City Islanders Weekly
April 4, 2005 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
The Harrisburg City Islanders dropped a pair of preseason friendlies last week, falling 2-0 to Bucknell University on Wednesday night and 2-1 to the Richmond Kickers in Richmond on Saturday.
The team's focus on Wednesday was clearly on evaluating trialists, as the coaching staff used 25 different players in the 90-minute match.
On Saturday, facing one of the USL First Division's best sides, the City Islanders held strong until the very end. Just three minutes after midfielder Sascha Gorres gave Richmond a 1-0 lead, Harrisburg midfielder Mo Oduor headed home a David Schofield cross to tie the match. The game stayed tied until Kickers forward Mychal Turpin notched the decisive score with just three minutes left in regulation.
"I'm very happy with the way we played tonight," Head Coach Bill Becher said after Saturday's game. "We put together a very good first half and then leveled off a bit, and Richmond was the better team in the second half. We played well against a quality team."
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE...
Tuesday, April 5 â Practice, "In The Net", 8:30 â 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 6 â Practice, "In The Net", 6:00 â 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 7 â Practice, "In The Net", 7:30 â 9:00 a.m.
2005 Introductory Press Conference, Capital BlueCross Headquarters Building, Harrisburg, 11:00 a.m.
Friday, April 8 â Practice, "In The Net", 3:00 â 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 9 â City Islanders vs. Lehigh University, Hersheypark Stadium, 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 10 â City Islanders vs. Reading Rage, Hersheypark Stadium, 3:00 p.m.
The City Islanders will introduce their 2005 roster and unveil their 2005 uniforms during a press conference at the Capital BlueCross Headquarters Building in Harrisburg on Thursday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served following the event. Attendance is by invitation only.
The City Islanders play their final two preseason games this weekend, against Lehigh University on Saturday, April 9, and versus the Reading Rage on Sunday, April 10. Both games will kick off at 3:00 p.m. at Hersheypark Stadium. No admission will be charged for either game.
Harrisburg's 20-game regular season schedule begins on Saturday, April 16, in Cincinnati against the expansion Kings (7:30 p.m.). The City Islanders' home opener at Skyline Sports Complex will be on Saturday, April 23, at 7:05 p.m. against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For the full schedule, visit http://www.cityislanders.com/driver.aspx?topic=schedule.
It is recommended that you contact Phil Yerger at 717-805-8127 to confirm times and player/staff availability.
PRESEASON EVENTS...
The City Islanders will hold their Annual Preseason VIP Gathering on Thursday, April 14, from 6:00 â 8:00 p.m. at Molly Branigan's, located at 31 North Second Street in Harrisburg. Invitees have been asked to R.S.V.P. by April 8 by calling 717-441-GOAL or e-mailing Joe Sierko (joe@cityislanders.com).
And on Thursday, April 21âtwo days prior to the team's home openerâa "Welcome to the Island Party" will take place at Skyline Sports Complex from 6:00 â 8:00 p.m. The event will feature an open practice by the team, and the first 250 people in attendance will receive a free hot dog and soda. The "Welcome to the Island Party" is open to the public.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 4, 2005
- Date Set for Rough Riders Solidarity Night - Long Island Rough Riders
- City Islanders Weekly - Penn 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.
