MIAMI, Fla.  (June 25, 2012) – The North American Soccer League has named Carolina RailHawks Goalkeeper Ray Burse Defensive Player of the Week for Week 13.  On Saturday night against FC Edmonton, Burse made three saves to earn his second consecutive shutout and third of the season.  This is Burse’s second Defensive Player of the Week award in 2012 after receiving the honor for a Week One shutout against defending NASL Champion Minnesota Stars in the NASL Champions Challenge.

“Ray has shown great composure along with the entire defense,” said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke. “In the second half we were forced to work hard defensively to preserve the shutout.  Ray’s organization and leadership, as well as his saves, were key in earning the victory and the shutout.”

Burse currently ranks third among all goalkeepers in saves with 45 saves on the year.  In his first season with the RailHawks, Burse has started all 13 NASL games for the RailHawks and has been a key factor in the teams turn around, only allowing three goals during the current five match unbeaten streak in league play.