Harrisburg Hosts Rochester on Friday
Published on May 23, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
Harrisburg, PA- The Harrisburg City Islanders (2-1-3) will welcome the Rochester Rhinos (6- 0-1) to Skyline Sports Complex on Friday at 6 p.m.
Rochester edged the City Islanders by three points in the National Division standings last year, but would fall to Harrisburg in the division final. The teams split the regular seaso n series, each taking their respective home match.
Both teams were in action on Tuesday night taking part of U.S. Open Cup play. The City Islanders rode a hot striker and goalkeeper to a 2-0 home win over the Long Island Rough Riders (PDL), earning a third-round matchup with the MLS's New England Revolution on May 29 at Skyline Sports Complex. Yann Ekra recorded his fifth goal of a season in which the 21-year-old is quickly becoming an offensive catalyst in his first year with the team. With the other striker Sainey Touray sitting out (three assists in four games), usual midfielder Brian Ombiji filled in up top and didn't miss a beat. The Islander veteran added the second goal of the evening for the hosts in the 76th, continuing to wake up a Harrisburg offense that had been dormant for long stretches during the young season. Behind them, goalkeeper Nick Noble posted his third-straight shutout.
Head Coach Bill Becher hopes to carry that momentum into Friday's game against the Rhinos, who are currently tied atop the USL PRO standings with Orlando City. "We will have to be at our best to get a result on Friday night against Rochester," he said. "They come in undefeated and tied for first place. We are up for the challenge and expect a very intense game."
In Rochester's Open Cup match against the Brooklyn Italians (NPSL), the Rhinos dictated play in a 3-0 win at Sahlen's Stadium. Strong games from Troy Roberts (two assists) and J.C. Banks (one goal) propelled the home team to a convincing victory and a meeting with the City Islanders' MLS affiliate, the Philadelphia Union, at PPL Park on May 29. Banks leads the team with seven points and will be one to watch on Friday night.
The teams will meet again in Harrisburg on June 15 before co nvening in Rochester on June 30 to wrap up the season series. Friday will be a "Microbrew Night" on City Island. Drink specials will be on Goose Island 312 and regular drafts. Prior to kickoff, fans can also come out to enjoy some live music from the reggae band Sweet Ruckus. Kickoff for Saturday's game against Rochester will take place at 6 p.m., with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Single-game ticket prices are $14 for adults, $7 for youths and $12 for senior tickets.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cityislanders.com or call 717-441- GOAL.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 23, 2012
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- Harrisburg Hosts Rochester on Friday - Penn FC
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