City Islanders Fall At Home
Published on August 1, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
HARRISBURG, Pa.- In a rematch of last year's USL PRO Championship, the Harrisburg City Islanders were unable to stop Orlando City from extending its unbeaten streak to 12 Wednesday night at Skyline Sports Complex. The Lions' Jamie Watson scored twice - both off rebounds - in the first half and Erik Ustruck and Dennis Chin struck after halftime in the 4-2 victory.
The festivities began quickly as both offenses opened up early. In the 6th, Watson shot from the right-top corner of the penalty area and elicited a save from Harrisburg keeper Nick Noble. As Noble was trying to regain his footing, the Lions' striker followed his shot and pocketed the resulting rebound, giving the visitors an early edge.
The Islanders would reply four minutes later when Brian Ombiji, spread out to the right, targeted a streaking Garret Pettis with a well-timed cross. Pettis's header leveled the game, but Orlando would steal back momentum in the 32nd, again off the effort of Watson.
Fellow striker Dennis Chin wove through the left side of the Islander defense and let loose a right-footed blast. Noble dove and deflected the try, but an opportunistic Watson was there to clean up the rebound.
After halftime, the 1539 in attendance thought they saw the equalizer from a solo effort from the Islanders' Yann Ekra. In the 57th, Ekra displayed deft dribbling, breaking down the Orlando defense just to the right of goalkeeper Sean Kelley. The Islanders rookie's low drive tested Kelley, but could not put the home team back on even terms.
Five minutes following what may have been the Islanders best opportunity, the Lions countered quickly on the feet of Chin and Ustruck as the tandem took Noble post to post. Once Noble dove, it was an easy goal for Ustruck.
By then, Orlando had taken control. Two more goals - one by each team - would follow but would not change the tempo of the match. Chin would add his league-leading eleventh goal of the season in the 75th and recent addition Jimmy McLaughlin would capitalize on his spry solo effort in the 82nd for Harrisburg.
The loss sends Harrisburg to 8-6-6. The Islanders will host Charleston next Wednesday at 7 p.m. J.T. Noone, who played a full 90 for the Islanders, said "the effort was there" but execution was lacking. The loss puts greater importance on next Wednesday's home game against third-place Charleston.
"Defensively we weren't up to par," he said. "Wednesday is a must win for us - then we'll take it from there." Orlando, meanwhile, improves to 16-1-5. The Lions will head up to Rochester Friday to face the Rhinos at 7:35 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 1, 2012
- City Islanders Fall At Home - Penn FC
- Orlando City Sets New Wins Record with 4-2 Victory over Harrisburg - Orlando City SC
- Blues Earn Crucial 2-0 Victory at Pittsburgh - Orange County SC
- Eagles Host Antigua Saturday Night - Charlotte Eagles
- Kickers Host Antigua Friday - Richmond Kickers
- Chijindu Released from Hammerheads - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
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.
