Tiyi Shipalane Is Ready To Lead The RailHawks In 2016

Carolina RailHawks midfielder Tiyi Shipalane was an integral part of the RailHawks’ 2015 roster, leading the team with nine assists and amassing seven goals. Now, after re-signing with the RailHawks for the 2016 season, Shipalane is ready to bring a championship to WakeMed Soccer Park and the RailHawks community.

“I expect us to win the championship,” Shipalane said. “We need to go out there and make sure we get the job done, and I’m sure the club and the coaching staff will make sure we are equipped and well prepared to accomplish this.”

Shipalane proved to be one of the most electrifying and reliable players during the 2015 NASL season. Even though the RailHawks’ final record wasn’t what Shipalane desired, he believes the 2015 season has better prepared him to lead the team and push toward an NASL Championship. The midfielder enters his fifth consecutive season with the RailHawks and sixth overall. Shipalane started 27 of his 28 matches in the 2015 season, totaling 2,335 minutes played. He led the team and the NASL in assists and scored the second-most goals for the RailHawks. Shipalane’s explosive and tactical skillset exhilarated the RailHawks when the team needed a boost. Now, Shipalane is ready to use his spark to ignite the club and bring the Soccer Bowl trophy to Cary and new owner Steve Malik.

“Off the field and on the field the expectations are even higher, and that will mean winning and bringing a championship here,” Shipalane said. “With the new ownership we will be able to improve in many areas to become a force in this league. It’s a new beginning of great things to come.”