Cary, NC (March 7, 2011) - The Carolina RailHawks highlighted their first week of preseason training with a 2-0 victory over the Wake Forest men’s soccer team on Friday night.  The RailHawks will continue their preparation for the 2011 NASL season with training sessions during the week and an exhibition match against UNC Wilmington men’s soccer team on March 9th at WakeMed Soccer Park.  Martin Rennie enters into his third season as Head Coach of the RailHawks and will return with a core of players from the 2010 NASL Conference Championship team.   

Leading the team on the field in 2011 will be team captain Brad Rusin, who begins his third year with the RailHawks after a successful career at UCLA.  Joining Rusin on the field will be returning defender Devon McKenney and midfielders Cory Elenio, Floyd Franks, and Matt Watson.  Defender Kupono Low will be returning for his fifth season with the RailHawks and will look to add to his club record of 103 appearances.  Midfielder Jonny Steele, a member of the 2007 RailHawks team, will be returning for the 2011 season.

The RailHawks have signed a group of new players for the 2011 season that will bring a wealth of international experience and domestic experience to the club.  New signing Kithson Bain highlights the new additions to the 2011 roster.  Bain has established his place with the Grenada National Team scoring 15 goals in 33 caps and will join the RailHawks after time with Tranmere Rovers of England’s League One.  Additions to the roster for 2011 will also include Bermuda Men’s National Team and Former New England Revolution player Khano Smith and Scottish International and former Newcastle player Stephen Glass.  New signings Chris Nurse, John Krause, and Brian Farber bring experience competing against the RailHawks with the Rochester Rhinos, Puerto Rico Islanders, and Portland Timbers, respectively.

Per Club policy, no details of player agreements are disclosed.  Additional player signings will continue to be announced throughout the preseason leading up to the RailHawks home and season opener against the Puerto Rico Islanders on April 9th at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00PM.

The RailHawks home preseason schedule will be highlighted with matches against regional rivals, Charleston Battery on March 19th and Wilmington Hammerheads on April 2nd.  All home matches will take place at WakeMed Soccer Park and will be free admission for all spectators.

The RailHawks will begin their campaign for the 2011 NASL Championship on April 9th as they host league rival Puerto Rico Islanders at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:00PM.  RailHawks ticket packages and individual game tickets are on sale now.  To purchase tickets and for additional ticket and schedule information call 919-859-KICK (5425) or visit www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.