PREVIEW | Rowdies Look To Get Back On Track Against RailHawks

The Carolina RailHawks host the Tampa Bay Rowdies at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, August 1, at 7:30 pm ET.

“We are coming back home after a tough result in Canada. Ottawa is a good team, and we’re just as talented. It’s disappointing, but we move forward.  We trained well this week and the players know what’s needed of them to get a win on Saturday against Tampa Bay,” RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke said. “We are very proud of our home record and we’re determined to get 3 points.”

This will be RailHawks defender Wes Knight’s last match with the RailHawks as he will retire after the game. Knight has started every match this season, logging 1350 minutes and has played a pivotal role for the RailHawks, who are fourth in the NASL fall season standings. Tampa Bay is eighth in the Fall Season Standings.

The RailHawks are coming off a heartbreaking 2-1 loss against Ottawa Fury FC in a road matchup. After Ottawa scored the first goal, the game got more challenging for the RailHawks. Midfielder Wells Thompson was shown his second yellow and subsequently ejected. Despite the man down, RailHawks striker Nacho Novo scored the equalizer in the 81st minute. However, the RailHawks were unable to earn a point on the road as Ottawa scored the game-winning goal in the sixth minute of extra time.

Tampa Bay lost its latest match at home, 3-1, to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Forward Maicon Santos converted the Rowdies only goal of the night.