CARY, N.C. – Carolina RailHawks captain Mark Schulte was
named to the USL First Division Second Team, the league announced Tuesday.
“Soccer is such a team game, and we had a such a good team
this year, so it’s flattering to be honored,” said Schulte, who was the USL-2
Defender of the Year his previous two seasons in Cleveland. “It’s kind of
bittersweet because what matters is wining in the playoffs and we didn’t pull that
off. I’m really excited about the award, but my main concern is I would have
loved to bring a championship to the Triangle, and I’m sorry for our fans that
we were unable to do that. But I’m thankful, and praise the Lord for keeping me
healthy.”
Schulte played in 28 of the RailHawks’ 30 USL-1 matches and
logged a team-leading 2,500 minutes. He anchored the Carolina defense that
posted a league-best 17 shutouts and a 0.63 goals against average, which was
tied for the best mark in the USL-1.
Schulte also had one goal and one assist IN 2009. He scored
the season’s first goal – a 12th-minute cracker against Minnesota in
a 2-1 win on April 11 – and he assisted on Sallieu Bundu’s 69th-minute
goal against Austin on Aug. 1.
Schulte helped the RailHawks post club records for wins (16), points
(55), goals scored (43), goals allowed (19) and shutouts (17) and led them back
into the USL-1 postseason for the first time since 2007.
“Congratulations to him,” said Carolina coach Martin Rennie.
“He’s had a good season. He’s played more minutes than anyone else, and we’ve
defended well. We lost very few goals this year and played great defense as a
team. That’s been highlighted by him getting the award. It’s good for him and
good for the team to have players honored.”
The USL will announce the First Division First Team on Wednesday.
