Carolina RailHawks Get First Win Under New Ownership, Topping Indy Eleven 3-1

Just hours after introducing new local owner Steve Malik, the Carolina RailHawks posted a convincing 3-1 victory over Indy Eleven on Fan Appreciation Night at WakeMed Soccer Park on Friday.

Playing in front of an energetic crowd of 6,272 fans, the RailHawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead almost immediately. Nacho Novo found the net in the 9th minute before the newly re-signed Tiyi Shipalane scored in the 16th minute. 

Indy Eleven pulled one back through Guatemalan international Marvin Ceballos midway through the first half, but that was all the visitors were able to generate in the attack.

With the excitement surrounding the club's new ownership palpable throughout the stadium, Carolina tacked on an insurance goal in the 86th minute when Spanish midfielder Alex Perez got on the end of a beautiful free kick from substitute midfielder Mark Anderson. 

The season-ending win was the cherry on top of a banner day for the RailHawks organization, which enters the offseason with exciting things to come under Malik. 

For a full match report and additional coverage on the club's ownership announcement from earlier today, visit carolinarailhawks.com.