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A tie, but RailHawks debut like winners (News & Observer)

April 22, 2007 | 08:24

Photo Chuck Liddy (N&O)

As far as debuts go, the Carolina RailHawks' introduction to the Triangle was almost perfect.

They couldn't have ordered better weather and the crowd was substantial for the franchise's inaugural USL First Division soccer match at SAS Soccer Park. As for the actual result, perfection proved elusive. The RailHawks led for the first 70 minutes but ended up in a 1-1 tie with the Minnesota Thunder.

Not as bad as a loss, but after the build-up -- the expansion club was awarded 18 months ago -- and the fast start -- Kupono Low's brilliant goal in the eighth minute put them up 1-0 -- the RailHawks didn't get the preferred result.

>> Click here to read the full story at News & Observer's website.

Category: News

Comments

1. Jonathan 
   April 22, 2007 - 09:46

   Once again, the N&O misses the point. Instead of a game report, they print basically a feature story rehashing all the same points of the previous day's article.
   
   At least they sent Joe Giglio to cover the game instead of that self-confessed soccer-hating hack Rachel Carter. That's something, I guess.
   
   I can't wait to see what Tim Candon writes. That'll be something.

1. Diego 
   April 23, 2007 - 12:01

   I just wanted to express a couple of thoughts on the game this weekend. First off, it was an entertaining game with a few lulls at the end of the first half (ie: running to the corner flag with 3 minutes to go in the half rather than dropping a ball into the box where multiple players were making diaganol runs to the near and far posts) and less chess-like manuevering in the second (more direct with imulations of the Thunders tactics, a little sloppy, and less productive); however, what a great Railhawk goal! Secondly, keep it simple and STOP trying to put it through someones legs or some other impractical and overcomplicated effort when a simple pass would suffice. How many times have we all heard the saying keep it simple stupid. Harsh words, yes, but even Copernicus would likely agree.
   
   The last comment is more of a question than an opinion. The substitutes utilized for the game seemed to me a bit odd (timing of subs and position). Why not utilize a forward with fresh legs earlier in the second half, rather than waiting until the 83rd minute; furthermore, portions of the midfield appeared sluggish and made more physical and mental mistakes in the later portion of the game with no subs going into this area.

1. Jed 
   April 23, 2007 - 12:29

   Good thoughts there Diego. However, you must remeber they are still working out there final roster and the substitutes were likely selected accordingly. They should have the squad thinned out by this week whcih can only help. These are the trials that all new teams must face. Hopefully by the time we face Atlanta we should see less indivdual play and be a more coherent team.

1. Jarrett C. 
   April 23, 2007 - 12:34

   I was really surprised to see Worthen on the field. I was told just a few hours before the game he had the flu. He must have showed something special in practice if Scotty thought an under-the-weather Worthen was the right choice.
   
   Look for some help in midfield this week as they are about to add a Brazilian indoor player that should really help the creativity through he middle.

1. Bill 
   April 23, 2007 - 13:27

   I felt the main problem was that the forwards weren't keeping up with the wingers. Steele and Carrieri were making great runs down the sides and look up to cross and there was no one there.
   
   Regarding the "tricks", I wouldn't worry about that. They keep the casual fan interested and, in my opinion, were working more often than not.
   
   Also, I couldn't believe it, but actually saw a roster on the team website. Marcio Leite is the new Brazilian midfielder.

1. john wells 
   April 23, 2007 - 21:21

   Railhawks have some good players dont get me wrong, Coach seemed to sign all of his buddies though. Which I think will cost him. Wish them luck but i feel they had a lot of talent at the combine and picked the wrong people to come back for preseason.There was a Hispanic player who played for Miami FC the year before I thought he was a great player, along with a talnted young man from France. The first day a kid with short hair I think from CT named Joe he was young quick and great on the ball. Those our just my opion. I hope to see them do well.

1. Diego 
   April 24, 2007 - 11:05

   I know Marcio Leite was signed although he has really only been playing indoor. How is he expected to make the transition from a compact indoor field to outdoor? I hope Coach didn't sign him on stats and country of origin alone.
   
   John Wells, I'm starting to get the same feeling about your theory of "buddies singings". You know he had already signed about 17 players before the combine even began! How could you do that the with this being the first season in existence. If someone came in at this time the coach would either have to break a contract or not sign someone who was more deserving. Some players are likely on undeservingly large contracts due to early signings whcih could have affects all year long.

1. John Wells 
   April 26, 2007 - 21:52

   Diego I understand you fully.Did you get a chance to attend the combine. Their was a player named Joe Funchielo or something like that he was amazing quick, smart and amazing skill. I thought he was a sure steal. I mean its still early in the season lets me what happens.

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