End of Year Celebration at the RailHawks Game

The Challenge and Recreation teams closed their fall seasons this past Saturday with CASL friends, family and fun at the RailHawks game.

Players in the Fan Tunnel

Many players first had the opportunity to rev up the RailHawks in the fan tunnel before the game. Swoops – the Carolina RailHawks beloved mascot – also made an appearance on the field to mingle with the fan tunnel and get them ready for the player walk-out.

Kids were then dismissed to watch the chilly first half as the RailHawks took on the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The game got off to a slow start, as neither team created any quality chances.

Half-time activity amped up the spectators as CASL athletes took to the pitch for a quick-paced and fun relay race around the field. Kids of all ages were jumbled into four teams of six and assigned a jersey color (red, white, orange or black) which acted as batons.

Each relay teammate was set up at either a corner flag or the half-field line for their baton pass until the last runner arrived back at the starting line. The red team edged out all other competitors in the last leg of the relay in a photo finish with the white team.

The race took all of two minutes, props to the CASL lightning-fast sprinters who showed up for the half-time fun.

Other teams who were there anxiously waited for their team picture to flash up on the big video board. As part of the celebration, teams were able to submit their team pictures to the RailHawks and be featured during the game!

The RailHawks and Strikers then reconvened to the field to finish off the game. The RailHawks went behind 0-1 mid-way through the second half, but answered with an amazing back-of-the-heel, trick-shot goal to tie it up 1-1 in the 82nd minute of play. With this result, the RailHawks remain in contention for a spot in the NASL playoffs.

Don't forget to get your $10 discounted CASL Tower tickets for the last Carolina RailHawks game of the season. Click here to buy your tickets!