City Islanders Record First Win of 2015 in Home Opener
April 18, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
HARRISBURG, PA - It was a battle of clubs seeking their first wins of the season as the Harrisburg City Islanders (1-2-0) took on FC Montreal (0-3-0) in front of 2,589 fans in their home opener at Skyline Sports Complex. Fans in attendance were able to witness history as Montreal netted their first USL goal in the club's young history, but the home team would ultimately record their first win of the season in a 2-1 decision.
The Islanders got off to a fast start accented by a Jimmy McLaughlin penalty kick score in the eleventh minute. Antoine Hoppenot broke free toward the goal before being taken down in the penalty area by Montreal's Mitchel Bringolf. Bringolf was red carded in just the ninth minute to give McLaughlin, a Philadelphia Union loanee, an opportunity from the spot. Yann Ekra was the next Islander to threaten the goal as he saw his low laser blow by Montreal keeper David Paulmin only to be deflected away at the goal line by the defense.
Despite playing short-handed for the majority of the half, Montreal was able to manufacture quality scoring opportunities. A corner kick was played at the top of the box to Fabio Morelli, but his attempt sailed just above the frame. A short time later, Victor Ndiaye played the ball across the middle to the feet of Louis Beland-Goyette, who buried a one-timer into the lower right corner of the net in the 32nd minute. The equalizer marked the first USL goal in FC Montreal's history.
The Islanders wasted no time in the second half, as Hoppenot took advantage of a misplayed back pass and slid the ball past the challenging Paulmin. The goal proved to be enough to seal the match for the home side. A second opportunity from the spot arrived for McLaughlin after Hoppenot was again brought down in the box by John Dinkota, but his blast deflected off the right post and be cleared away from danger.
Montreal's attack was stymied by a tight Harrisburg back line as they were only mustered one second half shot, failing to challenge Isles' keeper Nick Noble in the final 45 minutes. Harrisburg dominated offensively, launching 12 shots to Montreal's three.
The Islanders picked up their first three points of the season to lift them out of the basement of the Eastern Conference. They will return to action on Friday, April 24
at 7:30 PM as they travel south to face the Charlotte Eagles. The Islanders next home game is on Saturday, May 16th against the Charleston Independence. To purchase tickets call 717-441-4625 to speak with a City Islanders ticket representative, email us at tickets@cityislanders.com, or visit cityislanders.com for ticket package information.
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