Week 8:
Austin vs. Miami
- Result: 3-1 (Austin)
- Thoughts: Miami's strong defensive streak to start the year finally ended, and at home surprisingly, as they let in 3 goals (a season high) against the league leading Austin Aztex. Miami was on a six game undefeated streak heading into the match behind new keep Caleb Patterson.
Carolina vs. Puerto Rico
- Result: 2-1 (Carolina)
- Thoughts: The Railhawks earned their first ever victory in Puerto Rico with a stoppage time winner by midfielder Daniel Paladini. The score could have been more one sided as Carolina striker Gregory Richardson failed to put away a PK in the second half. Puerto Rico just could not find the right finish on the night as they out shot Carolina 28 to 8.
NSC Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay
- Result: 3-1 (Tampa Bay)
- Thoughts: Tampa Bay came out firing as they battle Austin for the league lead and return home to their strong crowds. The Rowdies knocked in three goals in the first 26 minutes of the match and then settled into a defensive stance for the remainder of the game. The result marked Minnesota's fifth straight match without a win.
Austin vs. Baltimore
- Result: 2-0 (Austin)
- Thoughts: Baltimore dropped their second match of the month to the Aztex who seem to have everyone's number at the moment. A PK in the 65th minute gave Austin the advantage, which their used toward the 2-0 result. Austin now returns for a 4-match home streak.
Vancouver vs. Rochester
- Result: 2-1 (Rochester)
- Thoughts: After losing to Vancouver last weekend, the Rhinos returned the favor at their home stadium in a 2-1 victory against the Whitecaps. Rochester dominated most of the night, out-shooting Vancouver 12 to 3
Puerto Rico vs. Tampa Bay
- Result: 2-1 (Tampa Bay)
- Full Match Reports: Tampa Bay
- Thoughts: Puerto Rico are starting to catch up with the rest of the league in games played, but not in points. The Islanders now only have 6 points in 5 matches so far this year. Their next four matches are at home which will be crucial for them to find out if they will be a contender this season. Tampa Bay meanwhile is holding pace with Austin as the two clubs continue to impress.
AC St. Louis vs. NSC Minnesota
- Result: 3-2 (Minnesota)
- Thoughts: The perfect chance for one of these two struggling clubs to try to pull itself out of the bottom of the league. Who responded? Minnesota finally got back on the winning side with an 87th minute winner from Neil Hlavaty. The win is a big confidence boost for Minnesota, which is needed as they now travel to Rochester.
Carolina vs. Montreal
- Result: 2-0 (Carolina)
- Thoughts: The second largest crowd of the season - 13,034 - came out to watch their home team drop three points to the Carolina Railhawks behind goals from Barbara and Budnyy. It was Carolina's first victory at Montreal, who made this a historic week for the club (see above). Six points in four days moves Carolina into 2nd in the NASL conference with a game in hand over leaders Vancouver.
NASL Conference Standings
NASL Conference | ||||||||||
| Pos | Club | Pts | GP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver Whitecaps | 12 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 4 | +3 | * |
| 2 | Carolina RailHawks | 11 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 6 | +3 | * |
| 3 | Montreal Impact | 11 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 | -1 | * |
| 4 | Crystal Palace Baltimore | 10 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 10 | -4 | * |
| 5 | Miami FC | 8 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 7 | -1 | |
| 6 | AC St. Louis | 4 | 9 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 17 | -11 | |
USL Conference Standings
USL Conference | ||||||||||
| Pos | Club | Pts | GP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Aztex | 20 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 19 | 11 | +8 | * |
| 2 | FC Tampa Bay | 18 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 10 | +7 | * |
| 3 | Rochester Rhinos | 14 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 9 | +2 | * |
| 4 | Portland Timbers | 11 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 7 | +2 | * |
| 5 | NSC Minnesota Stars | 10 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 19 | -9 | |
| 6 | Puerto Rico Islanders | 6 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 7 | +1 | |
Thoughts / comments on this past weeks action? The current table standings?
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