Isles Travel This Week
Published on July 30, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
There are only a few games left in the season as the Islanders play away this week.
Saturday, July 31, the Harrisburg City Islanders (4-7-5, 17 points) travel to face the Richmond Kickers (7-5-5, 26 points) at Richmond City Stadium. After a close loss to the Charleston Battery, the Isles sit in the fifth spot in the USL-Division 2 standings. The Kickers are just under the Battery and rest in second place. As the end of the regular season begins to come into sight, Harrisburg seeks a win against the Kickers to hopefully push them into playoff contention. Likewise, on Wednesday, August 4, at Chartiers Valley High School the Islanders visit in-state rival the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (5-5-6, 21 points) in another match that could shake up the standings.
The Kickers and Islanders met on Saturday, June 19, at Skyline. In the 23rd minute Matthew Delicate quickly crushed a shot and found success to put Richmond up 1-0; despite some opportunities late in the game, Harrisburg couldn't capitalize and failed to find the net for the equalizer. In addition, the last match between the Isles and Riverhounds occurred on July 17 and resulted in a tough 1-1 draw.
In recent USL-D2 play, Harrisburg hosted the Charleston Battery this past weekend on Saturday in a close 3-2 loss. After notching two goals in the first half to go up 2-0, the Battery was forced to go on the defensive as the Islanders roared back in the second as Jerritt Thayer headed two in for a 2-2 score. But late in the game the Battery tallied a third goal to finalize the win and deny Harrisburg any points in the standings.
In contrast, Richmond took the lead early in their last match and held on for a 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Kickers found the net in the 8th minute and held on for the rest of the game to get the victory.
Richmond is beginning to secure a place in the playoff hunt while Harrisburg needs a win to help push for their own berth. A win over third-place Pittsburgh would also greatly help the Isles.
This past Tuesday, July 27, official City Islanders MLS affiliate Philadelphia Union travelled to Skyline for an exhibition match between the clubs. A total of 1,933 fans watched as the Isles and Union battled to a 1-1 draw. The Union went up 1-0 after Danny Mwanga ripped a shot past Tomar Chencinski. Yet confusion in the Union box moments later as Geoff Bloes launched a cross into the air led to an own-goal to tie the game at 1-1 . Although both clubs continued to threaten, the score remained a draw.
The next home game at Skyline Sports Complex is August 7, in a repeat contest against the Richmond Kickers. To purchase tickets and find more information call 717-441-GOAL or check out the official City Islanders website at www.cityislanders.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 30, 2010
- Isles Travel This Week - Penn FC
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