April 30, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC News Release
CARY, N.C. – After a week off for Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, they made their third early season trip to the east coast to take on North Carolina FC. Irish journeyman Shane McFaul made his debut, starting for the Hailstorm. “It was great to get Shane out there and I thought he looked good in the first half. His range of passing gives us another dimension,” said head coach Éamon Zayed, “He’s a big character with all his experience and the guys enjoy playing with him.”
Northern Colorado was able to strike first after Daniel Scally drew a free kick in North Carolina’s half. The free kick was whipped in by Arthur Rogers and headed home by Irvin Parra in the 18th minute, Parra’s second goal of the season. The Hailstorm have yet to play a match this season without scoring first, drawing first blood in all five matches.
However, only a few minutes later North Carolina tied things up when Rob Cornwall left a pass back to keeper Thomas Olsen a little short and Oalex Anderson was able to finish. Both clubs saw chances the rest of the first half, but it was all square after 45 minutes.
McFaul was forced off the field through injury just before the hour mark, he did walk off under his own power. It was his substitute, Danny Robles, that would provide the game winner in the 80th minute. A corner kick was punched away by North Carolina keeper, Will Pulisic, but only as far as Lachlan McLean. McLean passed it back to Robles, who gave the Hailstorm the late lead. “Feels really good to get the first win and feels good to score, but it was a team effort. It’s a team sport and we played well tonight. Good to get the three points from this match,” commented Robles.
“First win in the league away from home is always the hardest. We will take that and that will give us confidence moving forward. It was a tight game, we started off well and felt we were well worth our goal and taking…