The visiting NSC Minnesota Stars, led by back-up goalkeeper Joe Warren, stonewalled a Matt Bobo header in the 88th and save another shot in stoppage time to hold on for a 1-0 win at WakeMed Soccer Park.

For a team figured to be among the challengers for a league title, it was a disappointing effort for the RailHawks against a first-year franchise.

"Our first half performance was nowhere close to the standards that we expect. We have to hold our hands up and say that's not even close to being good enough," RailHawks coach Martin Rennie said. "That was either the worst performance that we've ever had but it was also one of the better performances by an away team coming here."

A disorganized Carolina defense -- which has been a team strength over the past season -- allowed Minnesota (1-1) to pepper the RailHawks (1-1) with nine first half shots.

The Stars connected in the 37th minute, when a scrum in front of the net after a Leilel Gao corner kick resulted in defender Daniel Wasson punching in the game's first goal from six feet out.

"It happened so quick, but that guy shouldn't have had that much time to bring it down. I think the ball even bounced. It came down and then he shot it," RailHawks defender Matt Bobo said. "There's no way you should have that much time on the six-yard-box."

Coupled with a lack of chances created offensively -- just two shots on goal -- it was an inauspicious first half.

"Last week we won the game in the first half and this week we lost it in the first half," Rennie said. Rennie said he thought his team spent most of the first half forcing the ball to Etienne Barbara, who had both of the team's goals last week in the season-opening win.

"We tried to play balls directly in to him, went over the top to him, and that's not what he's there to do," Rennie said. "He's in there to be on the end of things and link up with the final part."

Barbara did come close however, missing just wide right on a clear look in the 13th minute and having a header in the 30th minute tipped away by Warren at the last second.

Warren, who hadn't played professional soccer since 2006, was thrust into the starting lineup in the Stars' season opener after an injury to the starting keeper. But he stood tall when the RailHawks tested him.

"We tried to test [Warren] as much as we could. He was obviously taxed but he kept them in it and played well tonight. Hat's off to him," midfielder Josh Gardner said.

Daniel Paladini had two chances in the second half -- an open look that rifled it wide left in the 66th minute and a free kick from outside the 18-yard-box in the 70th -- but the Minnesota defense stood tall.

The next home game for the RailHawks will be against the Mexican Olympic team on April 25.