CARY, N.C. – Two former RailHawks U-23’s are heading for the pros. Enzo Martinez and Billy Schuler have signed professional contracts with Major League Soccer and Hammarby IF, respectively, to begin their professional careers. Both players were members of the RailHawks U-23’s that captured the 2011 U-23 National Cup and members of UNC Men’s soccer program that won the 2011 NCAA College Cup.
Martinez signed an MLS’ Generation Adidas contract and participated in the MLS Super Draft last week in Kansas City, MO. Real Salt Lake selected Martinez with the No. 17 pick in the draft. Martinez left his mark on the RailHawks U-23’s program and also recognized the importance of his development over the summer.
“This summer was great for preparing us for the college season and for giving us an idea of what to expect in the pros,” the talented midfielder said. “It was the most fun I had playing soccer in a long time. The U-23 program was a big help in preparing for what was a great year at UNC and winning the National Championship.”
Schuler will join the growing number of Americans abroad, signing to play with Hammarby IF, of Sweden. Schuler will experience a transition to the European game aided by former Tar Heel and Hammarby coach, Gregg Berhalter. After multiple seasons with the RailHawks U-23’s, Schuler was able to utilize last summer to get ready for the college season.
“Coming off an injury last year, it was huge for me, getting my fitness and sharpness back,” Schuler said. “I really enjoyed this past summer, playing against professional teams and winning in the U-23 Regional and National Cups.”
RailHawks U-23’s Head Coach Dewan Bader congratulated the players and wished them good luck. “Billy and Enzo are fantastic players and great young men. The U-23 program has a mission to develop players and preparing them for life on and off the pitch. We wish them the best of luck, and look forward to see where their careers go from here.”
The RailHawks U-23’s program is sponsored by JRW Associates and led by Head Coach Dewan Bader. JRW Associates, a United Benefit Advisors firm that covers over 10 million members, plays a key role as the program’s success would not be possible without their valued support. The RailHawks U-23’s program gives aspiring professional soccer players the opportunity to train and compete in a professional soccer environment over the course of the summer. In 2011, the U-23’s won the USASA U-23 Men’s Region III and National Cups.
CARY, N.C. – Two former RailHawks U-23’s are heading for the pros. Enzo Martinez and Billy Schuler have signed professional contracts with Major League Soccer and Hammarby IF, respectively, to begin their professional careers. Both players were members of the RailHawks U-23’s that captured the 2011 U-23 National Cup and members of UNC Men’s soccer program that won the 2011 NCAA College Cup.
Martinez signed an MLS’ Generation Adidas contract and participated in the MLS Super Draft last week in Kansas City, MO. Real Salt Lake selected Martinez with the No. 17 pick in the draft. Martinez left his mark on the RailHawks U-23’s program and also recognized the importance of his development over the summer.
“This summer was great for preparing us for the college season and for giving us an idea of what to expect in the pros,” the talented midfielder said. “It was the most fun I had playing soccer in a long time. The U-23 program was a big help in preparing for what was a great year at UNC and winning the National Championship.”
Schuler will join the growing number of Americans abroad, signing to play with Hammarby IF, of Sweden. Schuler will experience a transition to the European game aided by former Tar Heel and Hammarby coach, Gregg Berhalter. After multiple seasons with the RailHawks U-23’s, Schuler was able to utilize last summer to get ready for the college season.
“Coming off an injury last year, it was huge for me, getting my fitness and sharpness back,” Schuler said. “I really enjoyed this past summer, playing against professional teams and winning in the U-23 Regional and National Cups.”
RailHawks U-23’s Head Coach Dewan Bader congratulated the players and wished them good luck. “Billy and Enzo are fantastic players and great young men. The U-23 program has a mission to develop players and preparing them for life on and off the pitch. We wish them the best of luck, and look forward to see where their careers go from here.”
The RailHawks U-23’s program is sponsored by JRW Associates and led by Head Coach Dewan Bader. JRW Associates, a United Benefit Advisors firm that covers over 10 million members, plays a key role as the program’s success would not be possible without their valued support. The RailHawks U-23’s program gives aspiring professional soccer players the opportunity to train and compete in a professional soccer environment over the course of the summer. In 2011, the U-23’s won the USASA U-23 Men’s Region III and National Cups.
