Jordan Graye

The Carolina RailHawks have announced the signing of defender Jordan Graye, midfielder Ciaran O’Brien and goalkeeper Tim Murray for the 2013 NASL season.

Graye is the face most familiar to Triangle soccer fans. After featuring for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 2005-2009, Graye spent two season in Major League Soccer, with DC United in 2010 and the Houston Dynamo in 2011. Last season, Graye trailed with Carolina and took the field for the RailHawks during their preseason friendly against the Vancouver Whitecaps. However, Graye did return to the RailHawks until September, when he was signed for the season’s stretch run. Graye made an immediate impact, generating three productive appearances at right back until an injury suffered during the opening leg of the NASL playoffs semifinals against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Graye shores up a right back position that was filled last season primarily by aging veterans and converted midfielders.

The 25-year-old O’Brien arrives in Cary after two seasons with the Atlanta Silverbacks, where he netted two goals and produced four assists in 2012. He was named NASL Offensive Player of the Week in July 2011 and June 2012. O’Brien originally turned pro out of college in 2008, when he signed a Generation adidas contract with MLS and was the fifth overall pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. However, he appeared in only one MLS game.

After three seasons as a reserve goalkeeper for the New England Revolution, the 6 ft. 2 in., 25-year-old Murray comes to Carolina after being released by the Revs last December. The signing of Murray and the return of Akira Fitzgerald calls into doubt the return of Ray Burse, the RailHawks’ starting goalkeeper in 2012.

The RailHawks open their 2013 preseason with the 5th Annual Community Shield Match on Sunday, February 24 at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Vancouver Whitecaps.