USSF D-II: Austin gets rematch with Miami, Montreal and Carolina clash

Posted Jun 26, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Jun 26, 2010 at 12:19 PM

While the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies face the Portland Timbers on Sunday, the rest of the USSF Division II takes to the field on Saturday night.

MINNESOTA (5-8-2) AT BALTIMORE (3-6-3): The Stars saw a four-game undefeated streak come to an end last Saturday with a 2-0 defeat to Portland, but could have a chance to get back to winning ways tonight against a Baltimore squad that has gone 0-2-2 in its last four league games.

The Eagles have held leads in two of their last three outings, but were only able to take draws against Miami and Carolina in those contests. The side needs more offensive support for Randi Patterson, who leads the team with four goals, as it is averaging less than a goal a game this season.

PUERTO RICO (4-5-1) AT ROCHESTER (5-3-4): Taking advantage of those around them faltering, the Rhinos have ridden a 2-0-2 run in their last four games to move into second place in the USL Conference eight points behind leaders Austin.

The Rhinos ascent has been keyed by a balanced attack. Anthony Hamilton leads the team with three goals, but four other players have scored twice. Among those is Aaron Pitchkolan, who also is sitting on four yellow cards coming into tonight’s contest.

Puerto Rico edged Tampa Bay for a 1-0 victory in tough conditions last Saturday, but the Islanders have struggled on the road this season losing three straight after winning their opener, the last of those a 2-1 loss to Austin. 

MONTREAL (4-3-4) AT CAROLINA (3-2-5): The RailHawks could jump over the Impact and into second place in the NASL Conference with victory tonight, but in order to do that they’ll need to end a run of three straight 1-1 draws.

The last time these two teams met, though, Carolina earned a 2-0 victory in Montreal. Etienne Barbara scored the decisive goal in that contest, and leads the team with five goals. The Impact have gone 1-1-2 since then, including a 2-1 victory at Tampa Bay in their last outing. Montreal is still struggling to find goals, though, having scored only nine in 11 games with no-one having more than two individually.

AUSTIN (8-2-3) AT MIAMI (2-3-7): A rematch from last Saturday’s schedule that saw the Aztex pull away for a 3-1 victory will have the USL Conference-leaders confident of extending their lead at the top of the league.

While the offensive focus has been on Jamie Watson and Eddie Johnson for the Aztex this season, it was Maxwell Griffin who fired home a hat trick for Austin against Miami last Saturday, giving him five for the season. Austin has now scored 25 goals in 13 games, almost two per game.

Miami, on the other hand, has had some defensive issues, giving up 1.5 goals per game so far this season. That rate could be higher but for the play of goalkeeper Caleb Patterson, who has been outstanding. He’ll need to be at his best again tonight if Miami is to get any points from this contest.

VANCOUVER (5-2-5) AT ST. LOUIS (2-7-1): The Whitecaps are undefeated in their last four games, opening up a four-point lead at the top of the NASL Conference in the process. Tonight they reach the midway point of a season-high five-game road trip.

Vancouver’s defense has been its biggest strength, conceding only seven goals in 12 games, the best in the league. They might get a better challenge that St. Louis’ record would indicate tonight, though, as the Saints have won their last three games including U.S. Open Cup play, advancing to the third round with victory against Minnesota on Tuesday night.