The Carolina RailHawks 2012 NASL Season came to an end on Saturday with a 3-3 tie against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The RailHawks took an early 2-0 lead with goals by Matt Luzunaris and Tiyi Shipalane before the Rowdies scored three unanswered goals. Shane Hill, Mike Ambersley and Luke Mulholland scored for the home team before Nick Zimmerman equalized the match 3-3. The Rowdies advanced to the NASL Finals with a 5-4 aggregate score.

The RailHawks were quick to get on the scoreboard. Following a shot by the Rowdies Luke Mullholland that hit the crossbar, the RailHawks set up a quick counter attack that was capped by a great finish by Luzunaris to give the RailHawks the 1-0 lead in the 14^th minute. Just 4 minutes later Shipalane had a great finish from the left side to find the side netting on the far post. The Rowdies cut down the lead when Hill converted a penalty kick in the 40^th minute making the score 2-1.

In the second half the Rowdies went on the offensive looking for goals and Ambersley equalized the match 2-2 in the 65^th minute. Mulholland would put the Rowdies ahead in the 84^th minute before Zimmerman scored in the 86^th for the RailHawks to finish the match 3-3. With the aggregate score 5-4 in favor of the Rowdies, the RailHawks end their playoff run.

The RailHawks were without center back Henry Kalungi who was unavailable for the match due to international duty with the Uganda National Team. 

The RailHawks will return for the 2013 NASL Season at the New WakeMed Soccer Park. Season Tickets for the 2013 season are on sale now. In order to guarantee your seat for all 2013 RailHawks home matches and to receive an invitation to the RailHawks Holiday Party sign up before October 29^th. For more information on 2013 RailHawks ticket packages, call the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or email tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

LINEUPS

CAR: GK Burse, D Shields, D Stockley, D Agbossoumonde, D Low (c), M Zimmerman, M Lowery (Palacio, 85), M Franks, M Shipalane, F Luzunaris (Ackley, 77), F Shriver (Garey, 69)

TBR: GK Attinella, D Sanfilippo, D Rodrigues, D Yamada (Scott, 40), D Arango, M Hill, M Savage, M Mulholland, M Campbell (Frimpong, 87), F Cort, F Amberseley

 GOALS

CAR:  Luzunaris (Franks), 14; Shipalane (Unassisted), 18; Zimmerman (Unassisted), 87;

TBR: Hill (Unassisted), 40; Ambersley (Mulholland), 65; Mulholland (Unassisted), 84;

CAUTIONS

CAR:  Agbossoumonde, 35;

TBR:  Mulholland, 90;

SHOTS

CAR: 16

TBR: 23

SAVES

CAR: 5

TBR: 7