2014 Archive

With the New Year just a couple of days away, CarolinaRailHawks.com is taking a look back at some of the biggest and best RailHawks moments from 2014.  

Here are our best moments  from 2014:

• In February, fifteen players from the Capital Area RailHawks Academy signed national letters of intent to start playing college soccer as early as the fall of 2014. NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest and Florida International University are among the schools  that  our players selected. 
   
• During the Spring Season, we set a NEW regular season record of attendance, as 7,856 fans watched us defeat the Tampa Bay Rowdies  2-0 on Saturday, May 31st.  
   
• That same night, Kupono Low played his 200th match with the team. Kupono joined us during our inaugural season in 2007.
   
• After winning three consecutive USASA Region III titles (2011-2013) and two USASA National Championships (2011-2013), our U-23 team joined the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).   
   
• For the second year in a row, we advanced to the Fifth Round of the  Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after a thrilling shootout against Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA.  At the end of regulation, the score was tied 1-1 and the match was sent into two 15 minute overtime periods. At the end of overtime, the game remained tied and we would go on to scored  three penalty-kicks to defeat Chivas USA for a second year in a row. (Watch the Hghlights)
   
• In the days leading to our Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup  match against LA Galaxy, Landon Donovan stated "We're sick of losing to the RailHawks."  
   
• Just a few days  later, a goal by forward Daniel Jackson sent us to a third straight victory over the now five-time MLS Champion LA Galaxy in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.  In the 105th minute, Nick Zimmerman found a streaking Jackson down the right side of the field.  Jackson’s touch took him toward goal for a one-on-one with Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo and Jackson blasted a shot into the back of the net to give us the victory. (Watch the Highlights)
   
• During the summer, over 5,000 fans joined us at WakeMed Soccer Park  for our U.S. Men's National Team  FREE World Cup Watch Parties!  
   
• Our home game  unbeaten streak spanned two playing season (2013-2014). During that time, we won the 2013 NASL Regular Season Championship, had two consecutive runs (2013 and 2014) to the Quarter Finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and defeated the now five-time MLS Champion, LA Galaxy, three years in a row (2012, 2013 and 2014).
   
• On Saturday, July 6th (exactly one year after the original game date), we defeated the two-time Mexican Champion Puebla FC, 2-1 in an international friendly match.
   

• That same day, Capital Area RailHawks Academy Player Connor Donovan (18  years  old) appeared on the RailHawks game roster for the second time, the first in a NASL league match on November 2, 2013, and this time earned a starting spot in the RailHawks defense. Donovan's first game with the RailHawks is one that he is not going to forget, as he would go on to score our first goal of the game.  Over the year, he has become a regular for the U-20 U.S. Men’s National Team and most recently played for the RailHawks U-23’s and the NC State Men’s Soccer Program.  

• In coordination with the Town of Cary, we hosted the U.S. Women National Team on Wednesday, August 20th as they faced Switzerland in front of a sell-out crowd of 10,000 fans.  

• For the first time in franchise history, our players  wore a Commemorative Jersey to benefit the Ronald Mc Donald’s House of Durham.  Eleven match-worn jerseys where auctioned after the game and over $2,500 where raised for the charity which operates programs in Durham and Raleigh.  
   
• For the second year in a row, one of our players was selected as the Lower Division Player of the Tournament by TheCup.us – This year, the honor went to  Scott Goodwin, whose incredible saves led us to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 
   
• Since the return of the New York Cosmos to the NASL in the fall of the 2013 Season, our matches against them have truly been a back-and-forth battle. This year, we finished the season undefeated against them, with two victories at home (1-0 & 5-4) and one in New York (1-0).  
   
• On November 25th, we announced that Colin Clarke signed a new multi-year contract, this new contract  will make him the longest tenured head coach in franchise history. 
   

Did we miss anything?? Send us your best RailHawks moments using the hashtag #RailHawksMoments

We will see you in 2015!!!

With the New Year just a couple of days away, CarolinaRailHawks.com is taking a look back at some of the biggest and best RailHawks moments from 2014.  

Here are our best moments  from 2014:

• In February, fifteen players from the Capital Area RailHawks Academy signed national letters of intent to start playing college soccer as early as the fall of 2014. NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest and Florida International University are among the schools  that  our players selected. 
   
• During the Spring Season, we set a NEW regular season record of attendance, as 7,856 fans watched us defeat the Tampa Bay Rowdies  2-0 on Saturday, May 31st.  
   
• That same night, Kupono Low played his 200th match with the team. Kupono joined us during our inaugural season in 2007.
   
• After winning three consecutive USASA Region III titles (2011-2013) and two USASA National Championships (2011-2013), our U-23 team joined the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).   
   
• For the second year in a row, we advanced to the Fifth Round of the  Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after a thrilling shootout against Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA.  At the end of regulation, the score was tied 1-1 and the match was sent into two 15 minute overtime periods. At the end of overtime, the game remained tied and we would go on to scored  three penalty-kicks to defeat Chivas USA for a second year in a row. (Watch the Hghlights)
   
• In the days leading to our Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup  match against LA Galaxy, Landon Donovan stated “We’re sick of losing to the RailHawks.”  
   
• Just a few days  later, a goal by forward Daniel Jackson sent us to a third straight victory over the now five-time MLS Champion LA Galaxy in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.  In the 105th minute, Nick Zimmerman found a streaking Jackson down the right side of the field.  Jackson’s touch took him toward goal for a one-on-one with Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo and Jackson blasted a shot into the back of the net to give us the victory. (Watch the Highlights)
   
• During the summer, over 5,000 fans joined us at WakeMed Soccer Park  for our U.S. Men’s National Team  FREE World Cup Watch Parties!  
   
• Our home game  unbeaten streak spanned two playing season (2013-2014). During that time, we won the 2013 NASL Regular Season Championship, had two consecutive runs (2013 and 2014) to the Quarter Finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and defeated the now five-time MLS Champion, LA Galaxy, three years in a row (2012, 2013 and 2014).
   
• On Saturday, July 6th (exactly one year after the original game date), we defeated the two-time Mexican Champion Puebla FC, 2-1 in an international friendly match.
   

• That same day, Capital Area RailHawks Academy Player Connor Donovan (18  years  old) appeared on the RailHawks game roster for the second time, the first in a NASL league match on November 2, 2013, and this time earned a starting spot in the RailHawks defense. Donovan’s first game with the RailHawks is one that he is not going to forget, as he would go on to score our first goal of the game.  Over the year, he has become a regular for the U-20 U.S. Men’s National Team and most recently played for the RailHawks U-23’s and the NC State Men’s Soccer Program.  

• In coordination with the Town of Cary, we hosted the U.S. Women National Team on Wednesday, August 20th as they faced Switzerland in front of a sell-out crowd of 10,000 fans.  

• For the first time in franchise history, our players  wore a Commemorative Jersey to benefit the Ronald Mc Donald’s House of Durham.  Eleven match-worn jerseys where auctioned after the game and over $2,500 where raised for the charity which operates programs in Durham and Raleigh.  
   
• For the second year in a row, one of our players was selected as the Lower Division Player of the Tournament by TheCup.us – This year, the honor went to  Scott Goodwin, whose incredible saves led us to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 
   
• Since the return of the New York Cosmos to the NASL in the fall of the 2013 Season, our matches against them have truly been a back-and-forth battle. This year, we finished the season undefeated against them, with two victories at home (1-0 & 5-4) and one in New York (1-0).  
   
• On November 25th, we announced that Colin Clarke signed a new multi-year contract, this new contract  will make him the longest tenured head coach in franchise history. 
   

Did we miss anything?? Send us your best RailHawks moments using the hashtag #RailHawksMoments

We will see you in 2015!!!

The Carolina RailHawks announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Johnston United Soccer Association ("JUSA") to deliver its RailHawks Elite Technique ® supplemental training program to all JUSA Classic and Challenge level players and coaches starting with the Spring 2015 season.

"We are excited to bring Elite Technique ® to a youth soccer club for the first time," said RailHawks Senior Vice President, Pete Sciandra.   "We have been extremely impressed with the vision of JUSA’s senior leadership team and their commitment to launching creative programming to improve the development opportunities for its players and coaches.   Their vision of creative and comprehensive player and coaching development is well aligned with our desire to help grow the game through our unique Elite Technique ® programs."

The RailHawks Elite Technique ® program is an elite-level supplemental training program patterned upon the most successful professional youth training programs worldwide. The curriculum was developed by the RailHawks professional technical staff and is based on decades of direct youth academy and professional playing and coaching experience in the U.S. and Europe.   Elite Technique ® training aims to develop the "complete player" by addressing all aspects of the game – technical, tactical, physical and psychological – in a way that challenges a player to push past existing skill levels in a constructive, positive environment that builds their passion for the game.

"After a thorough examination of several area programs, we felt that the Elite Technique ® program, which focuses on building a complete player while at the same time offering our coaches a differentiated learning experience, was the choice to help set us apart from other area clubs and offer our players an additional opportunity for growth," said David Glover, President, JUSA.   "The Elite Technique ® program is also consistent with the overall mission of JUSA, which is making soccer the game of choice for kids in Johnston County and surrounding local areas by building upon an exciting affiliation with the Carolina RailHawks."

"The response to our Elite Technique ® curriculum and programs has been extraordinary over the past eighteen months, and our world-class coaching staff is excited to now bring this curriculum to the area’s youth soccer clubs," said Sam Stockley, Director of Coaching for RailHawks Elite Technique ® and Assistant Coach of the Carolina RailHawks.   We are extremely proud of our Elite Technique ® curriculum and have enjoyed working with JUSA’s technical staff to insure that we have fully addressed their supplemental training and player development objectives."

Under this new agreement, which extends through the middle of 2017, the RailHawks and JUSA have also agreed to develop additional supplemental training programs and specialized camps for its players throughout the year.

For more information on how to bring RailHawks Elite Technique ® to your youth soccer organization, e-mail Pete Sciandra at Pete@CarolinaRailHawks.com.   For more information on Johnston United Soccer Association, email David Glover at President@jusasoccer.org or go to www.jusasoccer.org.

RailHawks 2015 Ticket Packages are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Johnson Maserati Box Office at 919-459-8144 or emailing  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  or  Instagram.  

The Carolina RailHawks announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Johnston United Soccer Association (“JUSA”) to deliver its RailHawks Elite Technique ® supplemental training program to all JUSA Classic and Challenge level players and coaches starting with the Spring 2015 season.

“We are excited to bring Elite Technique ® to a youth soccer club for the first time,” said RailHawks Senior Vice President, Pete Sciandra.   “We have been extremely impressed with the vision of JUSA’s senior leadership team and their commitment to launching creative programming to improve the development opportunities for its players and coaches.   Their vision of creative and comprehensive player and coaching development is well aligned with our desire to help grow the game through our unique Elite Technique ® programs.”

The RailHawks Elite Technique ® program is an elite-level supplemental training program patterned upon the most successful professional youth training programs worldwide. The curriculum was developed by the RailHawks professional technical staff and is based on decades of direct youth academy and professional playing and coaching experience in the U.S. and Europe.   Elite Technique ® training aims to develop the “complete player” by addressing all aspects of the game – technical, tactical, physical and psychological – in a way that challenges a player to push past existing skill levels in a constructive, positive environment that builds their passion for the game.

“After a thorough examination of several area programs, we felt that the Elite Technique ® program, which focuses on building a complete player while at the same time offering our coaches a differentiated learning experience, was the choice to help set us apart from other area clubs and offer our players an additional opportunity for growth,” said David Glover, President, JUSA.   “The Elite Technique ® program is also consistent with the overall mission of JUSA, which is making soccer the game of choice for kids in Johnston County and surrounding local areas by building upon an exciting affiliation with the Carolina RailHawks.”

“The response to our Elite Technique ® curriculum and programs has been extraordinary over the past eighteen months, and our world-class coaching staff is excited to now bring this curriculum to the area’s youth soccer clubs,” said Sam Stockley, Director of Coaching for RailHawks Elite Technique ® and Assistant Coach of the Carolina RailHawks.   We are extremely proud of our Elite Technique ® curriculum and have enjoyed working with JUSA’s technical staff to insure that we have fully addressed their supplemental training and player development objectives.”

Under this new agreement, which extends through the middle of 2017, the RailHawks and JUSA have also agreed to develop additional supplemental training programs and specialized camps for its players throughout the year.

For more information on how to bring RailHawks Elite Technique ® to your youth soccer organization, e-mail Pete Sciandra at Pete@CarolinaRailHawks.com.   For more information on Johnston United Soccer Association, email David Glover at President@jusasoccer.org or go to www.jusasoccer.org.

RailHawks 2015 Ticket Packages are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Johnson Maserati Box Office at 919-459-8144 or emailing  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  or  Instagram.  

Dear RailHawks Nation,

When I found out that I was going to be signing with NYCFC of the MLS, I knew one of the first things I wanted to do was to thank all of you for the support you have given me over the past 6 years. The first two being while I was with the PDL and U23 teams and the last four with the first team. Playing in front of you all has been a truly amazing experience and something that I will never forget. I will always remember the 309 section for their unwavering support and the memorable moments of celebrating goals and wins in the section with you all.

I feel very fortunate to have played for such a great organization and the fans are a major part of that. This a truly special place and although I am sad to be moving on I can not be more excited about the next step in my career. I also want to thank Curt Johnson, Coach Clarke, Dewan Bader, Greg Shields, Nic Platter and the entire front office for everything they have done for me, without them this step would not have been possible and I am forever grateful. Thank you again for everything you all have done for me and I wish nothing but the best for the club. All the best in the upcoming season and I look forward to when our paths cross again.

Sincerely,

Akira Fitzgerald "The Irish Ninja"

Dear RailHawks Nation,

When I found out that I was going to be signing with NYCFC of the MLS, I knew one of the first things I wanted to do was to thank all of you for the support you have given me over the past 6 years. The first two being while I was with the PDL and U23 teams and the last four with the first team. Playing in front of you all has been a truly amazing experience and something that I will never forget. I will always remember the 309 section for their unwavering support and the memorable moments of celebrating goals and wins in the section with you all.

I feel very fortunate to have played for such a great organization and the fans are a major part of that. This a truly special place and although I am sad to be moving on I can not be more excited about the next step in my career. I also want to thank Curt Johnson, Coach Clarke, Dewan Bader, Greg Shields, Nic Platter and the entire front office for everything they have done for me, without them this step would not have been possible and I am forever grateful. Thank you again for everything you all have done for me and I wish nothing but the best for the club. All the best in the upcoming season and I look forward to when our paths cross again.

Sincerely,

Akira Fitzgerald “The Irish Ninja”

In a week highlighted by the invitation of two Academy Members (Gabe Findley & Duncan Wegner) to the U-14 U.S. Youth National Team training camp in California, the Capital Area RailHawks continue to excel on the field. All three Capital Area RailHawks Academy teams played consecutive matches against the Carolina Rapids on Saturday and came away with two ties (U-14’s & U-16’s) and one loss (U-18’s). After Saturday’s results, the U-14’s and U-16’s are still undefeated.

This coming weekend the U-16’s and U-18’s will travel to Orlando, FL and Charleston, SC to take on Orlando City on Saturday and SC United Battery on Sunday. The U-14’s will not return to action until Saturday, October 4th when they host the NC Fusion at WRAL Soccer Center.

For more information about the Capital Area RailHawks Academy teams, click HERE.

BOX SCORES

U-18’s: (1W-1T-2L, 4pts)

Saturday, 9/20/14 at WRAL Soccer Center

Lost 1-0 to Carolina Rapids

Goalscorers: 

Goalkeeper:  Vinnie Durand

 

U-16’s:  (3W-1T-0L, 10pts)

Saturday, 9/20/14 at WRAL Soccer Center

Tied 1-1 against Carolina Rapids

Goalscorers:  Alex Rose

Goalkeeper:  Jack Butterfield

 

U-14’s: (2W-1T-0L, 7pts)

Saturday, 9/20/14 at WRAL Soccer Center

Tied 1-1 against Carolina Rapids

Goalscorers:  Gabe Findley

Goalkeeper:  Duncan Wegner

In a week highlighted by the invitation of two Academy Members (Gabe Findley & Duncan Wegner) to the U-14 U.S. Youth National Team training camp in California, the Capital Area RailHawks continue to excel on the field. All three Capital Area RailHawks Academy teams played consecutive matches against the Carolina Rapids on Saturday and came away with two ties (U-14’s & U-16’s) and one loss (U-18’s). After Saturday’s results, the U-14’s and U-16’s are still undefeated.

This coming weekend the U-16’s and U-18’s will travel to Orlando, FL and Charleston, SC to take on Orlando City on Saturday and SC United Battery on Sunday. The U-14’s will not return to action until Saturday, October 4th when they host the NC Fusion at WRAL Soccer Center.

For more information about the Capital Area RailHawks Academy teams, click HERE.

BOX SCORES

U-18’s: (1W-1T-2L, 4pts)

Saturday, 9/20/14 at WRAL Soccer Center

Lost 1-0 to Carolina Rapids

Goalscorers: 

Goalkeeper:  Vinnie Durand

 

U-16’s:  (3W-1T-0L, 10pts)

Saturday, 9/20/14 at WRAL Soccer Center

Tied 1-1 against Carolina Rapids

Goalscorers:  Alex Rose

Goalkeeper:  Jack Butterfield

 

U-14’s: (2W-1T-0L, 7pts)

Saturday, 9/20/14 at WRAL Soccer Center

Tied 1-1 against Carolina Rapids

Goalscorers:  Gabe Findley

Goalkeeper:  Duncan Wegner

Two weeks into the 2014-2015 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Season, all three of the boys Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams have combined for a total of 6 wins, 1 tie, and 1 loss over 8 games played thus far. Their most recent matchups were this past weekend in Matthews, NC against Charlotte Soccer Academy, where they finished: 1-1 (U-18’s), 3-0 (U-16’s) and 2-0 (U-14’s). 

This coming Saturday all three of the boys Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams will return home to take on the Carolina Rapids at WRAL Soccer Center. Games are schedule to kick-off at 1:00pm (U-18’s & U-14’s) and 3:30pm (U-16’s)

For more information about the Capital Area RailHawks Academy, click HERE .

Box Scores:

Week #1

U-18’s

Saturday, 9/6/14 @ WRAL Durham Bulls Stadium

Lost 2-3 to Weston FC (Miami based)

Goalscorers:  Jeremy Kelly (2)

Goalkeeper:  Vinnie Durand

Sunday, 9/7/14 @ WakeMed Soccer Park

Won 2-1 over Kendall SC (Miami based)

Goalscorers:  Ben Fisher and Dominic Jensen

Goalkeeper:  Giovanni Solis

U-16’s

Saturday, 9/6/14 @ WRAL Durham Bulls Stadium

Won 3-0 over Weston FC (Miami based)

Goalscorers:  Colby Agu (2), Joseph Buete

Goalkeeper:  Jackson Hawthorne

Sunday, 9/7/14 @ WakeMed Soccer Park

Won 3-0 over Kendall SC (Miami based)

Goalscorers:  Colby Agu and Alex Rose (2)

Goalkeeper:  Jackson Hawthorne

U-14’s

Saturday, 9/6/14 @ WRAL Travers Lasik Field

Won 8-1 over CESA (Greenville, SC based)

Goalscorers:  Jahon Rad, Kaveh Rad, Justin Stone, Colton Pleasants (2), Gabe Findley (3)

Goalkeeper:  Duncan Wenger

Week  #2

 

U-18’s

Saturday, 9/13/14 @ Matthews Sportsplex

Tied 2-2 to Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA)

Goalscorers:  Dominic Jensen, MacLean Holbrook

Goalkeeper:  Giovanni Solis

U-16’s

Saturday, 9/13/14 @ Matthews Sportsplex

Won 3-0 over Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA)

Goalscorers:  Colby Agu, Manny Perez

Goalkeeper:  Jackson Hawthorne

U-14’s

Saturday, 9/13/14 @ Matthews Sportsplex

Won 2-0 over Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA)

Goalscorers:  Dylan Lane, Jahon Rad

Goalkeeper:  Chandler Cree

Two weeks into the 2014-2015 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Season, all three of the boys Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams have combined for a total of 6 wins, 1 tie, and 1 loss over 8 games played thus far. Their most recent matchups were this past weekend in Matthews, NC against Charlotte Soccer Academy, where they finished: 1-1 (U-18’s), 3-0 (U-16’s) and 2-0 (U-14’s). 

This coming Saturday all three of the boys Capital Area RailHawks Academy Teams will return home to take on the Carolina Rapids at WRAL Soccer Center. Games are schedule to kick-off at 1:00pm (U-18’s & U-14’s) and 3:30pm (U-16’s)

For more information about the Capital Area RailHawks Academy, click HERE .

Box Scores:

Week #1

U-18’s

Saturday, 9/6/14 @ WRAL Durham Bulls Stadium

Lost 2-3 to Weston FC (Miami based)

Goalscorers:  Jeremy Kelly (2)

Goalkeeper:  Vinnie Durand

Sunday, 9/7/14 @ WakeMed Soccer Park

Won 2-1 over Kendall SC (Miami based)

Goalscorers:  Ben Fisher and Dominic Jensen

Goalkeeper:  Giovanni Solis

U-16’s

Saturday, 9/6/14 @ WRAL Durham Bulls Stadium

Won 3-0 over Weston FC (Miami based)

Goalscorers:  Colby Agu (2), Joseph Buete

Goalkeeper:  Jackson Hawthorne

Sunday, 9/7/14 @ WakeMed Soccer Park

Won 3-0 over Kendall SC (Miami based)

Goalscorers:  Colby Agu and Alex Rose (2)

Goalkeeper:  Jackson Hawthorne

U-14’s

Saturday, 9/6/14 @ WRAL Travers Lasik Field

Won 8-1 over CESA (Greenville, SC based)

Goalscorers:  Jahon Rad, Kaveh Rad, Justin Stone, Colton Pleasants (2), Gabe Findley (3)

Goalkeeper:  Duncan Wenger

Week  #2

 

U-18’s

Saturday, 9/13/14 @ Matthews Sportsplex

Tied 2-2 to Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA)

Goalscorers:  Dominic Jensen, MacLean Holbrook

Goalkeeper:  Giovanni Solis

U-16’s

Saturday, 9/13/14 @ Matthews Sportsplex

Won 3-0 over Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA)

Goalscorers:  Colby Agu, Manny Perez

Goalkeeper:  Jackson Hawthorne

U-14’s

Saturday, 9/13/14 @ Matthews Sportsplex

Won 2-0 over Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA)

Goalscorers:  Dylan Lane, Jahon Rad

Goalkeeper:  Chandler Cree

By: USSoccer.com – Read full release HERE. 

The U.S. Women’s National Team scored three second-half goals and earned a 4-1 victory against Switzerland in front of a sold-out crowd of 9,992 at WakeMed Soccer Park.

A well-rounded scoring effort featured goals from Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Christen Press and Abby Wambach. Lloyd’s 56th-minute penalty kick served as the game-winner, and Wambach’s second-half PK pushed her USA-record goal scoring total to 168.

This was the first meeting between the two countries at the senior team level. Switzerland has already qualified for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, and the USA will prepare for FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying in October in the United States.

Wednesday marked the first opportunity for goalkeeper Hope Solo to set a new shutout record (currently tied with Briana Scurry with 71 clean sheets), but a Switzerland penalty kick from Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic put that milestone on hold.

The U.S. goal total could have been far greater if not for Switzerland goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann. She made seven first-half saves as the USA pelted the Swiss goal with eight shots – all of them on frame.

By: USSoccer.com – Read full release HERE. 

The U.S. Women’s National Team scored three second-half goals and earned a 4-1 victory against Switzerland in front of a sold-out crowd of 9,992 at WakeMed Soccer Park.

A well-rounded scoring effort featured goals from Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Christen Press and Abby Wambach. Lloyd’s 56th-minute penalty kick served as the game-winner, and Wambach’s second-half PK pushed her USA-record goal scoring total to 168.

This was the first meeting between the two countries at the senior team level. Switzerland has already qualified for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, and the USA will prepare for FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying in October in the United States.

Wednesday marked the first opportunity for goalkeeper Hope Solo to set a new shutout record (currently tied with Briana Scurry with 71 clean sheets), but a Switzerland penalty kick from Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic put that milestone on hold.

The U.S. goal total could have been far greater if not for Switzerland goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann. She made seven first-half saves as the USA pelted the Swiss goal with eight shots – all of them on frame.

With 10,000 fans anticipated to watch the first friendly between the US Women’s National Team and Switzerland, the Carolina RailHawks and, the Town of Cary are working together closely to ensure traffic and parking for the August 20th match at WakeMed Soccer Park runs as smoothly as possible. Game time is 7:30 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m.

All entrances and exits to WakeMed Soccer Park will be fully operational for arrival and departure. Please keep in mind that with a mid-week game, additional traffic is expected due to local commuter and rush hour traffic. This will be the U.S. Women’s National Team’s first match at WakeMed Soccer Park since the expansion to its current 10,000 seat capacity and their first sellout at this venue.

Tickets are no longer available for this match. For the best game-day experience, ticketholders are advised the following:

• Arrive early. Unique to this game, parking lots will open at 4 p.m. Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m. Tailgating is permitted.
• Carpool. Arrive before 6:30 p.m. with four or more passengers in one vehicle to receive preferred parking in lots closest to the stadium as space permits.
• Bring Cash. Parking for this event is $10, cash only. (Cash Only). Bring exact change to avoid delays.
• Show Your Pass. Already have a parking pass? For the best service, use the main entrance to WakeMed Soccer Park (west of Trinity Road).

Please note that parking adjacent to WakeMed Soccer Park will be available as permitted by private businesses; however, no shuttle transportation will be provided. These satellite parking locations are not managed by the Town of Cary or the Carolina RailHawks.

With 10,000 fans anticipated to watch the first friendly between the US Women’s National Team and Switzerland, the Carolina RailHawks and, the Town of Cary are working together closely to ensure traffic and parking for the August 20th match at WakeMed Soccer Park runs as smoothly as possible. Game time is 7:30 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m.

All entrances and exits to WakeMed Soccer Park will be fully operational for arrival and departure. Please keep in mind that with a mid-week game, additional traffic is expected due to local commuter and rush hour traffic. This will be the U.S. Women’s National Team’s first match at WakeMed Soccer Park since the expansion to its current 10,000 seat capacity and their first sellout at this venue.

Tickets are no longer available for this match. For the best game-day experience, ticketholders are advised the following:

• Arrive early. Unique to this game, parking lots will open at 4 p.m. Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m. Tailgating is permitted.
• Carpool. Arrive before 6:30 p.m. with four or more passengers in one vehicle to receive preferred parking in lots closest to the stadium as space permits.
• Bring Cash. Parking for this event is $10, cash only. (Cash Only). Bring exact change to avoid delays.
• Show Your Pass. Already have a parking pass? For the best service, use the main entrance to WakeMed Soccer Park (west of Trinity Road).

Please note that parking adjacent to WakeMed Soccer Park will be available as permitted by private businesses; however, no shuttle transportation will be provided. These satellite parking locations are not managed by the Town of Cary or the Carolina RailHawks.

The U.S. Women’s National Team match against Switzerland on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, is sold-out. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and fans can watch the game live on ussoccer.com and also follow on Twitter @ussoccer_wnt and @ussoccer_esp.

The USA’s first match at WakeMed Soccer Park since the expansion to its current 10,000 capacity and the first sellout for the U.S. Women at this venue will also be the first meeting between the countries at the women’s senior level. This is a rare occurrence for the U.S. team, which has been playing international soccer for 29 years.

Switzerland is one of six nations that have already qualified for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup where it will join host Canada. Switzerland has won European Group 3 with one match left to play in qualifying, taking 25 points from nine games with an 8-0-1 record ahead of Iceland and Denmark. The achievement marks the first time Switzerland has qualified for a Women’s World Cup at the senior level.

The U.S. Women’s National Team match against Switzerland on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, is sold-out. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and fans can watch the game live on ussoccer.com and also follow on Twitter @ussoccer_wnt and @ussoccer_esp.

The USA’s first match at WakeMed Soccer Park since the expansion to its current 10,000 capacity and the first sellout for the U.S. Women at this venue will also be the first meeting between the countries at the women’s senior level. This is a rare occurrence for the U.S. team, which has been playing international soccer for 29 years.

Switzerland is one of six nations that have already qualified for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup where it will join host Canada. Switzerland has won European Group 3 with one match left to play in qualifying, taking 25 points from nine games with an 8-0-1 record ahead of Iceland and Denmark. The achievement marks the first time Switzerland has qualified for a Women’s World Cup at the senior level.

The Carolina RailHawks lost in the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at the hands of Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas. With the defeat, the RailHawks were eliminated in the quarterfinal round for the second straight year and fell one game short of matching their semifinal run in 2007.  This was the RailHawks first loss at WakeMed Soccer Park since October 6, 2012.

The RailHawks jumped on the board in the 9th minute on a goal from Zack Schilawski. Schilawski scored his second goal of the U.S. Open cup with a clinical one-touch finish off of an Enzo Martinez cross into the box.

FC Dallas responded with goals from Panamanian national team player Blas Perez in the 23rd and 34th minutes of play. The RailHawks leveled the match at two when a Cesar Elizondo shot was blocked by a hand ball in the box. Martinez converted the penalty kick in the 37th minute of play. A late first-half goal in the 44th minute as a result of a determined solo effort by Fabian Castillo gave Dallas the 3-2 lead going into half-time.

Despite holding much of the possession in the second half, the RailHawks were unable to finish a number of great scoring opportunities.  As the RailHawks pushed extra players forward at the end of the game to try to even the score, FC Dallas’ Mauro Diaz and Blas Perez scored in the 89th and 90th minutes, respectively, to close out the game with a 5-2 final score. 

The Carolina RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park this coming Saturday when they host Indy Eleven at 7:30pm in their NASL Fall Season Opener. Tickets to the match are on-sale now. For more information about the game and how to purchase tickets, contact the RailHawks Box office at 919-459-8144 or visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

The Carolina RailHawks lost in the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at the hands of Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas. With the defeat, the RailHawks were eliminated in the quarterfinal round for the second straight year and fell one game short of matching their semifinal run in 2007.  This was the RailHawks first loss at WakeMed Soccer Park since October 6, 2012.

The RailHawks jumped on the board in the 9th minute on a goal from Zack Schilawski. Schilawski scored his second goal of the U.S. Open cup with a clinical one-touch finish off of an Enzo Martinez cross into the box.

FC Dallas responded with goals from Panamanian national team player Blas Perez in the 23rd and 34th minutes of play. The RailHawks leveled the match at two when a Cesar Elizondo shot was blocked by a hand ball in the box. Martinez converted the penalty kick in the 37th minute of play. A late first-half goal in the 44th minute as a result of a determined solo effort by Fabian Castillo gave Dallas the 3-2 lead going into half-time.

Despite holding much of the possession in the second half, the RailHawks were unable to finish a number of great scoring opportunities.  As the RailHawks pushed extra players forward at the end of the game to try to even the score, FC Dallas’ Mauro Diaz and Blas Perez scored in the 89th and 90th minutes, respectively, to close out the game with a 5-2 final score. 

The Carolina RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park this coming Saturday when they host Indy Eleven at 7:30pm in their NASL Fall Season Opener. Tickets to the match are on-sale now. For more information about the game and how to purchase tickets, contact the RailHawks Box office at 919-459-8144 or visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.

Courtesy of TheCup.US: (Link)  

Scott Goodwin, the Carolina Railhawks’ rookie backup goalkeeper is using the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament as his own personal coming-out party, and quickly proving he deserves first team minutes in the process.

After leading the RailHawks to victories in the US Open Cup’s Third and Fourth Round, the University of North Carolina graduate put in the finest shift of his young professional career in a 1-0 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy in Cary, NC. The victory sends the NASL club through to the Quarterfinals for the third time, and earned Goodwin TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. Goodwin becomes the second goalkeeper (PSA Elite’s Earl Edwards Jr.) to earn the award in 2014.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

Goodwin ran away with the award due to his admirable poise and netminding against the Galaxy, who fielded a mostly first-choice team in their attempt to avoid a third straight upset to the second division side. Goodwin’s Player of the Round snub last round made the Railhawks goalkeeper’s performance hard to ignore this time around, as he clearly outpaced the other star performers of the Fifth Round. The Philadelphia Union’s Sebastien Le Toux record-tying brace and the Chicago Fire’s Juan Luis Anangono‘s impressive work off the bench received considerable attention, but ultimately did not garner enough votes to snatch the award way from Goodwin. The Portland Timbers’ Gaston Fernandez also received several votes for his two goals against Sporting Kansas City.

Goodwin proved the difference in the Railhawks matchup against the Galaxy, who gave Robbie Keane his first-ever US Open Cup start. Under siege the entire game from Los Angeles, Goodwin faced 30 shots and saved all eight shots on goal of them in 120 minutes of work ensuring the RailHawks a third consecutive victory over the Galaxy in Open Cup play.

“It was a really exciting game, I really can’t be more proud of my teammates,” said Goodwin. “I think everyone just put out an incredible effort to keep the ball out and maintain our composure and took advantage of the opportunity we had, so you really have to give it up to them.”

In a first half dominated by the Galaxy, Goodwin continually snuffed out the MLS club’s attacks leading the RailHawks into the half level with Los Angeles 0-0. All Goodwin did in the second half was put on a performance that proved he belonged in net by saving shots from Landon Donovan in the 84th minute and Robbie Keane in the 90th.

The Raleigh native held steadfast in extra time as well. After Daniel Jackson put the Railhawks up 1-0 in the 105th minute, Goodwin held off a continued Galaxy onslaught. Goodwin made another save against Keane in the 117th, which proved to be enough to make Jackson’s strike the game-winner.

“I thought I had a good solid game,” Goodwin said about his performance. “Any time you keep a shutout against guys like that, the majority has to really be put on the guys in front of me, but I felt that I had a solid game.”

The Railhawks game against the Galaxy was just Goodwin’s third game as a pro. The UNC standout and 2011 College Cup champion made his Carolina debut during the club’s Open Cup Third Round game against the Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) after signing with the NASL club in January and spending a season in Iceland with IF Hottur.

In his American professional debut, all Goodwin did was make five saves and record a shutout in the Railhawks’ 2-0 win over the Eagles. Goodwin’s performance coupled with an injury to starting goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald saw the Chapel Hill product claim his second consecutive start in this year’s tournament when the Railhawks met Chivas USA in the Fourth Round. Goodwin built upon his fine performance against Charlotte guiding the Railhawks to another win after making 11 saves in 120 minutes of work capped by three additional saves in the game’s penalty shootout nearly earning Player of the Round honors in the process. Deshorn Brown’s hat-trick performance against Orlando City SC ultimately captured the award for the Fourth Round.

Goodwin’s pair of outstanding performances more than earned him a chance to take on a full strength Galaxy team. His play against Los Angeles and his string of performances are sure to catch the attention of clubs throughout the country.

“It’s about as good of a start [to a pro career] as I could have hoped for,” Goodwin said. “In professional sports, you’re just waiting for your opportunity and you never know when that’s going to happen. What it’s really all about is getting as far as we can in the Open Cup, it’s not about any one individual. We went into this tournament not to just win a couple games, but to take it all the way to the end. At the end of the day, my performance is just a piece of the puzzle and we’re just trying to get on to the next round.”

Goodwin and the Railhawks will look to continue their run in the tournament when they host FC Dallas on July 9 in Cary.

Courtesy of TheCup.US: (Link)  

Scott Goodwin, the Carolina Railhawks’ rookie backup goalkeeper is using the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament as his own personal coming-out party, and quickly proving he deserves first team minutes in the process.

After leading the RailHawks to victories in the US Open Cup’s Third and Fourth Round, the University of North Carolina graduate put in the finest shift of his young professional career in a 1-0 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy in Cary, NC. The victory sends the NASL club through to the Quarterfinals for the third time, and earned Goodwin TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. Goodwin becomes the second goalkeeper (PSA Elite’s Earl Edwards Jr.) to earn the award in 2014.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

Goodwin ran away with the award due to his admirable poise and netminding against the Galaxy, who fielded a mostly first-choice team in their attempt to avoid a third straight upset to the second division side. Goodwin’s Player of the Round snub last round made the Railhawks goalkeeper’s performance hard to ignore this time around, as he clearly outpaced the other star performers of the Fifth Round. The Philadelphia Union’s Sebastien Le Toux record-tying brace and the Chicago Fire’s Juan Luis Anangono‘s impressive work off the bench received considerable attention, but ultimately did not garner enough votes to snatch the award way from Goodwin. The Portland Timbers’ Gaston Fernandez also received several votes for his two goals against Sporting Kansas City.

Goodwin proved the difference in the Railhawks matchup against the Galaxy, who gave Robbie Keane his first-ever US Open Cup start. Under siege the entire game from Los Angeles, Goodwin faced 30 shots and saved all eight shots on goal of them in 120 minutes of work ensuring the RailHawks a third consecutive victory over the Galaxy in Open Cup play.

“It was a really exciting game, I really can’t be more proud of my teammates,” said Goodwin. “I think everyone just put out an incredible effort to keep the ball out and maintain our composure and took advantage of the opportunity we had, so you really have to give it up to them.”

In a first half dominated by the Galaxy, Goodwin continually snuffed out the MLS club’s attacks leading the RailHawks into the half level with Los Angeles 0-0. All Goodwin did in the second half was put on a performance that proved he belonged in net by saving shots from Landon Donovan in the 84th minute and Robbie Keane in the 90th.

The Raleigh native held steadfast in extra time as well. After Daniel Jackson put the Railhawks up 1-0 in the 105th minute, Goodwin held off a continued Galaxy onslaught. Goodwin made another save against Keane in the 117th, which proved to be enough to make Jackson’s strike the game-winner.

“I thought I had a good solid game,” Goodwin said about his performance. “Any time you keep a shutout against guys like that, the majority has to really be put on the guys in front of me, but I felt that I had a solid game.”

The Railhawks game against the Galaxy was just Goodwin’s third game as a pro. The UNC standout and 2011 College Cup champion made his Carolina debut during the club’s Open Cup Third Round game against the Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) after signing with the NASL club in January and spending a season in Iceland with IF Hottur.

In his American professional debut, all Goodwin did was make five saves and record a shutout in the Railhawks’ 2-0 win over the Eagles. Goodwin’s performance coupled with an injury to starting goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald saw the Chapel Hill product claim his second consecutive start in this year’s tournament when the Railhawks met Chivas USA in the Fourth Round. Goodwin built upon his fine performance against Charlotte guiding the Railhawks to another win after making 11 saves in 120 minutes of work capped by three additional saves in the game’s penalty shootout nearly earning Player of the Round honors in the process. Deshorn Brown’s hat-trick performance against Orlando City SC ultimately captured the award for the Fourth Round.

Goodwin’s pair of outstanding performances more than earned him a chance to take on a full strength Galaxy team. His play against Los Angeles and his string of performances are sure to catch the attention of clubs throughout the country.

“It’s about as good of a start [to a pro career] as I could have hoped for,” Goodwin said. “In professional sports, you’re just waiting for your opportunity and you never know when that’s going to happen. What it’s really all about is getting as far as we can in the Open Cup, it’s not about any one individual. We went into this tournament not to just win a couple games, but to take it all the way to the end. At the end of the day, my performance is just a piece of the puzzle and we’re just trying to get on to the next round.”

Goodwin and the Railhawks will look to continue their run in the tournament when they host FC Dallas on July 9 in Cary.