FAIRMONT, W.Va. (May 31, 2008)--The West Virginia Illusion tallied their first goal in franchise history en route to losing to the Carolina RailHawks, 2-1, Saturday night at Duvall-Rosier Field.

Casey Nogueira led the charge for the RailHawks (3-1-1), scoring a goal and taking six shots. Kendra Graber had a goal and two shots, Megan Mischler an assist and two shots, and Marisa Kanela had four shots for the Illusion (0-4-0). Megan Jessee registered seven saves.

The RailHawks got the first chance of the match early when Lindsay Vera’s shot was tipped off the crossbar by Illusion goalkeeper Megan Jessee.

They made their second look count; Nogueira took a feed from left back Kelly Hathron, raced in, and beat Jessee one-on-one just seven minutes in for her second goal of the season in as many appearances.

Back came the Illusion; Megan Mischler shook a defender on the right edge of the 18-yard box and crossed to Morgantown High School product Kendra Graber for a tap-in and the first goal in franchise history in the 25^th minute.

The seesaw went back to Carolina in the 34^th minute when Ally Baker played a through ball from the left side to Carrie Patterson, who chipped Jessee to make it 2-1.

The RailHawks’ Jane Alukonis drew a yellow card in the 42^nd minute, tripping Marisa Kanela from behind.

In the second half, Jessee kept the margin at one, denying Nogueira on a chance inside the box in the 57^th minute and stuffing her again on a long-distance effort in the 80^th minute.

Sydney Metheny got two great chances for the Illusion late, hitting the ball right at RailHawks goalkeeper Anna Rodenbough from outside of the box in the 79^th minute and clanging a shot off the crossbar three minutes later.

The Illusion will conclude their season-opening five-game home stand next Saturday, June 7, when they host the Carolina Dynamo. Kick-off is 7:30 p.m.