City Islanders Defeated in Western Mass
Published on August 8, 2004 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
Ludlow, MAâ The Harrisburg City Islanders aspirations of clinching a playoff spot were temporarily put on hold Sunday night, as the club fell 2-1 to the Western Mass Pioneers at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, MA.
The Islanders, 2-1 overtime winners against New Hampshire on Friday at home, are now 8-7-3, and will get their next chance to wrap a postseason invitation this Wednesday, August 11, when the Westchester Flames visit Skyline Sports Complex for a 7:05 p.m. kickoff. Harrisburg needs only a tie in their final two games to make the playoffs.
With defenders Mike Henning, John Lapore, and Kyle Swords all unavailable, Islanders coach Bill Becher used a makeshift backline featuring usual starters J.T. Dorsey and Pete Shellenberger along with Mike Feniger (who has played an attacking role all season) and rookie Adam Schultz, who was making his first appearance with the team. Harrisburg also played without team captain Derek Potteiger (ankle) and forward Matt Tanzini (suspended).
As was the case in Friday night's win, the Islanders started slowly and came on strong in the second half. Harrisburg allowed an early goal to Pioneer midfielder Dan Rudolph in the 18th minute, and forward Jeff Deren gave Western Mass a 2-0 lead as the first half drew to a close.
The Islanders threatened after intermission, however, leading up to Aleksey Korol's goal at the 71-minute mark. Korol now has two goals and seven points in only five games since joining the team on July 12, and has scored at least a point in three straight outings.
The Pioneers, in a heated playoff race in the Northern Division, held their ground as time wound down, though the win was capped by an anxious moment in second half stoppage time, when a header from Harrisburg's Steve Fisher forced winning keeper Bryan O'Quinn to make a spectacular save.
Notes: The City Islanders finish their 2004 regular season road slate with a 3-5-2 record...The Islanders complete their regular season with games this Wednesday (Westchester, 7:05 p.m.) and this Saturday, August 14, against the Charlotte Eagles. Game time for Patriot-News Fan Appreciation Night is 7:35 p.m.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 8, 2004
- City Islanders Defeated in Western Mass - Penn FC
- Eagles' last regular season home game - Charlotte Eagles
- Playoffs on hold after Flames give up late equalizer - Westchester Flames
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