CARY, N.C. – The Carolina RailHawks announced today the return of midfielder Nick Zimmerman.  In Zimmerman, the RailHawks return a member of the NASL Regular Season Champions’ starting lineup and the third leading goal scorer.  Zimmerman returns to WakeMed Soccer Park with one goal in mind: win the 2012 NASL Championship.

“The addition of Colin (Clarke) makes the future very exciting and I can’t wait to build on last year’s performance as we set out to win the NASL Championship,” said Zimmerman.  “Carolina is a tremendous organization and the fans in Carolina are very knowledgeable soccer fans.  I am fortunate to have the opportunity to play and continue to develop with the RailHawks.”

In 2011, Zimmerman appeared in 28 matches, starting 24, and was one of five RailHawks’ field players to surpass 2,000 minutes played during the regular season with 2,020 minutes played.  Zimmerman tallied six goals, one assist, and eleven points in 2011, ranking third on the team in goals scored and points.  A native of Tampa, Florida, Zimmerman joined the RailHawks in April 2011 after stints with the New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer.  Zimmerman was a recipient of the 2011 Summit Hospitality Community Service Award for his hard work and commitment towards the RailHawks’ community efforts.

“Nick was a very important piece in the club’s success in 2011 and he was someone we wanted to make sure would be returning to the RailHawks,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson.  “His commitment to the organization extended beyond the field and into the community.  Nick is a talented player that will continue to develop and look forward to seeing him back on the field in 2012.”

Zimmerman joins defenders Kupono Low and Cory Miller, and Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald on the RailHawks roster for the 2012 NASL Season.  More player announcements will be forthcoming in the following weeks.  The 2012 RailHawks will first take the field at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, March 4^th in an exhibition match against MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC led by former RailHawks head coach Martin Rennie.  Tickets to the Vancouver exhibition and the RailHawks NASL home operner on April 14^th can be purchased by ordering your 2012 Season Ticket or RailHawks Holiday Pack.  For more information on RailHawks tickets and game information call the Cruizers box office at 919-459-8144 or e-mail tickets@carolinarailhawks.com.