Harrisburg Begins Weekend Trip, Faces Orlando City Friday
Published on June 21, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Harrisburg City Islanders (4-2-4) are heading south to face the Orlando City SC (9-1-2) at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
In a rematch of last year's USL PRO Championship, both teams are looking for a statement win as they near the season's midpoint. Currently, Orlando sits atop the standings (29 points), five points ahead of second-place Charleston. In their win Sunday against visiting Antigua, the Lions again displayed why they are leading the league. An early goal by Kieron Bernard in the 14th, steadfast defense and another shutout (four on the season) from Miguel Gallardo-Aparicio formed a winning recipe. Second-half substitute Matt Luzunaris added a second score in stoppage time to nix any ambiguity and send the Lions to their second-straight win.
Harrisburg, meanwhile, has collected 16 points and is fighting to ascend the league's ranks. But the City Islanders have developed an affinity for playing the underdog role. Comeback victories against the MLS's New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup - in addition to a last-minute win versus then-second-place Rochester last Friday - have given the Islanders confidence regardless of the time or the opponent. The visitors will need to maintain their poise Friday, as Orlando is undefeated at home this season.
In the win against Rochester, the Islanders played the visiting Rhinos to a standstill until the 80th, when a deflected shot put the home team in a 1-0 hole. Pressing forward, Harrisburg scored twice in the remaining time - with second-half substitutes Yann Ekra and Lucky Mkosana doing the honors - to eke out another come-from-behind win.
After the game, the Islanders have a quick turnaround, heading north to Charleston for a Saturday match versus the Battery at 7:30 p.m. Orlando City plays next Friday at Dayton, taking on the Dutch Lions at 8 p.m.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 21, 2012
- Harrisburg Begins Weekend Trip, Faces Orlando City Friday - Penn FC
- Orlando City Promotes U23s Star Adama Mbengue to Pro Roster - Orlando City SC
- Riverhounds Host Hammerheads Friday Night - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Battery Welcomes Harrisburg - Christmas in June to Benefit Toys for Tots - Charleston Battery
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