U.S. Soccer has announced the pairings for the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.  Defending MLS Champion, LA Galaxy, have been drawn into the RailHawks bracket.  The RailHawks will host PSA Elite on May 22nd at 7:00pm at WakeMed Soccer Park to determine the Galaxy’s opponent in the third round.  A RailHawks victory would bring the Galaxy and their star-studded cast to WakeMed Soccer Park on Tuesday, May 29th.

PSA Elite, an amateur team based in Irvine, California, defeated the Portland Timbers U23s in Portland Tuesday night 3-1. Former Chicago Fire player, Davis Paul notched two goals to lead PSA Elite to their first ever U.S. Open Cup victory and a second round matchup against the RailHawks.

“PSA Elite played a good match in Portland. They have a talented team with players that have played professionally for years at all levels of competition, from USL to MLS,” said Head Coach Colin Clarke, who travelled to Portland to scout the teams. “Tuesday’s match will be exciting and we hope our fans come and cheer us to a victory.”

The L.A. Galaxy boasts a lineup that includes soccer super-stars Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane, and David Beckham.  A spectacular 2011 saw the Galaxy capture the MLS’ Supporters Shield and the 2011 MLS Cup.  The Galaxy currently sits in seventh-place in the western conference after a slow start in 2012.

All U.S. Open Cup matches are included in the 2012 RailHawks Season Ticket Package.

The RailHawks will host league-rival Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday, May 19th before opening U.S. Open Cup play on Tuesday, May 22nd against PSA Elite. Kickoff for both matches is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Tickets for the matches are on sale at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com or can be purchased by contacting the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144.