The Carolina RailHawks announced the return of midfielder Amir Lowery for the 2012 NASL season. Lowery joined the Montreal Impact in their final season prior to joining Major League Soccer, after spending two seasons with the RailHawks from 2009 – 2010. In those two seasons, Lowery appeared in 54 regular season and playoff matches.

Lowery’s time with the RailHawks included a number of milestones for the organization. In 2009, the club broke numerous season records including an astonishing 0.63 goals allowed per game average.  That same season the RailHawks finished second in the league 16 wins, 7 ties, and 7 losses. The 2010 season saw the club finish atop the NASL Conference and reach the finals before eventually losing to Puerto Rico Islanders coached by now RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke.

“Amir is a very powerful defensive player who can control the midfield,” said RailHawks President, Curt Johnson. “He is an experienced professional and knows the league.  We are happy to welcome him back.”

Prior to joining the RailHawks, Lowery was drafted 45^th overall in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids.  In his three seasons in Major League Soccer, Lowery also spent time with the San Jose Earthquakes and Kansas City Wizards.  Lowery played four seasons at ACC power Wake Forest University where he appeared in 74 matches and started 62 consecutive matches for the Demon Deacons.

Lowery and his RailHawks teammates face off against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday, March 4 at 3:00 pm in the 4^th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match. Individual tickets can be purchased for the Community Shield Match by visiting www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.  For more information on RailHawks tickets and game details call the Cruizers box office at (919) 459-8144 or e-mail tickets@carolinarailhawks.com.