City Islanders Look to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
July 20, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
Harrisburg, PA - After grabbing their first win in over two months City Islanders FC will hope to ride that momentum into their next match up with another in-state rival when they take on Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium on Thursday, July 21 at 4 p.m.
The Islanders were able to take the first ever match between the two Pennsylvania teams with a resounding 3-1 win in Lancaster almost two months ago. City got help from two Aaron Wheeler goals and another from Bobby Warshaw.
In this match up City will have to find another source of scoring as Wheeler is still out with an injury sustained against Pittsburgh. Players like Jose Barril, who has scored in two consecutive games and Garrett Pettis, have been called on to bolster the scoring.
In their last outing City was able to snap a nine game winless streak and take a lead in the second annual Keystone Derby with a solid 2-1 win in Pittsburgh. Dante Leverock opened the scoring less than 30 minutes into play. Barril backed up the opening goal with the game winner just minutes later.
City gave up a late goal in the 60th minute, but did enough to hold on for the all important three points in the game. The three points moves them to 17 points on the season. Although it will be an uphill battle, the victory makes the Isles postseason chances more attainable.
To make sure they don't miss out on the playoffs for the second year in-a-row they will have to go through USL newcomer Bethlehem Steel FC, who currently occupies the eighth and final spot. Bethlehem is on a roll and has won two straight games at home by an aggregate score of 5-0. The first was a 2-0 win against Pittsburgh and followed by another 3-0 victory against Wilmington.
Bethlehem is lead by a balanced offensive attack. Leading scorers Derrick Jones and Ryan Richter, who each have seven points, are two of ten players who tallied goals this season for the team. John McCarthy has also been strong in net with two straight shutouts.
A win for the Islanders will go a long way in putting them in a good spot to make a late season run for the playoffs because the next three games for the Islanders will not get any easier. After Bethlehem City will take on three of the top five teams in less than two weeks.
Some solace for the Islanders is that two out of the three upcoming matches will take place on friendly soil at FNB Field. City will welcome the Rochester Rhinos on Friday, July 29 followed by the New York Red Bulls on Tuesday, August 2 both matches will be at 7 p.m. For a limited time save by purchasing tickets for both matches for ONLY $20!
For more City Islanders FC information and tickets visit www.cityislanders.com or call 717-441-GOAL (4625). To stay up to date with the team be sure to follow on all social media platforms.
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