News

BAYAMON, P.R. (April 21, 2012) – The Carolina RailHawks (0-3-1, 3 points) wrapped up the two-game road trip on Saturday with a 3-1 loss to league-rival Puerto Rico Islanders (3-1-0, 10 points). The match marked the return of Colin Clarke to Puerto Rico for the first time as the Head Coach of the RailHawks. Nicholas Addlery, Richard Martinez, and David Foley scored the Islanders’ goals. The Islanders had an own goal when a shot by Brian Shriver was deflected into the back of the net.

 The Islanders had a chance in the first minute following a free kick but Carolina GK Ray Burse made an impressive save. On the ensuing corner kick, Burse again cleared the danger. After good possessions by both teams the Islanders found the back of the net first. A handball inside the box by the RailHawks resulted in a penalty kick that the Islanders converted through Foley in the 27^th minute. Two minutes later the Islanders found the back of the net  again with a shot by Martinez following a counter attack by Faña. Martinez curled it to the far post, beating  Burse to put the Puerto Rico ahead 2-0.

 Following the quick goals by the Islanders the RailHawks went on the  attack trying to find a goal before the halftime whistle. Islanders’ goalkeeper, Richard Martin, deflected a low, hard shot by Brian Shriver for a corner kick. On the last play of the half, Martin stopped a header by Brian Ackley to send the game 2-0 into halftime.

 The RailHawks came out of the locker room pushing for an early second half goal and they found it in the 47^th minute. Shriver stole possession and took a shot which an Islander defender deflected past Burse for an own goal. In the 55^th minute the Islanders put the game away with a goal by Addlery assisted by Faña. The RailHawks continued their assault on the Islanders goal into the final minute of play, but were unable to break down a tough Islanders defense led by strong play of reigning NASL Defensive Player of the Week Richard Martin.