On Saturday April 7^th, 2012 the RailHawks will face off against defending NASL Champions, Minnesota Stars, in Minnesota to open the 2012 NASL season. With the preseason complete, here are a few things fans can expect for the upcoming season.

New coach, new challenges

With the departure of Martin Rennie, the RailHawks brought Colin Clarke to rebuild the team and capture the first championship. With the team being a part of the US Open Cup, Clarke has made it clear that he will pursue both the regular season and Open Cup with the objective is to win both. Clarke returns a solid foundation of players from the RailHawks record-breaking 2011-team as well key player additions coming from Major League Soccer and NASL teams. The coach has worked from day one instilling a strong sense of team with strong veteran leadership to guide a roster that has an average age of 26 years old. The roster also includes strong local ties to the Triangle area.

High-powered offense

In all the preseason games the RailHawks were able to generate plenty of scoring opportunities. Most of the chances came from the speed and precision of midfielders Nick Zimmerman and Mike Palacio, along with the constant movement and pressure applied by forwards, Brian Shriver, Jason Garey, and Brian Ackley. Also, players such as Amir Lowery, Austin Da Luz, Ty Shipalane, Cory Elenio, and Breiner Ortiz have shown their offensive prowess throughout the preseason, showing that goals will be coming from positions all over the field.

Defensive youth and experience

Defensively the RailHawks were able to secure the return of high-performing veterans such as team captain Kupono Low, Greg Shields, Amir Lowery, Chris Nurse, and John Krause. The addition of Sam Stockley brings enormous experience and leadership after having played professionally for 16 years in Europe. During preseason, a youthful group led by center back Austen King and right back Justin Willis was blended in with the veteran defenders.  Costa Rican James Scott proved his value as a physical presence in the central of the defense that makes this a well versed group of defenders.

The young US international, Gale Agbossoumonde, a player regarded as one of the most promising in the country, will surely leave his mark in Carolina once he recovers from a toe injury and returns to the field. With all the players competing for the starting spots, coach Clarke will have a high-caliber defense with enough depth for long runs into the NASL playoffs and US Open Cup.

Strong competition in goal

The team has 3 extremely talented goalkeepers in Ray Burse, Akira Fitzgerald, and Nic Platter.  Platter has a dual role as a player and the club’s goalkeeping coach. Burse joins the RailHawks from league-rival Puerto Rico, where he played under Clarke. A 5-year MLS veteran Burse was originally drafted by Clarke in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft as head coach of FC Dallas.  Making his RailHawks debut, Fitzgerald had an impressive showing against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC of MLS, stopping the game deciding penalty in the penalty kick shootout. Fitzgerald showed great command of his defense and his impressive shot stopping ability. Platter, a highly accomplished second-division goalkeeper brings a wealth of experience at the position preparing the goalkeepers. A former RailHawks keeper, Platter has shown that he can be ready when needed and is always prepared. The depth in the position gives Clarke options and creates an environment where each will be constantly improving.

State of the organization

The RailHawks organization has continued it ascend with the positive changes that began in early 2011.  The club has signed a record number of partnerships with local soccer clubs and facilities, including many new sponsors joining for the 2012 NASL season in addition to the club’s strong partnerships with WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Eurosport and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. WakeMed Soccer Park is also undergoing a $6 million renovation improvement project that will increase the stadium’s capacity, add new team amenities, and other enhancements that will greatly improve every fan’s game day experience.

The RailHawks open their 2012 NASL season on the road visiting the defending champions, Minnesota, on April 7^th. The game will be broadcasted live at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com. The 2012 Home Opener takes place on April 14^th when the Atlanta Silverbacks come to face the RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park.  The match will kickoff at 7pm. Tickets for the match, as well as season tickets, are available online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com or at the Cruizers Box office. For information or to purchase, call 919-459-8144 or by email at Tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.