CARY, NC- The Carolina RailHawks have announced the signings of defender Jordan Graye, midfielder Ciaran O’Brien, and goalkeeper Tim Murray for the 2013 season. Graye returns to the RailHawks after joining the squad for their end-of-season run into the 2012 NASL Playoffs.  O’Brien and Murray join the RailHawks from the Atlanta Silverbacks and New England Revolution, respectively, and will make their RailHawks debut on Sunday, February 24th in the 5th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Community Shield Match, against the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer.

Graye, a late season acquisition in 2012 by the RailHawks was added to the RailHawks defense and made an immediate impact. The improved defense was an important component of the RailHawks run to the NASL Semifinal before being knocked out by eventual champion, Tampa Bay Rowdies.  The Washington, D.C. native was drafted 55th overall in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United, following a successful career at the University of North Carolina. Graye played 20 games for United in 2010 before being traded to the Houston Dynamo for the 2011 season. 

O’Brien joins the RailHawks from regional rival Atlanta Silverbacks where he spent the last two seasons, recording 6 goals and 9 assists. The former 5th overall MLS SuperDraft pick of the Colorado Rapids, comes from a family rich in soccer tradition. His father, Fran O’Brien, was the first international player from the Republic of Ireland to be capped while playing in the United States.

Murray joins a RailHawks defense that allowed 46 goals in 2012, tied for highest in the NASL. As a goalkeeper for Providence College, Murray set numerous records including a personal record for the most shutouts (10), 201 saves, and led his team to back-to back NCAA tournament appearances in 2006 and 2007. In 2010, Murray signed with the New England Revolution. Murray’s stint with New England allowed him to learn from MLS legend Matt Reis. Murray will now have to put his training to the test as the RailHawks aim to bring the NASL Soccer Bowl to WakeMed Soccer Park and the Triangle. 

The Carolina RailHawks kickoff 2013 with a matchup against Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps in the 5th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match on Sunday, February 24th at 1:30PM.  RailHawks 2013 Season Tickets, including the Whitecaps 3-Pack, are available for purchase through the St. Lawrence Homes Box Office. To find out more about Sunday’s match and the remaining 2013 Season call 919-459-8144 or email tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com. Additional information on ticket packages is available at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com/STH. In November 2012, the Carolina RailHawks organization announced that it will donate 10% of its total ticket revenue for each of the 2013-2015 seasons back to the Triangle community.  The RailHawks donation will focus on supporting soccer-related programs that will help to further build and strengthen soccer in our area.