By JOHN BOSCHINI
The penultimate weekend in the NASL offered little in the way of high-scoring contests but instead set up a thrilling final weekend for the Montreal Impact and the NSC Minnesota Stars.
The NSC Minnesota Stars conceded a second-half goal to draw 1-1 with FC Tampa Bay but the vital point keeps them narrowly ahead of the Montreal Impact for sixth place. The draw guarantees FC Tampa Bay a home playoff game as Ricky Hill's men hold on to third place with one game to go.
The Montreal Impact were dominant on both ends of the field with a 2-0 victory over FC Edmonton, Montreal's third of the season.The Impact have earned 13 points from a possible 18 in their late-season charge as they surge towards the playoffs while Edmonton failed in its bid for a home playoff game.
The Carolina Railhawks continue to struggle after wrapping up the regular-season title with their third 1-0 loss in a row. Puerto Rico snapped a four-game winless streak as both teams prepare for byes in the postseason.
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers and the Atlanta Silverbacks battled to a 1-1 draw in a game that meant nothing to either team. Fort Lauderdale could move its way up to third place with a win next week but has already clinched a home game in the playoffs. Atlanta, on the other hand, is desperate to get to the off-season after a difficult campaign in 2011.
Here is a look back at all the action in the NASL from over the weekend.
A goal against the run of play from Minnesota was canceled out by an Aaron King goal five minutes later as Tampa Bay failed to get a win despite controlling much of the game.
Minnesota goalkeeper Joe Warren was called on repeatedly in the first half as the home team out-shot the Stars 11-2, making seven saves. The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute when forward Brian Cvilikas' header sailed past Jeff Attinella. The goal finally spurned Tampa's offense and King scored in the 59th minute courtesy of an assist from Mike Ambersley.
Minnesota wraps up its season with a difficult road trip to face the Railhawks. A win would clinch a playoff berth while anything less opens the door for Montreal.
Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1, Atlanta Silverbacks 1
A defensive gridlock was shattered with two goals after 90 minutes had elapsed.
Nico Colaluca's curling shot deflected off the post and in to give Atlanta what seemed like the dramatic victory. However, Atlanta's notoriously sloppy defense came back to haunt the Silverbacks once again when Eduardo Coudet sent a long pass to Yoximar Granado. The Colombian native made no mistake with his effort and the Strikers escaped with a draw.
Puerto Rico Islanders 1, Carolina Railhawks 0
The Carolina Railhawks were held scoreless for the third-consecutive game as Puerto Rico did just enough to snatch a victory.
Petter Villegas capitalized on a Railhawks defensive error to score the game's only goal. Both Carolina goalkeeper Brad Knighton and defender Tyler Lassiter came for the ball before pulling up, assuming the other would take possession. Villegas slotted the ensuing loose ball past Knighton for his first goal of the season.
Montreal Impact 2, FC Edmonton 0
The Montreal Impact wrapped a series victory over FC Edmonton with a thoroughly dominating performance as Edmonton turns its attention towards the playoffs.
Ryan Pore scored twice, once in each half, in nearly identical circumstances to secure the Impact victory. Both goals were scored from the middle of the penalty area with superb crosses provided by Miguel Montano. Montreal outshot Edmonton 15-4 and will be boosted for next weekend's matchup with the return of forward Mignane Diouf from illness and defenders Simon Gatti and Nevio Pizzolitto, who sat out for yellow-card accumulation.
Edmonton is the first team in the NASL to wrap up its regular season.
-----------------
What did you think of the weekend's games? Can Montreal complete their comeback and secure a playoff spot? Can Minnesota survive the Railhawks in the finale? Impressed with Edmonton's inaugural season?
Share your thoughts below.
