Islanders Down Rough Riders
Published on June 22, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
(Harrisburg, PA, June 22, 2010) - Bring on the New York Red Bulls.
The Harrisburg City Islanders defeated the Long Island Rough Riders 1-0 in their U.S. Open Cup second round match at Skyline Sports Complex on Tuesday night, setting up third round home game against the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer next Tuesday, June 29. Geoff Bloes scored the game's lone goal in the 33rd minute. Danny Cepero made three saves in goal for Harrisburg, getting the win.
The first half opened with the Rough Riders bringing pressure early with Rhett Berstein firing off a shot but Danny Cepero was there for the Islanders and made the save. In the 23rd minute Pav Castaneda tried his hand by sending a ball towards the net but it was just wide.
Then the Islanders took over. Jason Pelletier launched a shot after a foul on Long Island provided a set-piece opportunity, but Bill Gatti jumped to tip the ball just over the crossbar. In the 33rd minute the duo of J.T. Noone and Geoff Bloes once again proved to be the defining playmakers in the Islanders offense. Noone curved a ball past the Rough Riders defense to his teammate and after collecting the pass Bloes sent it flying into the back of the net just inside the post to put the Islanders up 1-0.
Harrisburg never looked back, holding on throughout the second half. The Islanders tried to put the game away with a rocket by Anthony Di Biase, who was thwarted by a diving save by Gatti. Added pressure in the 75th and 77th minute by Bloes was also thwarted by a stubborn Long Island defense.
But Long Island continued to bring the heat. Alex Grendi placed the ball just over the crossbar in his attempt to even the score. In the 53rd minute Gary Flood added a shot but saw it fly just wide of the right post. For the Islanders, Cepero totaled three saves and proved even more successful in the late moments of the game, stopping several dangerous set-pieces by Long Island.
Harrisburg can now set their sights on their next foe from New York, as the Red Bulls travel to Skyline Sports Complex next week in a game that will prove the toughest test yet on their quest for a Lamar U.S. Open Cup Championship.
Following next Tuesday's match against New York at Skyline, Harrisburg hosts USL Second Division foe the Charlotte Eagles. The Islanders are also proud to announce an exhibition match against MLS affiliate Philadelphia Union on Tuesday, July 27, at 7:00 pm.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 22, 2010
- Kickers Progress to U.S. Open Cup Third Round - Richmond Kickers
- Battery Beats RailHawks to Move Into Third Round of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Charleston Battery
- Islanders Down Rough Riders - Penn FC
- Monarchs Hit the Road for Richmond and Pittsburgh - Real Maryland Monarchs
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