CARY -- The Carolina RailHawks picked up their eighth straight victory on Saturday night, coming from behind to bury FC Tampa Bay 3-1 at WakeMed Soccer Park. Matt Watson and Allan Russell both tallied goals for the RailHawks, and Etienne Barbara picked up a goal and two assists.
The RailHawks lead the NASL with 31 points, and remain unbeaten in their last 11 games (10-1-0).
Tampa Bay struck first, in the 18th minute, putting the RailHawks in their first deficit since May 11, when they trailed Ft. Lauderdale 1-0. RailHawks goalkeeper Brad Knighton stopped the original shot from Tsuyoshi Yoshitake, but was unable to keep Warren Ukah from stashing home the rebound.
The RailHawks took only 20 minutes to regain composure and even the score. Watson executed a give-and-go from Etienne Barbara and buried the ball in the back of the net with blistering pace.
Coming out of the locker room with poise and confidence, the RailHawks controlled much of the second half. After moving easily through the midfield, Barbara was able to capitalize. After having his initial shot blocked, he regained possession and ripped it under the goalkeeper to put the RailHawks on top 2-1 in the 69th minute.
Allan Russell came on late and scored his third goal of the season. Barbara picked up his second assist of the night, after receiving a long ball from Brad Knighton and playing across to the wide-open Russell.
The RailHawks next travel to Atlanta to take on the Silverbacks, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. They return to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Montreal on July 3 at 7 p.m.
