The RailHawks U-23’s head to Chicago to defend their 2011 Men’s U23 National Cup Title. The U-23’s will look to repeat its success after winning the National Cup Title last year in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This year’s tournament will be played at the MLS’ Chicago Fire’s Toyota Park.  On Friday, July 20^th the RailHawks U-23’s will face the Croatian Eagles, the Regions II champions from Wisconsin, in the National Cup Semifinals.  Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 3:00pm.

The U-23’s earned their trip to Nationals with a dominating performance on its way to a second consecutive Region III Championship on June 22-24, winning the tournament with a plus-24 goal and shutouts in all four games.  In the other National Cup semifinal matchup on Friday, Real Caribe, the Region I champions from New York, will take on South Sound FC, the Region IV champions from Washington.

Head Coach Dewan Bader will lead his squad to Chicago hoping to continue its success on the score sheet while also emphasizing player development. Made up mostly of area college soccer players, the U-23 program creates a professional atmosphere in training and games that provides a crucial rung in the development ladder for soccer players in triangle.

“We’ve achieved our first goal in advancing to the National Cup and now we have the opportunity to fulfill our ultimate goal of winning another national championship,” said Bader. “It’s great to have the success, but our objective is to develop player and giving these player’s the experience of competing in a highly competitive tournament will only continue their development.”

The RailHawks U-23’s are sponsored by JRW Associates (www.jrwassoc.com), a United Benefit Advisors firm that covers over 10 million members. For more information on the RailHawks organization and the U-23 program visit CarolinaRailHawks.com, or (919) 859-KICK (5425).