By JOHN BOSCHINI
The Carolina Railhawks are in danger of running away with the NASL regular-season title following a emphatic victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders.
Striker Etienne Barbara scored twice to extend his goal-scoring streak to eight games and the Railhawks are off to their best start in franchise history. Puerto Rico has hit a rough patch after its blazing start, losing two in a row.
Atlanta is still looking for their first win but a scoreless draw against Ft. Lauderdale gave the Silverbacks their first home point of the season. It was also the first shutout of the season for Atlanta as the league's two worst defenses turned in positive performances.
The Montreal Impact's difficult start to the season continued with a 3-0 loss to FC Tampa Bay. FC Tampa Bay scored multiple goals for the first time this season and is now up to fifth in the standings. The Montreal Impact sit second from bottom after six games.
Here is a look back at all the weekend action in the NASL.
Carolina's lead at the top of the NASL table is now up to seven points as the Railhawks avenged their week one loss to Puerto Rico and extended their unbeaten run to seven games.
Etienne Barabara gave Carolina the lead in the 26th minute before doubling it just after the break. The double takes the Maltese striker's scoring total to 11 on the season. Pablo Campos provided an extra insurance goal with 23 minutes to go.
Puerto Rico managed eight shots on the evening but never put Railhawks' keeper Brad Knighton under much pressure. Carolina is up to 19 points from a possible 24 from its first eight games.
Atlanta Silverbacks 0, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 0
It wasn't the win Atlanta so desperately needs, but a point will do as the Silverbacks recorded their first shutout of the season.
Both teams failed to convert a handful of chances as Silverback's goalkeeper Quintero and Strikers' keeper Matt Glaeser came up big for their respective teams. Both clubs still lead the league with 11 goals conceded and Ft. Lauderdale now sits in sixth place.
FC Tampa Bay 3, Montreal Impact 0
The NASL's second-worst offense had a coming-out party against a lackluster Montreal Impact defense.
Warren Ukah opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a neat finish off a David Hayes pass. The lead was extended when Mike Ambersley converted a penatly kicks after Leonardo Di Lorenzo was sent off for a handball inside the box.
The result was put beyond all doubt just 10 minutes later with a goal from Tsuyoshi Yoshitake. Goalkeeper Jeff Atinella posted his first career shutout.
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What did you think of the weekend's results? Impressed with Carolina's run of form? Can Atlanta turn a corner after a string of losses? Worried about Montreal's defeat?
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