Carolina RailHawks News Release - www.carolinarailhawks.com

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

CARY, NC -- The Carolina RailHawks announced, subject to USL and USSF approval, the acquisition of English midfielder Matt Watson on loan from the Baltimore Blast of the MISL. A brilliant attacking midfielder entering his third season in the USL, Watson spent his first two seasons with the Richmond Kickers of the USL-2 guiding them to a championship in 2006 and to the final match in 2007.

“I am very excited to join this quality club,” said Matt Watson. “I look forward to start a new adventure in the USL First Division and hope to help my teammates reach the championship.”

In 2007, Watson finished tied for the team lead in goals with 2006 USL-2 MVP Robert Ssejjemba and Ricky Schramm with six. He also tallied three assists in his 17 games played. As a rookie in 2006, he was the only Kicker to appear in every match during the 2006 season, becoming a regular starter early in the season. Leading the team to the USL-2 regular season title and Championship, Watson finished fourth on the team with four goals and four assists during the regular season.

“Matthew Watson is one of a handful of top young prospects in the United States right now,” said RailHawks head coach Scott Schweitzer. “He’s only 21 years old, played in Richmond and at the University of Maryland - Baltimore County as well as indoor with the Baltimore Blast. He’s strong, fast, real good on the ball and he is going to make fans stand up in their seats. He will definitely help make the Railhawks a more offensive team.”

Together with newcomers Jacob Coggins and Dan Antoniuk, Matt Watson will help shape the RailHawks offense and bring more scoring power to the team.