, SC— Former Winthrop men’s soccer standout John Gilkerson has signed a contract to play for the Carolina RailHawks for the 2009 season.

 

Gilkerson played for the New York Red Bulls last season, which was the team that drafted him in 2007 after a solid four-year career at Winthrop. He had his MLS debut on July 1, 2008 as New York took on Crystal Palace Baltimore in the U.S. Open Cup.

 

Gilkerson was one of four players signed by Carolina, a member of the United Soccer League. Midfielders Luke Kreamalmeyer, Josh Gardner, and Brian Plotkin also signed with Carolina on January 28.

 

Carolina will open its season on Saturday, March 14, when the RailHawks take on the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer in the “Community Shield” match.

 

Winthrop now has three players playing in the USL as David Kenga and Marco Reda will return to play for the Charleston Battery in 2009 as well.