The Carolina RailHawks of the North American Soccer League were back in action on August 2 against the New York Cosmos, of Pele fame. The RailHawks then began a busy time with two games and multiple transactions.
Carolina RailHawks defeat New York Cosmos 1-0 (Aug 2)
The RailHawks finally prevailed in a road contest between a goal in the 38th minute by Tiyi Shipalane and a clean sheet by goalkeeper and former Tar Heel Scott Goodwin. The Cosmos made three substitutions to try and find some offense in the second half, but found none. The RailHawks responded with two more defensive substitutions of their own to preserve the 1-0 advantage. One of those was midfielder and assist leader Cesar Elizondo, who was unknowingly playing his final RailHawks contest.
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Carolina RailHawks Sign Midfielder Gabe Latigue (Aug 5)
The RailHawks added Elon alumnus Gabe Latigue to the roster. Latigue comes to the team after being loaned to the Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro League) by the New England Revolution (MLS). Latigue played a stint with the RailHawks Under-23 squad that led to a Region III and a National Championship.
Jorge Acuna pointed out that Latigue adds to the large number of North Carolina related players on the squad. 10 men on the roster now have ties to UNC, NC State, Wake Forest, or Elon.
Carolina RailHawks Trade for Midfielder Danny Barrera (Aug 5)
The RailHawks sent Cesar Elizondo to the San Antonio Scorpions in return for Danny Barrera. Barrera is a 23 year old Colombian. Coach Colin Clarke seemed excited about his prospects, and he better since he just traded away his leading assist man on the season. Barrera played his college ball at UC Santa Barbara and produced four goals and seven assists in 2013.
MLS Multiplex
Carolina RailHawks fall at home to Tampa Bay Rowdies, 4-3 (Aug 9)
The RailHawks got caught napping at the post, as the Tamp Bay Rowdies scored two quick goals in the first ten minutes of the contest. Ultimately it would be a ten minutes that the RailHawks would like to have had back.
The RailHawks responded by keeping possession and pushing the ball, but went into the half with nothing to show for it. In the second half, the offense finally broke through. Forward and former Wake Forest player Zach Schilawski scored in the 48th minute and UNC product Enzo Martinez provided the equalizer at 51 minutes. Now it was Tamp Bay that was threatened with two quick scores.
The Rowdies took to the situation quite well and scored the next three goals. They scored in the 77th and 84th minutes to secure the win. They also scored an own goal to make the final score 4-3. The RailHawks could not find the equalizer that they needed in the final minutes. Not even the substitution of newcomer Barrera made the difference.
The RailHawks are now 2-0-4 on the season for 6 points. That is good for 8th in the standings in the fall season.
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