The Carolina RailHawks and Minnesota Stars opened the 2012 NASL with a 0-0 tie in the Champions Challenge. The RailHawks are the 2011 Regular Season Champions and the Stars are the 2011 NASL Champions. For the special occasion, the Stars moved from their usual home in the National Sports Center to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

“We defended very well, Ray Burse had a good game. Having a clean sheet on the road is not an easy task for the defense and the goalkeeper. Going forward we weren’t good enough with the ball, we will work on that this week,” said Head Coach Colin Clarke. “We had our chances and we didn’t take advantage of them. It was positive result; we got a point and a clean sheet. Now we shift our attention to the home opener.”

Ray Burse, the RailHawks goalkeeper, had a great night was able to prevent the defending NASL champions from scoring. Burse finished the match with 8 saves as well as several other breakups to stop Minnesota’s attacks.

In the first half the RailHawks were surprised by two shots in the 10^th and 11^th minute, the second of which hit the post. The Stars, who had a record-breaking attendance of 8,693, tried to attack the goal from all sides, with crosses, long distance shots, and shots in the box, but Burse and the RailHawks defense stayed strong while earning the shutout.

Minnesota was given a penalty kick in the 70^th minute when midfielder Rodriguez fell in Carolina’s box after contact. Hlavaty sailed the ball high over Burse’s goal. The RailHawks tried to surprise Minnesota with speed, especially with Shriver and Zimmerman, but they couldn’t connect the finishing touches.

Like most of the matches between the two, goals were very hard to come by for either team. In the end, the RailHawks were able to bring a valuable point back from a difficult road trip.

The Carolina RailHawks will face the Atlanta Silverbacks on April 14^th at 7 PM for the 2012 NASL Home Opener at WakeMed Soccer Park. For tickets, season tickets, and other information please visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.comor contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

LINEUPS

CAR: GK Ray Burse, D Sam Stockley, D John Krause, D Austen King, D Kupono Low (c), M Nick Zimmerman, M Amir Lowery, M Cory Elenio (Chris Nurse, 65), M Mike Palacio (Ty Shipalane, 89), F Brian Shriver, F Jason Garey (Brian Ackley, 78)

MIN: GK Matt Van Oekel, D Justin Davis, D Cristiano Días, D Brian Kallman, D Kyle Altman (c), M Neil Hlavaty, M Kentaro Takada, M Miguel Ibarra, M Lucas Rodriguez (Martin Nunez, 81), F Simone Bracalello, F Amani Walker (Devin Del Do, 86)

CAUTIONS

CAR: Chris Nurse, 67;

MIN: Kentaro Takada, 73;

SHOTS

CAR: 2

MIN: 22

SAVES

CAR: 8

MIN: 1