RailHawks keep pace, despite change

CARY --

The Carolina RailHawks enjoy a very comfortable lead at the top of the NASL standings. Their 12-point cushion over the second-place Puerto Rico Islanders means that they could clinch first place long before the regular season ends. But don't think that the team is losing focus.

"If you watch practice or games, nobody's letting back," said defender Cory Miller. "Until we know that we've clinched the regular season title, everyone's going to still be going 100 percent right at it."

At WakeMed Soccer Park today at 7 p.m., the RailHawks (13-2-2) will try and take another step toward that goal against the Atlanta Silverbacks (3-11-3), who are tied for last place in the NASL.

In two matches against the Silverbacks so far this season, the RailHawks have outscored them 7-1 for a pair of wins.

After a two-game slump of their own earlier this month on the road, the RailHawks returned to WakeMed Soccer Park last Saturday and bounced back with a 4-1 rout of FC Edmonton.

Forward Pablo Campos scored two goals to claim NASL Offensive Player of the Week honors, and Etienne Barbara picked up a goal and an assist to boost his league-leading totals to 15 and eight, respectively.

"If you get it to either one of them, something good is going to happen," Miller said. "We've been riding off their streak. They work great together."

The defense has been holding strong, as well.

Despite changes across the backline throughout July, including the transfer of captain Brad Rusin to the Danish club HB Koge, the RailHawks have continued to stifle opponents' scoring chances.

Their 14 goals allowed are the fewest in the NASL, and the team has allowed more than one goal just twice.

The squad's defensive depth was questioned after losing one match and drawing another after Rusin's departure, but Miller has been one of several Carolina defenders to step up and alleviate any concerns.

After playing in just one match before Rusin left, Miller has started the last two games at right center back.

"[Miller] has done very well, [after] waiting a little while to get his chance," RailHawks coach Martin Rennie said. "He's got a chance to be a good player if he keeps working hard and developing the way he is.