Triangle Offense

Well, there are only four  players listed on the RailHawks roster who remain from the 2008 edition—assuming that reports of Steven Curfman's exit are accurate. 

But that doesn't mean life doesn't go on for departed players. 

Today, the USL-2 powerhouse Charlotte Eagles announced the signings of Chris Lemons and Jacob Coggins. Lemons, a midfielder, appeared in 21 games for the ’Hawks last year, while forward Coggins scored once in 10 league appearances (but only 208 minutes).

Both players are returning to a program where they achieved great success. Coggins was a two-time USL-2 MVP with the Eagles and won the league scoring title three years out of four. Last Friday, March 27, the Eagles began their preseason schedule with a 3:1 victory over the Cleveland City Stars; Coggins opened the scoring in the fifth minute.

In addition to a three-year stint with the Eagles, we notice that Chris Lemons' career peregrinations include playing in 19 games for Martin Rennie's Cleveland City Stars in 2007 before signing with the RailHawks in 2008.

The Charlotte Eagles announcement is here. 

And, Triangle Offense contacted Santiago Fusilier, who parted ways with the RailHawks last week. He reports that he's been training these past few days with the Charleston Battery, a team that's the new home of former RailHawks captain Frankie Sanfilippo.

Midfielder and free-kick specialist Steven Curfman has parted ways with the RailHawks, according to Mike Blake of the N&O's SWakeSports blog. Although Curfman's name is still on the roster as of 7 p.m., Blake's sources assure him that the one-year veteran and Wake Forest grad has been dropped from the squad.

It's not a surprising development in light of Curfman's scarcity on the pitch thus far this preseason and the continuing surplus of players still on trial. However, combined with the departure of Santiago Fusilier, the RailHawks have now cut off nearly all of their hometown links. Only Raleigh native and UNC grad Caleb Norkus remains of the Old North State contingent. 

Curfman, who had a stellar career at Wake Forest, scored two goals in 30 appearances last year.

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• The center-left party: In what looks to be a popular pair, Gardner comes down the flank as Bundu awaits. (photo courtesy of RailHawks)

WAKEMED SOCCER PARK/ CARY—If the March 14 victory over the "major league" New England Revolution was an occasion for a little well-deserved breast-beating, the loss to the definitely major league CD Olimpia was the occasion for—well, first, a dry towel.

A downpour worthy of a Sri Lankan monsoon at times threatened to obscure the action, and the slippery field was more or less responsible for defensive miscues that led to goals for each team. The 1:1 deadlock was broken in the 63rd minute when Jaime Rosales rocketed a very major league free kick that went over and around the RailHawks wall and skidded off the left post into the goal. A minute later, Coach Martin Rennie waved in five fresh players and the game took on a more scrimmage-like rhythm. 

After the game, Rennie was beaming—and not just because he was finally dry.