The Carolina RailHawks (8W-7T-7L, 31 pts) defeated the Silverbacks (4W-7L-12T, 19 pts.) in Atlanta 1-0 with a goal by forward Brian Ackley. Akira Fitzgerald in his second NASL start earned the shutout. The RailHawks have won two consecutive matches as teams are fighting for playoff position.

“We are coming back with three valuable points from Atlanta,” said Head Coach Colin Clarke. “It was our second consecutive win which helps boost morale and continue to build momentum as we close the season.”

In the first half the RailHawks tried to attack through ball movement while Atlanta used the speed of their forwards to counter attack.  The RailHawks had a pair of dangerous free kicks in their favor but were unable to capitalize on the chances. The teams entered halftime scoreless.

The RailHawks started the second half on the attack, putting pressure on the Silverbacks defense. The pressure paid off in the 66^th minute when Ackley intercepted a poor header and took a shot from 25 yards out that found the back of the net. The RailHawks had opportunities to extend the lead, but Silverbacks goalkeeper, Daniel Illyes, was able to prevent other goals.

Gale Agbossoumonde and Amir Lowery were shown their fifth yellow cards of the season and will have to sit out the match against the Islanders next weekend.

The RailHawks will again be on the road on September 1^st when they will travel to Puerto Rico to take on the Islanders. The match will be shown live at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/live. The match will kickoff at 7:30 PM. The RailHawks will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, September 8^th at 7:00 PM when they take on the San Antonio Scorpions. Tickets for the match are available online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com. For information about upcoming games and events, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.

LINEUPS

CAR: GK Fitzgerald, D Shields, D Stockley, D Agbossoumonde, D Low, M Lowery, M Franks, M Zimmerman, M Elenio (Shriver, 75), F Ackley (Garey, 78), F Schilawski (Palacio, 87)

ATL: GK Illyes, D Klute, D Lancaster, D Navarro, D Burciaga (Barrera, 66), M McManus, M Paulo, M Blanco (Willis, 76), M Carr, F James (Navia, 79), F Horth

GOALS

CAR: Ackley (Unassisted), 66;

ATL:

CAUTIONS

CAR: Agbossoumonde, 29; Lowery, 56; Franks, 80;

ATL: Burciaga, 19; Navarro, 27;

SHOTS

CAR: 7

ATL: 14

SAVES

CAR: 3

ATL: 2

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS