The Carolina RailHawks scored two goals in the first overtime period to beat visiting Chivas USA, 3-1, on Wednesday night and advance to the US Open Cup quarterfinals.
César Elizondo found the back of the net two minutes into extra time and Brian Ackley snuck a header past goalkeeper Dan Kennedy shortly thereafter to send the home crowd at WakeMed Soccer Park into a frenzy, as the NASL's RailHawks avenged last year’s fourth-round loss to the Goats.
Chivas USA, under the direction of interim coach Sasha van der Most as they await the arrival of new manager José Luis “Güero” Real, nearly scored the game-winner in stoppage time, but Wálter Vílchez’s header bounced off the crossbar and an ensuing attempt was cleared off the line.
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Vílchez tied the match in the 57th minute after Carlos Alvarez found him unmarked in front of goal, but the RailHawks weathered a second-half surge by the visitors.
Tiyiselani Shipalane broke the scoreless tie 13 minutes into the match, capitalizing on Kennedy’s aggressiveness when the net minder roamed some 20 yards away from his goal. For the 10th consecutive match, including two in the US Open Cup tournament, a reeling Chivas USA squad was the first team to concede a goal.
The RailHawks, who entered competition atop the NASL standings, defeated the LA Galaxy in the third round to reach this stage. They will face either Real Salt Lake or Charleston Battery, who face off Wednesday night, with the quarterfinal round scheduled for June 26.
