The three have trained with the team this preseason and have played in several of the preseason friendlies.
John Krause returned to the team after playing 15 matches in the 2011 season. Krause was seen as a starter during several preseason games playing alongside former Carolina RailHawks U23's Austen King as the central defenders.
English native Sam Stockley joins the RailHawks bringing over 16 years of professional experience to the team and plays right back. Austin Da Luz played for the Demon Deacons at Wake Forest University. The midfielder was part of the highly successful team that went to four Final Fours including a NCAA National Championship in 2007. He also played for Greensboro Soccer Club. He was previously drafted by the New York Red Bulls in the 2010 MLS Super Draft and subsequently traded to D.C. United in 2011.
Colin Clarke was appointed head coach of the RailHawks last December. Clarke previously managed league rival the Puerto Rico Islanders. Originally from Northern Ireland, Clarke's professional career includes stints with English teams Queens Park Rangers and Portsmouth.
After hanging up his boots, Clarke was hired to his first head coaching job with the Richmond Kickers by then Kickers General Manager and current RailHawks' President Curt Johnson in 1998.
Clarke said all three players were leaders on and off the pitch.
"John and Sam have great experience," said Clarke "Austin is an extremely talented midfielder that can provide alternatives of attack and a great change of pace."
Prior to the start of the season, the club released defender Cory Miller.
The RailHawks open their 2012 NASL season away by challenging defending champions, the Minnesota Stars, on Saturday. The game will be broadcast live online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.
The team's opening home match will be on April 14 when the RailHawks meet the Atlanta Silverbacks at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets for the match, as well as season tickets, are available online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com or at the Cruizers Box office.
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