The Carolina RailHawks fell to the Puerto Rico Islanders 2-0 Saturday night in what was their fourth defeat of the season. 

Islander’s forward David Foley scored from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after a questionable penalty decision from referee Javier Santos. Petter Villegas doubled the lead in the 86th as the RailHawks were caught out as they searched for an equalizing goal

In what was a matchup between the top two teams in NASL, the 1st place RailHawks traveled to Puerto Rico to face an Islanders side coming off of two consecutive shutout victories. 

The match got off to a disjointed start, with both sides suffering injuries within the first five minutes. RailHawks’ defender Devon McKenney suffered an ankle injury but was able to continue, while Islander’s defender Scott Jones was forced to exit the match after an apparent concussion.

The RailHawks were the first to threaten, with Etienne Barbara forcing a good save from the Islander’s keeper in the 12th minute. Barbara was playing as a lone striker as Pablo Campos was left out of the starting XI. 

In what was slightly against the run of play, the Islander’s opening goal came after a dangerous cross lead to an Islander’s player going down in the box. Foley’s resulting penalty was calmly put away to give them a lead that they would not relent. 

While the final possession numbers were fairly even, the Islanders seemed to be in control for most of the 2nd half. Brad Knighton was forced to make several saves to keep the score at 1-0.

The RailHawks’ best chance of the night came in the 68th minute after a weaving run from Johnny Steele. Steele’s left footed chip from the edge of the 18 unluckily clipped the top of the crossbar, and the chance was gone.

While the RailHawks pushed for the equalizing goal late in the match, it was the Islanders who scored the second and decisive goal. Villegas turned RailHawks’ defender John Krause inside the box and poked the ball past Knighton from a short distance. 

The RailHawks’ 15-point cushion at the top of the NASL table has been cut to 6 points as the playoffs approach. Despite the fact that the top two teams get first round byes, Carolina will be eager to regain the form that propelled them to an unprecedented winning streak earlier in the season. The club returns to the friendly confines of Wake Med Park this week for two matches, first on Aug. 17 against Minnesota and then on Aug. 20 against Ft. Lauderdale. 

FT. Puerto Rico 2, Carolina 0

Lineups

Car: GK Brad Knighton, D Kupono Low, D Devon McKenney (Cory Elaino, 48), D John Krause, D Cory Miller, M Tony McManus, M Matt Watson, M Chris Nurse, M Johnny Steele, M Nick Zimmerman (Pablo Campos, 74), F Etienne Barbara

PRI: GK Ray Burse, D Richard Martinez, D Jamie Cunningham, D Jay Needham, D Scott Jones (Kevon Villaroel, 4) M Aaron Pitchkolan, M Osi Telesford (Joseph Salem, 82), M Jonathan Fana, M Noah Delgado (Petter Vilegas, 74), F Nick Addlery, F David Foley

SCORING SUMMARY, 

PRI: David Foley, 37

PRI: Petter Villegas, 86

CAUTIONS

CAR: John Krause, 36; Johnny Steele, 52; Cory Miller, 90

PRI: Jonathan Fana, 45

SHOTS

CAR: 13

PRI: 14

FOULS

CAR: 13

PRI: 12