WRAL Sports Fan

Soccer

RailHawks look to stay hot in Florida

Jun 30, 2012

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — The Carolina RailHawks travel to Florida to face the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Saturday riding a four-game winning streak in the NASL and looking to continue climbing the NASL standings.

They currently sit fifth, just six points behind. In the last four NASL games the RailHawks (4-5-4, 17 pts.) have outscored opponents 11-2 and posted two consecutive shutouts.

“The last game against Edmonton we were able to earn the win and the shutout,” said head coach Colin Clarke. “The team is confident, but needs to remain focused and continue to improve. The match against Fort Lauderdale is important as we have three games in a week. Saturday will set the tone for the week.”

Carolina hosted the Strikers (4-4-5, 16 pts.) on May 2 in a game that saw the RailHawks give up a two-goal lead twice in the match to end in a 3-3 tie. Nick Zimmerman scored twice and Brian Shriver recorded a goal and an assist.

The RailHawks beat FC Edmonton 2-0 last Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park behind first-half goals by Zimmerman and Breiner Ortiz. Going into that match, Amir Lowery and captain Kupono Low had played every minute of the season, including NASL and US Open Cup play. A red card in the 77th minute saw Lowery’s streak come to an unexpected halt.

The NASL recognized RailHawks goalkeeper Ray Burse with the Defensive Player of the Week for week 13.

The RailHawks lead the league in goals scored with 22 and Zimmerman is currently in a three-way tie for first place in the race for the NASL Golden Boot with 6 goals.

Fans can watch the game live at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/live, on WRALSportsFan.com and on WRAL2 or listen to the game live on 99.9 HD 3 The Ticket which is accessible through an HD radio or WRALSportsFan.com.

• Web Editor: Aaron Schoonmaker