Tuesday evening in front of the largest crowd in franchise history, former University of Evansville men’s soccer standout Cory Elenio helped the Carolina RailHawks defeat Major League Soccer’s defending champion, LA Galaxy, by a score of 2-1 in the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Third Round. Elenio and the rest of the RailHawks now advance to face MLS’ Chivas USA on Tuesday, June 5th.

Elenio has been an integral member of the RailHawks the past three seasons, helping the club to the 2010 Playoff Final and win the 2011 NASL Regular Season Championship. Being drafted with the 20th overall pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, Elenio spent two seasons with the Columbus Crew, including their 2008 MLS Championship season.

Prior to turning professional, Elenio was a member of the Aces soccer team and was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first team selection (2006, 2007). Elenio ended his four-year career with 18 goals and 19 assist, finishing as the 18th all-time leading scorer.

Click here to read the RailHawks’ full recap of the US Open Cup match.