Puerto Rico Islanders Defeat Carolina RailHawks, Continue to Narrow Gap in Standings

The league-leading Carolina RailHawks traveled to Bayamon to take on second place Puerto Rico Islanders Saturday night. Both teams came into the match with interesting sub-plots playing out in the background of each other’s respective teams. Puerto Rico, who were recently eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions League, can now focus their efforts on finishing the NASL season without having to divert any of their resources to other competitions. The RailHawks, on the other hand, were defeated for only the second time this season in a match on the road against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. More interestingly though, was the hiring by the Vancouver Whitecaps of Martin Rennie to be their head coach for the 2012 season. With the imminent departure of their head coach and the double digit points lead in the NASL standings it would not be far-fetched to assume RailHawks players may have a difficult time staying focused.

The match began with physical play from the beginning. The referee made it clear he was going to let these two teams play through rough tackles and fouls. Colin Clarke had to use a substitute within the opening few minutes as Scott Jones collided with a RailHawks player in the area during a corner kick. With the physical nature of the match, both teams began using the long ball to create scoring opportunities. Jonathan Fana was set to receive a long ball in the 7th minute but the Carolina defense, which was marking Fana tightly, was able to clear away the danger.

It was Etienne Barbara’s turn to attack the Islanders’ defense. Barbara’s constant movement caused trouble for the Islanders’ defense. On two separate occasions, Barbara was able to draw fouls deep in the Islanders’ area and even earned a corner kick while fending off two defenders.

Midway through the first half, Colin Clarke used his backline in possessions and in attack. The Islanders were able to string together a few sequences in Carolina’s side of the pitch but were unable to create scoring opportunities. Carolina would try to reply with efforts from Nick Zimmerman, whose shot on goal in the 23rd minute was saved by Islanders’ goalkeeper Ray Burse from close range.

It would be John Krause who would be next to attempt a shot on goal in the 32nd minute. His long shot went to the left of goal.

A controversial call went against Carolina in the 36th minute. Aaron Pitchkolan appeared to dive in the area earning a penalty kick. David Foley put his team on the board first with a shot from the spot in the 37th minute.

The Islanders would be back at it in the 42nd minute. Jonathan Fana made a run through several defenders in the penalty area only to see his shot saved off the line by Krause. Before the end of the first half, Jonny Steele found himself with space in the area but his shot was well saved by Ray Burse.

In the second half, Puerto Rico tried to score a second goal by winning a flurry of corner kicks. But their efforts were thwarted each time by the Carolina defense.

Jonathan Fana saw his left footed effort in the 54th minute sail over the bar.

Jonny Steele continued his stellar play by spearheading the RailHawks attack. His passing and free kicks were a constant danger for Puerto Rico. A deft pass from Steele to Barbara in the 61st minute was cleared away from danger. Steele would be at it again in the 68th minute, only this time his left-footed shot sailed over Burse’s head and hit the cross bar. It was an impressive sequence by Steele who shed two defenders to get his shot off.

Puerto Rico was committed not to give up the middle of the pitch. Numerous RailHawks shots were deflected before they could reach goal.

In the 78th and 81st minute respectively, Nicholas Addlery tried to put the match away only to see his shot sail off the mark the first time and saved by Brad Knighton the second time.

Puerto Rico’s second goal finally came in the 86th minute when Petter Villegas found himself in the area and was able to position himself properly and avoid John Krause with an impressive dribbling display to get a shot on goal and out of the reach of Knighton.

The win is the 3rd consecutive home victory for the Islanders who are undefeated this season at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel. Puerto Rico (38 points) is now only 6 points from league-leading Carolina (44 points) who take their second loss in a row and fourth of the season.

Players of the match:

Islanders

David Foley – Foley attacked the right side of the Carolina defense for much of the match. The diminutive winger was a constant threat with his exceptional dribbling, passing and in set pieces. Foley would score the first goal of the match on a penalty kick.

Ray Burse – The Islanders goalkeeper made several impressive saves from close distance and did not shy away from going into the air to defend against Carolina crosses.

RailHawks

John Krause – Krause played well in defense and kept Fana from scoring in the first half by clearing a shot off the line. Krause also showed he can take a shot from distance when he sees an opening.

Jonny Steele – The talented midfielder played with real passion tonight. No doubt he wanted to perform well against his former team. Steele’s dribbling and passing were a constant threat.