Following Saturday’s late game heroics in which the RailHawks (5-6-5, 21 pts.) scored two goals in the final minutes to earn a 3-3 draw against the Strikers (5-5-6, 20 pts.), Mike Palacio has earned Offensive Player of the Week honors in the NASL for his performance against his former club. Palacio scored two goals and provided the assist for Ty Shipalane’s stoppage time equalizer.

The RailHawks jumped to an early 1-0 lead when Palacio collected a shot off the post and placed it in an open net in the 13th minute. The Strikers stunned the fans at WakeMed Soccer Park with three unanswered goals to lead 3-1.  In the 87th minute, Palacio skillfully dribbled through a pair of defenders and ripped a shot into the far post side netting. With time winding down and Carolina still down a goal; Palacio would play a key role in the equalizer in the final seconds of added time. A Palacio cross found an unmarked Shipalane who proceeded to score and tie the match at 3-3.

Palacio has appeared in 14 matches this season starting 10 of them. He has scored 3 goals and also provided 2 assists in his first season with the RailHawks. This is his first Offensive Player of the Week recognition for Palacio and the first Offensive recognition for a RailHawks player in 2012. Goalkeeper Ray Burse has been named Defensive Player of the Week twice this season.

The RailHawks have a two-week hiatus in league play and will return to NASL action on Saturday, July 21st against the Minnesota Stars. Prior to the game fans can participate in the Inaugural Pregame Pig Pickin’ Festival. Entry to the festival will be $10 and include live music, barbeque, and beer. Tickets for the match can be purchased online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com. For more information about tickets to the match and entry bracelets for the festival contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.