Carolina RailHawks Midfielder Ty Shipalane was named NASL Offensive Player of the Week the league announced Tuesday. Shipalane was honored for his performance on Sunday against the San Antonio Scorpions. Shipalane scored the game-winning goal in the 69th minute as well as his contributions the previous Wednesday in a 2-2 tie at Edmonton.  On Wednesday, the South African assisted Nick Zimmerman's opening goal of the game in the fifth minute.

Shipalane created trouble for the San Antonio defense with his speed and dribbling. He led the RailHawks with five shots on the night. The game winner came in the 69th minute after  Shipalane recieved a through ball from Floyd Franks. After recieving the pass, Shipalane took one touch and dribbled past Scoprions goalkeeper Darryl Sattler and finished the opportunity.

Shipalane has established himself as an explosive offensive threat in the 2012 season with four goals and five assists on the NASL season. All four goals have been game winning or game tying goals. He also scored the game-winning goal versus the MLS Champion LA Galaxy in the US Open Cup Third Round.

This is the first Offensive Player of the Week recognition for the RailHawks midfielder. Previously, the Railhawks have earned three Defensive Player of the Week recognitions. Goalkeeper Ray Burse earned the award twice and Akira Fitzgerald was named once. Fellow midfielder Mike Palacio earned an Offensive Player of the Week award following a two-goal and assist performance in a 3-3 draw against the Strikers.