Harrisburg Visits Dayton and Pittsburgh Within the Week
Published on July 15, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
Harrisburg, PA- The Harrisburg City Islanders (6-4-6) will look to improve their road record this week when they play both the Dayton Dutch Lions and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the second time this month. Harrisburg travels to Dayton's Bellbrook High School on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. start, and have a quick turnaround when they visit Pittsburgh's Chartiers Valley High School on Friday at 7 p.m.
Though Harrisburg is undefeated in July - compiling a 1-0-2 record - and 3-2-2 on the road this season, both players and coaches have felt the team hasn't performed to expectations. With the playoff picture still hazy, J.T. Noone, the Islanders' third-year midfielder, said the team was looking forward to taking advantage of its opportunities and cementing a spot in the top three.
"It's important for us to get two wins on this road trip," he said. "Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot so we expect difficult games."
In their recent matchups against Dayton and Pittsburgh, the Islanders saw the pace of play frantically increase late in each game.
In Friday's scoreless draw with Dayton, missed opportunities would define the match as well as the sparkling effort of Dutch Lions' goalkeeper Matt Williams. The Islanders managed 15 shots on net - eight were repelled by Williams - and controlled possession against a defensive-minded Dayton squad. The visitors' mettle proved sufficient to earn a point away from home, and dampened the spirits of an Islanders' team looking to better its playoff position.
Against Pittsburgh on July 6, the Islanders needed late goals by subs Sainey Touray and Garret Pettis to earn a road victory. Tied at one in the 80th, former Islander Anthony Calvano sent in a long cross over the heads of the Harrisburg defense, but not teammate Darren Amoo's. The Riverhounds' striker swooped in for the pass and cashed in what looked like the deciding goal. A minute, a Bilal Duckett feed and a Touray header later, the game was back on even terms.
Pettis's one-timer from Yann Ekra in the 87th would help the Islanders steal a win on the road against their cross-state rival. But the draw vs. Dayton, along with a tie vs. Antigua in the preceding game - each at home - was not the result the Islanders were looking for heading into the latter part of their schedule. "I think everyone was disappointed to not get more points in the past couple of games," Noone said. "We're excited for the chance to get things moving in the right direction again this week."
The July 18 game at Dayton will be streamed live on uslnation.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 15, 2012
- Blues Grab 2-0 Victory over Antigua - Orange County SC
- Harrisburg Visits Dayton and Pittsburgh Within the Week - Penn FC
- Eagles Extend Streak to Five Games - Charlotte Eagles
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