U.S. U-23 International to continue rehab in North Carolina
Gale Agbossoumonde, the RailHawks newly acquired central defender, will miss the February U.S. Under-23 men’s national team camp due to a toe injury. The injury occurred during a training session with the Under-23’s and Agbossoumonde has been rehabbing the injury with Carolina’s medical staff in preparation for the 2012 North American Soccer League season. Agbossoumonde joined the RailHawks on a season long loan from Estoril Praia of Portugal.
Under-23 men’s national team coach Caleb Porter has called in a 23-man roster that will take part in a 10-day camp that will conclude with a friendly match against Mexico’s U-23 men’s team on February 29 at FC Dallas Stadium. The camp is a precursor to Olympic qualifying that will take place next month. After receiving an invitation to attend the 10-day camp, Agbossoumonde and both coaching staffs determined the best course of action would be for Gale to continue his rehab in North Carolina.
“It is unfortunate that I am unable to attend the February camp with my fellow U-23 teammates, but I know the best thing for me is to continue my rehab with the RailHawks,” said Agbossoumonde. “This is not a step back, but a progression as I continue to rehab in preparation for the RailHawks season and hopefully the London Olympics.”
Agbossoumonde has been considered one of the top young players in American soccer. Known not only for his imposing size, but as much for his soft touch and sharp passing, Agbossoumonde has a wealth of experience at the international level, leading the U.S. U-20 national team to a first-place finish in the 2010 Milk Cup.
“Gale has been hard at work preparing for the RailHawks upcoming season,” said RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke. “He has been working diligently with our team doctors and he is going to play a big part in the RailHawks achieving our goals this year. If Gale can play at the level I know he is capable of then he won’t have any trouble impressing the Olympic team coaching staff.”
The RailHawks open preseason training on Monday, February 20th in preparation for an exhibition against Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer on March 4th at WakeMed Soccer Park. Following the match against Vancouver, the RailHawks will have a month of preparation before traveling to Minnesota to open the 2012 NASL season and will then return to WakeMed Soccer Park on April 14th to face off against league rival, Atlanta Silverbacks, in their home opener. For more information on the Carolina RailHawks visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com or call the Cruizers Box Office at WakeMed Soccer Park at 919-459-8144.
