Although it has been months since the Atlanta Silverbacks were anywhere near the playoff picture, the worst team in the NASL still has the power to stir the pot.

Two first-half goals stunned the visiting Puerto Rico Islanders and were enough to give the Silverbacks their fourth win of the season. The Islanders were left shorthanded with nine players out for international duty but the loss, combined with Carolina’s win over Tampa Bay, all but assures the Railhawks the top seed in the playoffs.

The Montreal Impact’s unexpected three-game winning streak was snapped over the weekend with a loss to playoff rival Fort Lauderdale. The Strikers move six points clear of the Impact and are in decent position to hold on for a playoff spot.

The NSC Minnesota Stars are now the holders of the precarious sixth position after a 3-1 loss to FC Edmonton. The Stars are experiencing a horrid run of form with a three-game losing streak and a winless run that dates back to Aug. 6. FC Edmonton is now eight points clear of Montreal while Minnesota is only four points clear.

Here is a look back at the weekend results in the NASL.

Carolina Railhawks 2, FC Tampa Bay 0

The Carolina Railhawks rolled past FC Tampa Bay with a 2-0 victory, setting a club record for most league wins in a season.

Pablo Campos took his goal-scoring tally to double digits with a goal in the 19^th minute to give Carolina the early lead. Carolina’s lead was doubled before halftime when Campos got on the end of an excellent pass from Brian Farbar.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the 50^th minute when Carolina striker Eienne Barbara and Tampa defender Andres Arango were sent off simultaneously. Jeff Attinella made five saves in the second half but Tampa Bay, which was missing red-hot striker Mike Ambersley, could never managed to mount much of an offensive attack.

Atlanta Silverbacks 2, Puerto Rico Islanders 0

The Atlanta Silverbacks took advantage of a deplet    ed Puerto Rico side to score a moral-boosting victory.

The Silverbacks weathered some early pressure from Puerto Rico in the first half an hour before striking with a goal from a set piece. Matt Horth headed home a throw-in from Shane Moroney in the 28^th minute to give Atlanta the lead. Horth struck again two minutes later to double the Silverbacks’ advantage.

Raphael Cox carved through Puerto Rico’s defense and found a waiting Horth inside the box and the forward made no mistake in beating Ray Burse to his far post. Puerto Rico sorely missed Jonathan Fana and was never able find the back of the net.

    FC Edmonton 3, NSC Minnesota Stars 1

Minnesota’s playoff credentials took another hit after squandering a halftime lead to leave the Stars only four points clear of Montreal.

Minnesota was the dominant team in the first half and was rewarded with a goal just before the intermission. Brian Cvilikas was left open in the box and made easy work of his header.

After the break the tide completely turned for the home side. Kyle Yamada was the beneficiary of a Kyle Porter cross and Edmonton was level within seven minutes. The game winner came from Shaun Saiko’s goal but it was a miss that will garner the most attention. Amani Walker somehow missed a wide-open net from less than two yards out as his effort careened wide. Dan Antonjuk scored late to give Edmonton an insurance goal.

Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1, Montreal Impact 0

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers came up big to hold on to their playoff position as the Impact are once again outsiders for the postseason.

Gerson Mayen scored the game’s lone goal midway through the second half with a shot coming from a quick give-and-go with Mike Palacio. Montreal is now four points adrift of a playoff spot with four games to play.

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What did you think of the weekend's action? Can Montreal overcome its setback? Can Minnesota turn it around before it's too late? Can Atlanta make some noise next season?

Share your thoughts below.