City Islanders End Season In Los Angeles
Published on August 14, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
HARRISBURG, Pa. - The USL PRO regular season is drawing to a close and the City Islanders need at least a win to stay in playoff contention, Harrisburg Coach Bill Becher said. His team will look to begin writing a Hollywood ending against eighth-place Los Angeles this weekend as they face the Blues twice in three days at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Stadium.
"The team is looking forward to the challenge, getting into the playoffs and making a run at the Championship." Becher added.
Just ahead of their West Coast counterparts in the standings, the Islanders suffered a setback against feisty Richmond on Saturday. The teams combined for 36 fouls and 26 shot attempts in a fast-paced contest that saw goals from the Kickers' Stanley Nyazamba and William Yomby - including an own goal by Yomby - in the 2-1 win. While both goalkeepers executed well, Nick Noble played foil to Richmond's Ronnie Pascale in the final home game of the 13-year veteran's career. Together, the pair collected 10 saves, but Pascale's sixth stop of the night in the 89th would ice the victory for the Kickers and send Harrisburg looking for answers this weekend.
Los Angeles could put itself in the playoff picture with a pair of victories. Against visiting Antigua on Saturday, the Blues rebounded with a 1-0 win after losing to the Barracuda two days earlier. Striker Max Griffin partnered with Maykel Galindo to score the game's lone goal in the waning moments of the first half and give Coach Charlie Naimo's side hope going into their final two games with visiting Harrisburg.
Islanders midfielder J.T. Noone, who played a full 90 against Richmond, said his team was excited for trip and was expecting a "playoff atmosphere" when they meet the Blues. "We will take the games one at a time and give everything we have," he said. "Most importantly we want a playoff spot, but we also would like to play in front of our fans again so two wins is what we're after."
The teams will face each other Friday at 7 p.m. and end their seasons Sunday, with kickoff at 8 p.m.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 14, 2012
- Date and Venue Changes Made for Blues' Upcoming Games Against Harrisburg - Orange County SC
- Tony Donatelli Named USL PRO Player of the Week - Charleston Battery
- Charleston's Donatelli Named USL PRO Player of the Week - USL
- Eagles Fight for One of Three USL PRO Playoff Spots this Weekend - Charlotte Eagles
- City Islanders End Season In Los Angeles - Penn FC
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