Photo by ISIphotos.com
In the end, the 2-0 first leg lead proved to be plenty for the Puerto Rico Islanders, the 2010 champions of the USSF Second Division. The Carolina Railhawks didn't have enough to overturn the deficit, only mustering a 1-1 tie in Cary, NC.
It only took eight minutes for Puerto Rico to pad their lead in Saturday's second leg, as Sandy Gbandi scored to increase the Islanders lead and essentially clinch the two-legged series. Carolina showed signs of life by answering quickly with a Tom Heinemann goal just two minutes later, and certainly had time to mount a comeback.
But Heinemann's tally would be all the Railhawks could manage against Bill Gaudette and the Islanders defense, as they were blanked for the rest of the game despite outshooting the visitors 18-10. Puerto Rico even had a penalty saved in the game's closing minutes before celebration ensued with the final whistle, as they won 3-1 on aggregate.
What did you think of the D2 playoffs? Surprised to see Puerto Rico win it all? What do you think will happen to the second division league?
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