WRAL Sports Fan

Soccer

Despite delay, RailHawks come away with win

Jul 22, 2012

Cary, N.C. — A promising match between the RailHawks (6-6-5, 24 pts.) and the Stars (7-5-6, 26 pts.) was sidetracked as the lightning forced the referees to suspend the match in the 47th minute of play.

After nearly four hours of delay, the play resumed. Zack Schilawski’s goal in the 10th minute proved to be the game winner.

“It was very important for us to get the win tonight. The points helped us climb the standings and I hope it is the start to another streak for us,” said Head Coach Colin Clarke. “The suspension was too much today, exposing the players to injuries but we were able to come out and defend strongly, forcing Minnesota to take long distance shots or complicated crosses.”

The RailHawks jumped to an early lead in the 10th minute after Breiner Ortiz carried the ball 60 yards before feeding it to Mike Palacio behind Minnesota’s defense. Palacio centered the ball to find Schilawski in front of the goal and his shot was too much for the Stars’ goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel to handle. The RailHawks dominated much of the first half, but neither team was unable to score their opportunities after the opening goal.

Two minutes after the second half started the referees temporarily suspended the match due to lightning near the stadium. After nearly a four-hour delay, play resumed around 12:15 AM. With most of the second half left, the Stars went on the offensive looking for the equalizer. The RailHawks were forced to defend to earn the win. In the 77th minute of play captain and iron man Kupono Low was issues a second yellow and was ejected from the game. The team rallied and was able to earn the shutout and the win.

The RailHawks will travel to San Antonio to take on the league-leading Scorpions on July 28th at 8:45 PM ET. The match will be shown live at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/live. The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, August 4th at 7:00 PM when they host the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Prior to the match the RailHawks will host Que Pasa’s Por Una Vida Mejor, a family-oriented fair that includes games, resources, live entertainment, and information. Mexican legend Luis Hernández will be at the event signing autographs and will be recognized during the RailHawks match. Tickets can be purchased online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com. For more information about upcoming matches and events, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.