News

MIAMI, Fla. (July 9, 2012)- Following Saturday’s late game heroics in which the RailHawks (5-6-5, 21 pts.) scored two goals in the final minutes to earn a 3-3 draw against the Strikers (5-5-6, 20 pts.), RailHawks' midfielder Mike Palacio has earned NASL Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance. Palacio scored two goals against his former club and provided the assist for Ty Shipalane’s stoppage time equalizer. 

The RailHawks jumped to an early lead when Palacio collected a shot off the post and placed the ball into an open net in the 13^th minute. The Strikers stunned the fans at WakeMed Soccer Park with three unanswered goals to lead 3-1.  In the 87^th minute, Palacio skillfully dribbled through a pair of defenders and ripped a shot into the far post side netting. With time winding down and Carolina still down a goal, Palacio would play a key role in the equalizer in the final seconds of added time. His cross found Shipalane, unmarked at the back post, who proceeded to slot the ball between Matt Glaeser's legs to tie the match at 3-3.

Palacio has appeared in 14 matches for the RailHawks this season, making ten starts. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in his first season with the RailHawks. This is the first Offensive Player of the Week recognition for Palacio and the first offensive recognition for a RailHawks player in 2012. Goalkeeper Ray Burse has been named Defensive Player of the Week twice this season.