RailHawks edge past Edmonton for soccer win

After a convincing shutout win Saturday, the Carolina RailHawks went from cellar dweller to playoff contender, making their midweek matchup with FC Edmonton more important.

Nacho Novo scored his 10th goal of the year to give the RailHawks a 2-1 victory and keep their season alive.

The RailHawks (8-11-8 ) carried over their solid run from the Jacksonville win, taking advantage of an out-of-place Eddies back line in the 10th minute.

On a quick throw-in, Austin da Luz found Nazmi Albadawi inside the 18-yard box. Albadawi weaved through two Edmonton (9-12-7) defenders before placing the shot into the bottom-right corner to give Carolina a 1-0 lead.

Albadawi injured his foot while scoring the goal. Kneeling near the sideline while Leo Osaki warmed up, Albadawi sprinted onto the field despite protests from his coaches, going down to the turf again.

“Always last off the training ground, he always wants to be playing,” RailHawks coach Colin Clarke said. “It said a lot about his character.”

In first-half stoppage time, Edmonton tied the score on Dylan Fordyce’s penalty kick.

In the 61st minute, the RailHawks received a blessing when Edmonton’s Albert Watson picked up his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Tiyi Shipalane, putting Carolina a man up for the final half hour of play.

After having a free kick blocked and being denied by the crossbar, the third time was the charm when Novo found the back of the net in the 82nd minute, sliding the ball past a charging Matt VanOekel.

“As always, I try to make a move and make options for my teammates,” Novo said. “(da Luz) found me and I made one touch.”

Turning point

Novo’s entrance into the match in the 57th minute brought a spark to the sputtering RailHawks attack.

They said it

“These last two games have been fun,” Clarke said. “I’m happy for everyone.”

Three who mattered

Novo, Carolina: Novo made the most of his 33 minutes on the field.

“He was disappointed he didn’t start the game,” Clarke said. “But he goes on and gets the winning goal, that’s what he’s all about.”

Albadawi, Carolina: Despite playing only 14 minutes, Albadawi’s exit left the Carolina offense kaput until Novo entered.

Alex Perez, Carolina: The European import continued to impress, stalling the Edmonton attacks and showing delicate touch on the offensive end.

By the numbers

3: Goals scored by Albadawi in his last 59 minutes on the pitch. Also how many points Carolina trails Tampa Bay for the final playoff spot.

2: Assists from da Luz.

This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 11:40 PM with the headline "RailHawks edge past Edmonton for soccer win."