Home, sweet home for the Railhawks

Carolina wins home opener

CARY -- The orange jerseys of the Carolina RailHawks popped against the backdrop of the deep green grass at WakeMed Stadium on Saturday, creating a colorful scene for Triangle fans taking a first look at their United Soccer League First Division professional soccer team.

And the RailHawks, returning for their second season in the region, rewarded the crowd of 5,102 with many moments as bright as their jerseys, holding on for a 1-0 victory over the Charleston Battery in their home opener.

It was a victory RailHawks coach Scott Schweitzer said his team would not have secured last season, where in the closing minutes, when the score was close, the team found ways to squander leads.

"This year, we closed it out," he said. "It's a big accomplishment for our boys."

Moments after the RailHawks (1-0-1) ended the game, after four additional minutes were whittled away, fireworks filled the sky above WakeMed Soccer Park.

There were hugs all around for what appeared to be a stronger team replacing last year's squad, which ranked near the bottom of the league in goals scored per game, finished with a record of 8-12-8 and were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by eventual champion Seattle.

"We didn't score goals last year," RailHawks president and general manager Chris Economides said. "We're in the entertainment business. We've got to play a more attacking style of soccer. We're doing that this year. The goals will come."

The team awaits speedy forward Matthew Watson from his Baltimore indoor league, yet still showed flashes of the offensive potency coaches were seeking.

RailHawks forward Connally Edozien, who led the team with seven goals last season, scored the game's only goal in the 32nd minute. He delivered from 10 yards out off a pass in the box from Kupono Low.

Edozien said the improved lineup has stirred competition and should bode well for the season. In the team's first game against the Atlanta Silverbacks, he missed. He feared failing again on Saturday.

"When you have good players coming in, playing the same position as you, there is more pressure," he said. "There is more pressure to make the starting 11. There is more pressure to prove that you're still worth what you are."

The Battery added pressure of its own Saturday, ripping four shots against the RailHawks' defense and goalkeeper Chris McClellan (one save).