By Simon Fudge/whitecapsfc.com
Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC became the next two clubs to secure their places in next month's USSF D-2 playoffs following the latest weekend of action.
The two Major League Soccer-bound sides registered results that booked their spots for postseason action next month. Rochester Rhinos returned to the summit of USSF D-2 following their latest victory, while there were important wins for Miami FC, NSC Minnesota Stars, and Puerto Rico Islanders.
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Action began in midweek, with Montreal Impact getting two goals from the league's Players of the Month for August in striker Ali Gerba in a
2-1 victory
away to Puerto Rico. Islanders captain Noah Delgado had initially given Puerto Rico the lead before Gerba struck twice to extend Montreal's winning streak to three matches.
All 12 clubs in USSF D-2 were in action on Saturday, with Vancouver continuing their fine form on the road with a convincing 3-0 victory over NASL Conference rivals Crystal Palace Baltimore. Greg Janicki, Randy Edwini-Bonsu, and a first-ever Whitecaps FC goal for Canadian international Terry Dunfield secured the win in Towson, Maryland. Portland joined their Pacific Northwest rivals in securing playoff action following a
0-0 draw
at Carolina RailHawks. The Timbers are now unbeaten in seven matches.
In Upstate New York, Rochester regained the lead in the USL Conference, and the league, following a
3-0 home win
over playoff-chasing FC Tampa Bay. A Jonathan Greenfield penalty was followed by a strike by Isaac Kissi. Tyler Rosenlund secured a comfortable result for the Rhinos at Marina Auto Stadium. The win ensured Rochester will be a top-four seed in the USSF D-2 playoffs. Minnesota boosted their chances of making the playoffs after a
3-0 win
at Athletic Club of St. Louis. Two goals by Simone Bracalello led the Stars to victory in Fenton, Missouri, with Ely Allen also finding the scoresheet for the visitors.
In South Florida, Miami FC kept their faint hopes of making the postseason alive with a
2-1 victory
at home to Montreal. Christian Gomez and Abe Thompson scored the goal for the Blues, with the Impact replying through substitute Eduardo Sebrango. Finally, in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico returned to winning ways with a
3-1 victory
at home to USSF D-2 high-flyers Austin Aztex. Delgado, a Kendall Jagdeosingh penalty, and Jonathan Fana scored for the Islanders after Jamie Watson had initially given the Aztex the lead from the penalty spot.