Islanders all tied up in North Carolina
Published on May 21, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
The City Islanders traveled south this past weekend to North Carolina for two games against Charlotte and Wilmington. While the team was able to avoid wet weather for the first time all season they were not able to come away with the first win of the season.
On Friday night in Charlotte the Islanders took to Restart Field against the undefeated Eagles for what would prove to be a fast paced, even, and exciting game. The boys came out firing on all cylinders right away as they created a few chances in the opening 10 minutes of play. Charlotte tried to settle in with their calm possession game, but the Islanders defensive play was solid and created numerous counter attack opportunities. One chance saw a quick combination in central midfield open up Brian Ombiji on the left flank. Ombiji, seeing a gap in the Charlotte back line, played a good first time ball over the defense toward the top corner of the Eagles box. Charlotte net minder Terry Boss tried to get out and cover the ball but the pace of forward Ryan Heins was too great as he got to the ball first and then deftly flicked it over Boss who was stranded in no man's land. Harrisburg led 1-0 at the 27 minute mark. Following the goal Charlotte immediately pressed forward and almost equalized as a well placed free kick struck the crossbar in the 40th minute.
The second half of play saw both teams slugging it out from box to box with Harrisburg hitting the post in the 51st minute and forcing a sprawling save from Boss in the 63rd. However, Charlotte would get on the board in the 65th as a free kick from 20 yards out deflected on its way towards goal and was beyond the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Danny Cepero. The goal was a bit lucky, but enough to earn a draw for Charlotte and another frustrating score line for the Islanders. Bixler Fresh off the tie to Charlotte, and a 4 hour bus ride across NC, the Islanders would take on Wilmington Saturday night. Sporting four new starters, Harrisburg was looking to control the game early and keep possession. Things opened well for the Islanders as Almir Barbosa found Steve Fisher with a square ball across the six yard box in the 7th minute that the opportunistic forward calmly placed into the back of the net, giving Harrisburg a 1-0 lead early.
Opening the 2nd half with a 1-0 lead for the second consecutive night the Islanders again started well, but the heavy legs from back to back games soon became an obstacle as Wilmington turned up the pressure. A scramble in the box in the 55th minute produced a Wilmington goal and a tie score. Things continued to heat up as tempers on both sides flared and play became choppy. Chances for both teams came but neither could convert. Harrisburg had the best chance in the 84th when a David Schofield free kick from 24 yards out hit the underside of the crossbar and came straight down and out. In the end it was yet another 1-1 draw for the Islanders.
The team will be back in action on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 7:05 versus Real Maryland at Skyline Sports Complex. 2008 Team Photo giveaway courtesy of Huggins Printing (while supplies last). For tickets please call 717-441-4625 Meet #10 David Schofield
SchoeyDavid Schofield, more commonly known around the organization as Schoey, is a graduate of Long Island University and currently in his 5th season with the City Islanders. Originally from Preston, England, Schoey began playing soccer at the age of seven as a central defender. He follows in the footsteps of his father who also played professional soccer for Preston North End in England. Besides playing for the City Islanders, Schoey has played for the Philadelphia Kixx (MISL) and Blackburn Rovers FC in England. David has had many great successes throughout his career such as; playing for Great Britain at the World University Games in 2005, earning three-time all conference recognition at LIU, and representing North America while playing for the Pittsburgh Futsal Club at the World Futsal Club Championship in Spain in 2005. Schofield does not just play soccer though; he is the Director of Youth Academy for the City Islanders and the Technical Director for West Shore Soccer Club.
Schofield is 26 years old and is 5'9" 160lbs with a size 8 shoe. One thing Schoey says that most people might not know about him is that he almost gave up soccer to run cross-country and track. Also, surprisingly, he has a big interest in carpentry and do-it-yourself projects. Schoey recently purchased his first home. His favorite thing about Harrisburg is the friendly, welcoming people. The first car he owned was a Mitsubishi Mirage, which is not quite his dream car, which he says, is a Porsche 911. Schofield's life represents his favorite quote by Bill Shankly quite accurately; "Football is not a matter of life or death, it's much more important than that."
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NEXT HOME MATCH:
Harrisburg City Islanders vs. Real Maryland Saturday, May 31st 7:05pm
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 21, 2008
- Reserve Team Kicks Off Season with New Format and 9-0 Victory - Cleveland City Stars
- Kickers Return to UR Stadium Saturday - Richmond Kickers
- Islanders all tied up in North Carolina - Penn FC
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