City Islanders Face Charlotte Saturday
May 26, 2010 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
This upcoming Saturday, May 29 at 7pm the Harrisburg City Islanders (1-4-1, 4 points) will face the Charlotte Eagles (3-3-1, 10 points) at Skyline Sports Complex on City Island. The Islanders look to ride the momentum that led them to their first win of the season over Charleston Battery (6-1-1, 19 points) this past weekend and take control of their season. The Islanders came out strong and achieved a 2-1 result that ended Charleston's undefeated streak.May22Game
Charlotte looks to notch a win after falling to the Richmond Kickers (3-1-3, 12 points) and playing to a 0-0 draw against the Maryland Monarchs (2-3-3, 9 points) in recent play while Harrisburg seeks to build off their recent success.
But it won't be easy.
The Eagles took the first match between the two teams this season 2-0 at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Debola Ogunseye continually tested the Islander defense throughout the first game and finally capitalized on his attempts by scoring one of the two Eagles' goals. Harrisburg will have to create solid play on defense in order to stop Ogunseye and the Eagles offense and continue to create opportunities to find the back of the net. The Islanders hope home-field advantage and a fresh outlook on the season will help bring the Eagles down.
Will it be enough to cruise to another win?
"It's really simple," said Islander team captain Dustin Bixler, named USL-2nd Division Player-of-the-Week. "We need to keep the momentum that we got. We got the result we were looking for and if we do that again we won't have a problem."
Bixler and forward Nick Zimmerman made it on the USL-2nd Division Team of the Week. Bixler, who scored his first-ever goal for the Islanders against Charleston this past Saturday, noted the importance of the recent win.
"It puts me back in a positive mindset. You need something to boost morale and get everyone going again and I think that happened." Bixler also acknowledged the opposition waiting for the Islanders this weekend. "They [Charlotte] are always a tough team. They have really dangerous players that we have to watch out for. We have some dangerous players too so hopefully we'll work that out."
Danny Cepero, coming off a career-high 3 saves, looks to anchor an Islanders defense that sparks new life.
"With that game it helps the confidence level. We can do this, we've won a game." Cepero said. He also emphasized a positive focus. "It's that winning attitude that really is contagious. You know you can win and you're capable of doing it if you can perform to your greatest potential." He also took note of Charlotte's ability to be dangerously good. "It's important for us to get on the scoreboard early."
The City Islanders take the field to face the Charlotte Eagles this Saturday, May 29 at Skyline Sports Complex on City Island. Kick-off is at 7pm. In addition to the game, there will be many opportunities to meet soccer players, receive autographs, and enjoy the soccer atmosphere on the Island. Also, the youth tickets (ages 5-18) only cost $5. To purchase tickets and find more information call 717-441-GOAL or check out the official City Islanders website at www.cityislanders.com.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 26, 2010
- Pioneers Hit The Road - Western Mass Pioneers
- Bolton Midfielder Stuart Holden Named To US 2010 FIFA World Cup Roster - Charleston Battery
- Monarchs March Into Charleston - Real Maryland Monarchs
- City Islanders Face Charlotte Saturday - Penn FC
- Kickers Entertain Scouts And Colonial Cup Teams May 29th - Richmond Kickers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
