On Friday night, Carolina RailHawks defeated Austin Aztex
3-1
to take a three-point lead over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the battle for top spot in the NASL Conference of the USSF D-2 Pro League.
Carolina also have the edge over Vancouver on goal difference, which means Whitecaps FC must defeat Portland Timbers by three or more goals on Saturday afternoon in order to win the NASL Conference and claim the second seed in the USSF D-2 playoffs. Should the 'Caps achieve this result versus the Timbers at Swangard, they will face seventh-seeded NSC Minnesota Stars in the first round of the playoffs next week.
However, if Whitecaps FC fail to beat Portland by three or more goals, then Vancouver finish in fifth place overall and play the fourth seed in the first round of the playoffs. This will likely be Pacific Northwest rivals Portland, though there is an outside chance it could be Rochester Rhinos.
