Carolina Railhawks vs San Antonio Scorpions

I entered the park an hour early to prepare myself for Saturday night's game, I can see that the improvements to WakeMed Park are underway and quite possibly MLS expansion in the next few years.

As for the game is concerned, San Antonio ran out with a 1-0 victory over the Railhawks. A Kevin Harmse goal was the difference between the two squads, the former MLS midfielder stormed through the middle of the defense, gave a one-two pass with Esteban Bayona and Harmse finished past Ray Burse.

Carolina Railhawks:

Christopher Nurse: A big and strong center midfielder who has decent vision. He likes to change the point of attack with a long ball to switch fields. Sometimes he plays too many long balls, especially when a shorter pass would be preferable. Doesn't mind dribbling by multiple players to create plays for his team, at the same time he gets caught on the ball too long at times. Okay technically and decent ball control. Tries to be a box-to-box midfielder but doesn't create enough chances for his forwards.

Ty Shipalane: Fast winger who came on the pitch in the 41th minute as a sub for Mike Palacio. Stays out wide and likes to get around the corner to cross into the box. Has the ability to get around defenders with speed and skill, however his crossing ability was inconsistent.


San Antonio Scorpions:

Blake Wagner- Capable left-back that has very good ball control, he trapped down a couple of high clearances under heavy pressure. Always composed and able to retain possession and find the correct pass. Doesn't over-lap often, only did so a handful of times. For the most part, Wagner stays across the back four and keeps his defensive shape well. Average height and okay 1v1 defender, dealt with Shipalane's pace well enough.

Walter Ramirez: Walter has quick and tricky feet; He is very fearless in the way he goes at defenders. Average size, not very strong physically, Pacy player that gave Railhawk defenders fits. Left-footed player, not the greatest passer, his crossing was decent. Pretty effective during the 1st half, he disappeared towards the end of the game.

Pablo Campos: Tall striker who is slow and at times lazy. Had a great opportunity to score in the first half but blew the breakaway, didn't even get a shot on goal. He was lazy in the game I watched in Atlanta, in this game he was much more active. His channel running was better, always like to try to run on the last defenders shoulder. Towards the end of the 2nd half, he faded and wasn't involved a lot in the play. Okay on the ball, not quick enough to go around players but he is big enough not to be muscled off easily.