Cary, N.C. – The Carolina RailHawks will play Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer on Sunday, March 4th at WakeMed Soccer Park.  The match will open the RailHawks 2012 preseason and marks the return of former head coach Martin Rennie.

 

Rennie returns to face his former club after joining Vancouver at the conclusion of the RailHawks’ 2011 season.  Rennie joined the RailHawks prior to the 2009 season and led the RailHawks to three of their most successful seasons in the club’s five year history, culminating with the 2011 NASL Regular Season Championship.  During Rennie’s tenure, the RailHawks frequently rewrote the club’s record books, including wins in a season (18) and recorded a plus-60 goal deferential over his three seasons.        

 

“It is very exciting to have the opportunity to return to Carolina so soon after winning the NASL Regular Season Championship with the RailHawks,” said Rennie.  “The game against the RailHawks will be the Whitecaps final preparation before the start of the MLS season and we know that we will receive a very competitive game that will help us prepare for a very important season.”

 

This will be the RailHawks’ seventh match against MLS competition, recording three wins and three loses in their first six matches in exhibition and US Open Cup competition.  Vancouver is a familiar foe of the RailHawks as a former league rival from the 2006 to 2010 seasons.  Carolina holds a 2-7-3 win, tie, loss record against Vancouver in all league competition.    

 

“Hosting a high profile Major League Soccer exhibition against Martin Rennie and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC is the perfect way to begin our 2012 season,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson.  “We want to test ourselves against MLS on the field and continue to showcase our fans, WakeMed Soccer Park, and the new RailHawks organization to soccer fans throughout North America.”

 

Tickets for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Exhibition will go on sale today with the unveiling of the RailHawks Holiday Packages.  The Holiday Packs start at $59 and can include tickets to the Vancouver match and the brand new RailHawks fleece jacket. All 2012 Season Ticket Holders receive a ticket to the exhibition as part of their package for a limited time.  Individual tickets for Vancouver Whitecaps FC MLS match will go on sale at a future date.  For full details on the RailHawks Holiday Packages or to order call the Cruizers box office at 919.459.8144 or click here.  Give the gift of soccer this holiday season.