Islanders Drop 1-0 Decision to Cleveland
Published on August 3, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
(Cleveland, OH, August 3, 2007)- The Harrisburg City Islanders (10-3-5) dropped a 1-0 decision to the Cleveland City Stars (10-1-8) at Krenzler Stadium on the campus of Cleveland State University. Cleveland moves into first place with the win and the Islanders drop to third in the standings with two games remaining. The Islanders take on the Cincinnati Kings on Saturday, August 4 and then return home on August 11 against Crystal Palace Baltimore to finish the regular season. The Isle Guys can still retain the USL-2 regular season title but will now need some fortunate results from their colleagues. Most importantly, Richmond would have to drop a decision to Western Mass on August 4. The Islanders will retain a Second Place finish and home field advantage for the playoffs if they win their last two regular season matches.
Cleveland got off to a quick start with an early foul that earned them a penalty kick in the 5th minute which was converted by Chris Lemons.
The Isle guys then controlled the tempo with some trademark possession play throughout the first half but Cleveland defended well and created some dangerous counter attacks.
The Islanders best chance came about midway through the half when Mo Oduor volleyed a service off the crossbar. The other half of the Kenyan Connection, Brian Ombiji who is the current USL-2 player of the week had to leave the match in the 30th minute with a foot injury.
Similar play continued into the second half with Marty Johnston working his way in behind the defense in the 65th minute only to have his efforts muffled by the Cleveland net minder Hunter Gilstrap.
Cleveland experienced their most dangerous effort in the 75th minute when Nigel Codrington found himself all alone against Islanders keeper Matt Nelson. The veteran keeper calmly forced the play away from the danger zone and the defense recovered to clear the ball.
Mike Lookingland valiantly attempted one last scoring chance in stoppage time to even the slate. His well struck shot was left loose in the box with an always attacking Adam Clay closing in for the finish. Unfortunately for the Men In Blue, the Cleveland keeper was able to smother the ball which would send the Islanders to the bus for the ride to Cincinnati. The Islanders outshot their opponents 14-6 and Matt Nelson was credited with 2 saves while his counterpart recorded 7 saves.
Fans can listen to the Cincinnati match live by clicking on the link provided on www.cityislanders.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 3, 2007
- Cleveland City Stars Go To Top With 1-0 Win Against Harrisburg - Cleveland City Stars
- Islanders Drop 1-0 Decision to Cleveland - Penn FC
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