RailHawks Player Ratings: June 19 vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore

GK Eric Reed (7) — Another strong effort from the low-key, extremely reliable keeper, who’d have had a clean sheet but for a sloppy clearance.
D David Hayes (6)—Effective play forward, but his botched clearance in the first half cost the RailHawks two points.
D Matt Bobo (7)—Still a commanding presence during aerial challenges, but continues to frequently freelance out of position.
D John Gilkerson (7)—Playing in central defense instead of his customary right back, Gilkerson compensated for his lack of size by helping close down a speedy Baltimore attack up the middle.
D Greg Shields (8)—As usual, faultless on defense. Made several dangerous forays forward where he linked with Elenio and others.
M Gregory Richardson (7)—The RailHawks would be without half of their opportunities without him on the field. By the second half, and particularly after Shipalane’s entrance, Richardson was roaming far and wide in search of the ball. The final pass, though, is still often lacking.
M Daniel Paladini (7)—Near top form in his playmaking role, bristled with confidence and authority, led team with four shots. His spot kicks were below his usual standard, though.
M Brad Rusin (6)—Late on some tackles and 50/50 opportunities in his holding role, led to intermittently dangerous counterattacks by Baltimore.
M Cory Elenio (6)—Took three shots, with one a nasty, on-target effort that was blocked. Lack of pace became clear with entry of Shipalane in his stead.
M Floyd Franks (7)—Drew the critical penalty, otherwise a solid, unspectacular presence in midfield.
F Sallieu Bundu (6)—Held up ball well as usual but mustered only one shot in 59 minutes.

Substitutes

D Mark Schulte (7) — A knock suffered by Gilkerson cut short a planned, well-deserved respite for the captain, who put in a strong 45 minutes to snuff out Baltimore’s hopes of a win.
M Tiyi Shipalane (8) — The curtain was raised on the new signing from South Africa and it was 32 minutes of wow. He’s an exciting new threat on the right flank, but he also failed to connect on a cross after his most thrilling foray into the danger area.
M Matt Watson (6) — Little activity in his eight minutes in relief of Richardson.
F Etienne Barbara (6) — He was less effective in his 31 minutes up top than he’s been in the past; still mustered a shot despite playing with some knee-knack.
M Amir Lowery (7) —Like Schulte, Lowery started on the bench in anticipation of Tuesday’s trip to Charleston. After Rusin pulled up lame in the 60th minute, Lowery brought his usual hard-tackling game to the rear of the midfield, and he joined in the attacks judiciously.