CARY -- Every time an opponent faces the Carolina RailHawks, there is no question that stopping striker Etienne Barbara is a top concern. Actually accomplishing that goal, however, is a completely different matter.
On Saturday night at WakeMed Soccer Park, the Puerto Rico Islanders continued to learn just how difficult that is, as Barbara scored two goals and assisted another to help the RailHawks win their fourth straight game 3-0.
The victory helped Carolina (6-1-1) avenge its only loss of the season, which came in the season-opener April 9 against the Islanders, 2-1. Puerto Rico also beat Carolina in the USSF Division 2 Professional League finals in 2010.
"We lost the final against them last season so it's a little revenge against a very good team," Barbara said. "Every game we play against them it can go both ways and today, it favored us. I hope it keeps on going."
If Saturday night's game is any indication about whether or not the RailHawks will keep things going, the rest of the North American Soccer League could be in trouble. The RailHawks average 2.25 goals per match and have given up seven goals all season.
Carolina sits atop the NASL table with 19 points and is seven points clear of second place Minnesota.
Although Carolina controlled the action for much of the first 25 minutes against the Islanders, the RailHawks failed to capitalize on two golden opportunities to beat Puerto Rico goaltender Martin Richard.
Barbara changed that quickly in the 26th minute when he tapped in a perfect cross from midfielder Johnny Steele to give the RailHawks a 1-0 lead.
Carolina continued to put pressure on Puerto Rico in the closing minutes of the first half, taking a one-goal lead and every bit of the game's momentum with it into the locker room at the break.
That momentum spilled over in the 53rd minute, when striker Pablo Campos found Barbara in space for Carolina's second goal. Barbara took the touch pass from Campos and buried his 11th goal of the season past Puerto Rico goalkeeper Richard Martin to put the RailHawks up 2-0.
"I'm always happy when I score," Barbara said. "And scoring against Puerto Rico, which is a very strong side, is always a pleasure. As long as my team keeps playing like this and creating chances, I'm always there waiting for them. I will always be there."
Campos rounded out the RailHawks' scoring when he found the back of the net in the 67th minute. Fittingly, the picture-perfect pass came off the foot of Barbara.
"They are both very good players," Rennie said of his dynamic attacking duo. "They have a good combination...it's not as good as it can be, but it's becoming something really good.
The RailHawks return to WakeMed Soccer Park May 28 to face Atlanta at 7 p.m.
