Carolina RailHawks News Release – www.carolinarailhawks.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
CARY, NC — The Carolina RailHawks announced the signing of four more players to the 2009 roster, defender John Gilkerson and midfielders Luke Kreamalmeyer, Josh Gardner, and Brian Plotkin pending League and USSF approval.
These players with tremendous experience in the MLS and the USL are sure to excite RailHawks fans when they make their debut against the New England Revolution on Saturday, March 14 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park.
“I am very excited to sign with the Carolina RailHawks,” said RailHawks newest midfielder Josh Gardner. “Martin and the owners have been very welcoming and I appreciate the level of professionalism that the club has portrayed. I believe in Martin’s vision for the team and want to be a part of the organization. I’m looking forward to the next couple of years, as I hope that we will bring a championship or two to Cary. «
“Josh is a tremendous midfielder with a lot of professional experience at the highest levels,” said RailHawks Head Coach Martin Rennie. “I have known him for some time and he is a great leader both on and off the field. He will be an integral part in what we are trying to build here.”
Josh Gardner was drafted by the LA Galaxy in 2004 where he spent three seasons, including the championship season of 2005 that saw the Galaxy win the MLS Cup and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. During his career in Los Angeles he scored one goal and recorded three assists in 21 games played.
In 2007, Gardner signed with the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division, where he was an integral part of the team that won the 2007 USL-1 Championship. In the two years Gardner was with the Sounders, he scored a total of seven goals and recorded four assists in 52 games played.
Brian Plotkin is arguably one of the most talented midfielders in the United States. He was drafted by the Chicago Fire in 2006 after spending his collegiate career at Indiana University where he won two back-to-back NCAA College Cups. While at Indiana he was also a finalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy Award, one of the most prestigious honors in collegiate soccer. Between 2006 and 2008 Plotkin saw action in 23 games tallying one goal and one assist. In August of 2008 Plotkin transferred to MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew.
Luke Kreamalmeyer is a midfielder who most recently played with the Rochester Rhinos. He was drafted by Salt Lake City of the MLS in 2005 and played in six matches before transferring to the Portland Timbers in 2006.He spent two years in Portland playing in 50 games and tallying nine goals. At the beginning of the 2008 season Kreamalmeyer was signed by the Rochester Rhinos. While at the Rhinos, he started all 30 games of the season and scored four goals and nine assists for 17 pts.
Defender John Gilkerson is a graduate from Winthrop University who was drafted by the New York Red Bulls in 2008. Gilkerson made his full professional debut for the Red Bulls on 1 July, 2008, in a US Open Cup third round game against Crystal Palace Baltimore.
“These are three phenomenal players with extensive experience,” said RailHawks Head Coach Martin Rennie. “Their knowledge of the game and their talent will be an invaluable and integral part of the RailHawks this season.”
The Carolina RailHawks’ 2009 season ticket drive is in full swing with the “All-Inclusive” package, that includes the Major League Soccer exhibition against the New England Revolution on March 14, 2009, as well as other packages tailored to every soccer fan’s needs. For more information contact the LGFCU Box Office at 919-859-KICK (5425) or visit www.carolinarailhawks.com
