Before Saturday night’s regular-season finale at WakeMed Soccer Park, the RailHawks handed out their 2011 Team Awards in a pre-match ceremony.

Etienne Barbara was voted by his teammates as the RailHawks’ Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player. Barbara scored an NASL-leading 20 goals and his eight assists tied him with teammate Jonny Steele for tops on the NASL. By season’s end, Barbara became the owner of six club records: most goals in a season, most assists in a season, most points in a season (48), most shots in a season (76), most goals in a career (28) and most points in a career (67).

Goalkeeper Brad Knighton was named the RailHawks’ Defender of the Year. Knighton played every minute of the season in the RailHawks’ goal and is the only player to have appeared in every match this season. With a record of 17-3-8, he has 113 saves and posted eight shutouts and a 0.93 goals against average. His 17 wins and 113 saves are both single-season club records.

Captain Kupono Low received the Team Leadership Award. Low, in his fifth season with the RailHawks, became team captain in mid-July. He leads all RailHawks field players in minutes played this season (2,300) and he’s one of four players to have appeared in at least 25 matches. A rock at left back, he’s anchored the NASL’s leading defense all season.  

The WakeMed Health and Hospitals Unsung Hero Award went to midfielder Matt Watson. Watson, in his fourth season with the RailHawks, appeared in 24 matches this season and logged 2,031 minutes. He had three goals and two assists to his credit.

For the Fan Favorite Award, the RailHawks partnered with Triangle Soccer Fanatics to present the honor to forward Pablo Campos. Campos was second in the NASL with 12 goals this season. He appeared in 25 matches and logged 1,907 minutes in his first season with the RailHawks.

Finally, goalkeeper Sean O’Connor, midfielder Brian Farber and midfielder Nick Zimmerman were the recipients of the Summit Award, presented by Summit Hospitality. Summit Hospitality recognized the trio for their community service efforts during the course of the 2011 season. Each received a guest suite for two nights at the Homewood Suites Pinehurst, two rounds of golf at the Legacy Golf Course and Whispering Pines, lunch for two at Thai Basil and Dugan’s, and dinner for two a Nina’s and The Barn.