Goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald Remains With The RailHawks

The Carolina RailHawks announced the re-signing of goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald on Tuesday. 

Fitzgerald started 21 matches for the RailHawks in 2015, amassing nearly 1,900 minutes, and also led the NASL in saves in 2015.

“Akira is a very important player for the RailHawks," RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke said. "He is a local goalkeeper with a long and important history with the team. Having reliable goalkeepers is key for any soccer team, and we are absolutely delighted to have Akira back for next season.” 

Fitzgerald first joined the RailHawks as a member of the RailHawks U-23 program before signing his first professional contract in July of 2011. During his four seasons with the RailHawks, he appeared in 48 matches, and logged 4,320 minutes.

Fitzgerald played his collegiate soccer at Wake Forest University, where he started 69 out of 71 matches and logged nearly 6,300 minutes with the Demon Deacons. He finished his collegiate career ranked third in school history in career goals against average (0.83), fourth in saves (237), third in save percentage (.803), and second in minutes played (6,296).

Fitzgerald joined MLS’s New York City FC on Dec. 11, 2014. The 27-year-old made two appearances for the club during its first ever preseason; he came on as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 win over St. Mirren on February 10th and started against the Houston Dynamo in the Carolina Challenge Cup on February 24th.