By Simon Fudge/whitecapsfc.com
Austin Aztex continued to cruise at the summit of both the USL Conference and USSF D-2 Pro League following the latest weekend of action.
Adrian Heath's side took maximum points off of Miami FC for a second straight time, while Rochester Rhinos took their unbeaten run to five matches in what is shaping up to be a very competitive USL Conference. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, meanwhile, maintained their lead at the top of the NASL Conference standings with a draw in the American Midwest.
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for USSF D-2 Pro League standings
There were five matches on Saturday, with struggling Crystal Palace Baltimore falling
3-1
at home to NSC Minnesota Stars. Warren Ukah, Brian Cvilikas, and Andres Arango had the goals for the Stars in Maryland. The Rhinos, meanwhile, disposed of Puerto Rico Islanders
3-0
at Rochester's Marina Auto Stadium. Ryan Heins, Anthony Hamilton, and Max Ferdinand had the goals for Bob Lilley's side. There was an entertaining contest at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, as Montreal Impact came from two goals down to earn a
2-2 away draw
with Carolina RailHawks. Sallieu Bundu and a Floyd Franks penalty gave Carolina a two-goal lead, but Montreal earned a point after goals by Simon Gatti and a Tony Donatelli penalty.
In South Florida, Austin became the first USSF D-2 club to reach the 30-point mark after a
2-1 victory
at Miami FC. Two goals by Eddie Johnson - with his winner coming from the penalty spot - took the Aztex striker's goal tally to eight for the season at Lockhart Syadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Meanwhile, in Fenton, Missouri, the Whitecaps had to settle for a goalless draw with NASL Conference strugglers Athletic Club of St. Louis. Vancouver striker Cornelius Stewart was sent off in the second half for two bookable offences at the Anheuser-Busch Center.
The lone match on Sunday took place in Oregon, as Portland Timbers made it two league wins in a row after a
1-0 home success
over FC Tampa Bay Rowdies. Bright Dike scored Portland's winner in the second half at PGE Park in The City of Roses.