City Islanders Searching For Keystone Derby Cup
August 27, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
Harrisburg, PA - One of the top rivalries in the United Soccer League lands at FNB Field Saturday. And the pivotal Eastern Conference match will be treated accordingly.
Bill Becher's City Islanders have cleaned up some of their early-season shortcomings and have played 3-1-2 in their last six USL matches. More is needed, however, if the two-time USL finalists want a shot to make the postseason. It's a long with no margin for error with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds coming to town.
"They all are big right now," said Becher, his Islanders (7-14-4) well outside the eighth and final playoff spot currently held by Orlando City B (8-8-8).
"They are fighting to get themselves into that last playoff spot as we are. They have a lot of good players, a talented team, and they defend pretty well. They have guys who can score goals. It will be a good test for us."
It was Pittsburgh's victory over Harrisburg a season ago that left the Islanders outside the USL postseason. Adding intrigue to Saturday's 7 p.m. kick is the finish line for the annual Keystone Derby and the return of Mechanicsburg native Dave Brandt as Pittsburgh's head coach.
Brandt led Messiah College on an unprecedented championship run for 12 seasons before taking advancing to the United State Naval Academy. Messiah won six Division III National titles under Brandt, who compiled a 246-25-12 record.
"What he did at Messiah is remarkable. I don't know that anyone has done that at any other university throughout the country," Becher said. "I got to know Dave a little bit when he was at Messiah. It's good to see him in Pittsburgh."
AT A GLANCE
When: Saturday, 7 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Where: FNB Field
Tickets: Adults $15, Youth 5-12 $9, children 4 and under are free. Parking $4. College/High School Night at FNB ($5) with ID at gate.
#HARvPGH I FNB Field I Saturday, Aug. 27 7:00 p.m. SINGLE GAME TICKETS
* Final Match of the 2016 Keystone Derby Cup presented by K & L Gates and the PA Lottery: Keystone Derby Cup will be awarded immediately following the match
* PA Lottery Night: FREE Lottery coupon to the first 1,000 fans (18 years and older)
* College/High School Night: $5 admission with valid I.D. at the gate
* Pregame show featuring pregame insight, interviews & giveaways hosted by Fun
* PINK Night: PINK OUT & Pregame Bras Across the Bridge before the match to support the Feel Your Boobies Foundation!
* Gamut Theatre pregame improv performance
* Post Match FIREWORKS Sponsored by Dauphin County Commissioners
* Also, make sure the kids stay after for post-game autographs and pictures with the players
* Join the team after the match at Mr. G's Sports Bar!
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 27, 2016
- Putting up a Good Fight, Wilmington Ties Rochester 2-2 - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Kickers Clinch Playoff Berth with Narrow Win Over OCB - Richmond Kickers
- Real Monarchs Look to Continue Hot Streak against Arizona United - Real Monarchs
- City Islanders Searching For Keystone Derby Cup - Penn FC
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