s Toyota Park.  On Friday, July 20th the RailHawks U-23’s will face the Croatian Eagles, the Regions II champions from Wisconsin, in the National Cup Semifinals.  Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 3:00pm.

The U-23’s earned their trip to Nationals with a dominating performance on its way to a second consecutive Region III Championship on June 22-24, winning the tournament with a plus-24 goal and shutouts in all four games.  In the other National Cup semifinal matchup on Friday, Real Caribe, the Region I champions from New York, will take on South Sound FC, the Region IV champions from Washington.

Head Coach Dewan Bader will lead his squad to Chicago hoping to continue its success on the score sheet while also emphasizing player development. Made up mostly of area college soccer players, the U-23 program creates a professional atmosphere in training and games that provides a crucial rung in the development ladder for soccer players in triangle.

“We’ve achieved our first goal in advancing to the National Cup and now we have the opportunity to fulfill our ultimate goal of winning another national championship,” said Bader. “It’s great to have the success, but our objective is to develop player and giving these player’s the experience of competing in a highly competitive tournament will only continue their development.”

The RailHawks U-23’s are sponsored by JRW Associates (www.jrwassoc.com), a United Benefit Advisors firm that covers over 10 million members. For more information on the RailHawks organization and the U-23 program visit CarolinaRailHawks.com, or (919) 859-KICK (5425).