News

The Puerto Rico Islanders can clinch a spot in the playoffs against the Carolina RailHawks at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, Puerto Rico on Saturday night. The Islanders will be guaranteed postseason action with a win against the RailHawks, but can also qualify with a loss or draw if FC Edmonton fails to beat the Atlanta Silverbacks on Sunday.

After a disappointing defeat to the L.A. Galaxy in midweek CONCACAF Champions League action, the Islanders can shift their focus back to NASL. The 4-0 loss meant the Islanders were kept off the score sheet for the fourth match in a row, the longest stretch they have gone without scoring all season.

Carolina, coached by former Islanders’ boss Colin Clarke, is riding a two-game unbeaten streak for the first time since June. The RailHawks came from behind to defeat FC Edmonton in injury time, before defeating the Atlanta Silverbacks 1-0 last weekend to move just five points behind the second-place Islanders in the standings.

Historically, Puerto Rico has held the series, though the Islanders have failed to beat Carolina in either of the most recent meetings. Carolina forced a 1-1 draw back in May, before defeating Puerto Rico by two goals to one to earn their first win of the season on June 2.

Puerto Rico Islanders vs. Carolina RailHawks

Saturday, September 1, 2012— 7:30 P.M. EDT

Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium

Bayamón, Puerto Rico

Webcast: NASL on ustream

2012 Series:  Tied, 1-1-1, 4 points

2011 Series:  Puerto Rico, 3-1-0, 10 points

                                                Puerto Rico                       Carolina              

Head Coach                        Adrian Whitbread              Colin Clarke

2012 Records                     2^nd: 10-6-7, 36 points      5^th: 8-7-7, 31 points         

Last Five Games               W W L T T                             L T L W W

Goals Leader                     Nicholas Addlery (8)           Nick Zimmerman (12)

Assists Leader                  Jonathan Faña (5)             Mike Palacio (6)

Puerto Rico

• 7-3-1 at home
• Can clinch playoff berth win with, or if Edmonton fails to beat Atlanta
• 6-8-1 at home since 2011
• Shutout in last three NASL matches
• Suspended: Chris Nurse (accumulation)
• At risk: Nicholas Addlery, Osei Telesford (four yellows)

Carolina

• 2-2-6 on the road
• Last match in Puerto Rico: 3-1 loss
• Three defeats in last ten matches (all away)
• Suspended: Gale Agbossoumonde, Amir Lowery (accumulation)
• At risk: None