Railhawks vs Vancouver Whitecaps the New number 7

To say the least we were very disappointed that the games were canceled in Charleston. We so wanted to see the Crew v DC United match and the lineup. Word was out that both teams were going to field their starting XI. Oh well can't dwell on the past.


Early Sunday morning we pack our bags and head from Charleston to Raleigh to catch an extra game. Our good friend and supporter of our blog, Charlie Slagle of the radio show: Back of the Net on 99.9 The Fan ESPN and the triangle radio, informed us of this match and since we were already on the road, it was a must. We hit the road around 8:00 and headed out of Charleston.

We arrive in Cary, NC around 1pm and stop of at our new favorite Mexican restaurant, Tarascos.

Everyone had made the trip itching for a live match. This is our last chance for this road trip. After some good grub we head over to the stadium. We kick the ball around for a  bit and decide its time to head in. We walk through the supporters tailgate, but didn't get the same feeling as we did in Charleston so we kept walking. I think that at this point in time we are done tailgating and just want to finally see a live match again.

This single focus was unfortunate because once we get inside the stadium it is clear the Railhawks have a decent supporters section. There was plenty of singing and chanting. Hindsight we should have stopped, but this is a 25 match challenge and we will be back. We find our seats and meet up with Beth's cousin Lori, and are soon joined by Charlie, so we sit back to enjoy the game.

Vancouver was just coming back from their victory from The Disney Soccer Classic. Even though they won the tourney, we hear it was a bit disappoing for them.  Toronto FC fielded a very young squad to save themselves for the CONCACAF Champions League fixture vs LA. Most people expected a blow out for Vancouver, but it was only a 1-0 victory.

Nevertheless that was then and this is now. At kick off the Railhawks came out firing and pulled up a goal within the first six minutes. This was not that surprising since the Railhawks are a bit familiar with the Whitecaps. The coach and several players from Vancouver used to play for the Raihawks. Vancouver seemed to settle down defensively and gain back a little bit of control. They would eventually pull one back. This battle went on the entire game and was one of the more exciting ones of this trip. A personal highlight was Beth got to see a Chapel Hill High alum play, Tommy Drake. Tommy played at CHHS with Beth's sister, Katie Hadley.

The Railhawks pull ahead again, only to see Vancouver to tie it again in the 90th minute. In extra time neither team was able to put in the game winner. Now it was down to penalty kicks. Shawn's money was on the Railhawks because their keeper was fantastic. He was constantly coming up with huge saves in regulation and in extra time. Railhawks pull out the victory; well deserved. An exciting match with extra time to end this weekend's outing.