Paladini is Italian for “champions”; RailHawks swipe victory in the 90th minute
Daniel Paladini launches a projectile against the Cleveland fortifications. (photo courtesy of the Carolina RailHawks)
WAKEMED SOCCER PARK/ CARY—Yep, I looked it up. Just as I suspected, the word “paladini” is the Italian plural for champion, for medieval hero, for defender of a cause.
RailHawks midfielder Daniel Paladini is in brilliant form right now, and when his team needed a goal tonight, he delivered it. In the 90th minute of a 0-0 stalemate against a courageous, if overmatched, Cleveland side, Paladini lined up for a free kick from 30 yards out and to the left of the goal. Prior to taking it, he told center back and team captain Mark Schulte that he would be aiming for the far post, and that Schulte and the others in the penalty box should be prepared for a rebound. As it happened, the only assistance Paladini needed on his shot was of the most passive kind. Continue reading »
