NASL North Carolina FC

RailHawks Fall 1-0 at Puerto Rico

Published on September 17, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


BAYAMON, P.R. - The Carolina RailHawks suffered a 1-0 defeat Saturday against the Puerto Rico Islanders.

Puerto Rico's Petter Villegas capitalized on a RailHawks miscommunication at the back and scored the game's only goal in the 57th minute.

"It was a frustrating night for us," said RailHawks coach Martin Rennie. "In the first half, we played pretty well. We had lots of possession and we were never in trouble, but we didn't find our rhythm in the final third. We just missed our chances in the first half. In the second half, we continued to have lot of the ball, but we didn't create enough chances. When we did, their goalkeeper made some very good saves. It was a disappointing night for us, but we remain focused on what we need to do ahead of our last game next weekend and getting prepared for the Playoffs."

While the RailHawks dropped their third straight match, they showed an attacking verve that has been absent in their previous two matches.

The RailHawks nearly got on the board in the eighth minute, but Matt Watson's centering pass was just out of reach for Pablo Campos.

In the 14th minute, Etienne Barbara's blast from 25 yards was tipped over the crossbar by Puerto Rico goalkeeper Ray Burse.

Burse turned Barbara away again in the 49th minute after Barbara broke in on goal from Jonny Steele.

In the 65th minute, Burse again saved a Barbara try from 18 yards out, and Burse got the best of Barbara one last time with a kick save in the 77th minute.

RailHawks goalkeeper Brad Knighton was superb in goal once again. His four saves give him the club record for most saves in a season (110). He made a sprawling save on Villegas' attempt from 20 yards in the 51st minute and denied Jared Van Schaik on a breakaway in the 74th.

The match's only goal was the result of miscommunication. Puerto Rico's Kevin Villaroel played a ball in from the left flank. Knighton charged off his line and defender Tyler Lassiter closed in, with Villegas also racing toward the ball. As it came across the six-yard box, both RailHawks pulled away from the ball, allowing it to hit Villegas in stride. He tucked it into the open net with ease.

The NASL Regular Season Champion RailHawks return home next weekend to close out the regular season. They'll meet Minnesota on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7 p.m.

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