News

Seven days into the 2013 preseason, the Carolina RailHawks dropped their preseason opener to the Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 Sunday afternoon in the 5th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match at the New WakeMed Soccer Park.  Vancouver midfielder Camillo Sanvezzo scored all three goals for the visiting Whitecaps, starting his hat-trick with a converted penalty kick in the 9th minute.

“We showed a lot of positives today even though the score didn’t reflect it,” said RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke.  “They looked like a team ready to start their season and played well.  We were able to keep the ball and move it well so there are things we can improve upon only one week into camp.”

RailHawks forward Brian Shriver nearly grabbed one back for the RailHawks in 20th minute. His right-footed blast was saved by Vancouver goalkeeper and former RailHawk, Brad Knighton.  Sanvezzo doubled the lead in the 34th minute, when he carried the ball through the middle and unleashed a looping, left-footed strike to the far post, just over the outstretched arm of RailHawks goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald.

Sanvezzo finished off his hat trick just after halftime, tipping in a pass from Greg Klazura in the 49th minute.  Brian Ackley nearly snatched a goal for the RailHawks in the 84th minute, but glancing header went inches wide.

It was the second straight season the two teams met in the 5th annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match with the RailHawks taking the 2012 edition with a penalty kick victory.

Former RailHawks Knighton, Matt Watson and Jun Davidson all returned and saw time for the Whitecaps, who are coached by former RailHawks manager Martin Rennie.

The RailHawks are a week into their preseason, while Sunday’s match marked the end of the Whitecaps’ as they are set to kick off the MLS Regular Season next weekend. The RailHawks return to the training ground in preparation for their International Friendly on March 20th against Mexican giant Pumas UNAM at the New WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets for the match will go on-sale Tuesday, February 26th and can be purchased online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com or by visiting the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office at WakeMed Soccer Park.  For more information regarding the match versus Pumas UNAM, e-mail tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com or call 919-459-8144.