Islanders shutout Cincinnati with 2-0 win
August 4, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
(Cincinnati, OH, August 4, 2007)- The Harrisburg City Islanders (11-3-5) recorded a 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Kings (3-10-5) on a rainy night at the Town and Country Sports Complex. With Richmond defeating Western Mass elsewhere in USL-2 action, the City Islanders hopes of earning the regular season title have ended. However, the Isle Guys can finish the season in Second Place and earn home field advantage for the semi-finals by defeating Crystal Palace Baltimore on August 11 at Skyline Sports Complex on City Island.
The Men In Blue got off to a quick start with Anthony Calvano notching his first goal of the season in the 9th minute. Chris Morman rocketed a free kick that caused trouble for the Kings keeper and Calvano sent the loose ball into the back of the net to open his account.
However, the early goal was not to be a foreshadowing of what was to come for the remainder of the match. Both teams struggled with possession and the first half saw no great scoring chances for either squad.
Both teams settled in a bit in the second half but the burden of two games in two nights started to catch-up to the Islanders as legs became weary. The Kings had a few quality chances that were thwarted by keeper Matt Nelson who recorded his League leading 10th shutout of the season.
The next and final tally of the evening was started by Matt Tanzini who unfortunately won't show on the scoresheet for his efforts. Tanzini took on his defender, as he is prone to do, and after breaking free rocketed a patented shot off the crossbar which found its' way to the feet of Mike Lookingland who had an opportunity to shoot. However, Lookingland saw teammate Adam Clay making a run and sent the ball to the open Clay who pocketed the goal in the 55th minute.
The second half was also plagued with a variety of cautions and ejections most of which were issued to Cincinnati personnel. Ashleigh Townsend along with both Cincinnati coaches were ejected in the 60th minute and Tiest Sondaal earned his second yellow in stoppage time. The loan caution of the half for the Islanders was issued to Dustin Bixler who will miss action on August 11 against Baltimore because of an accumulation of cards.
The Islanders now travel to New England to take on the Revolution in the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Wednesday, August 8 at Gillette Stadium. The team then returns to City Island for their final regular season match on Saturday, August 11 to face Crystal Palace Baltimore. If the Islanders, who are undefeated at home this season, beat Baltimore then they will have earned home field advantage for the USL-2 playoff round. That match would be scheduled for Friday August 17 at Skyline Sports Complex with a 7:05pm kickoff.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 4, 2007
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- Islanders shutout Cincinnati with 2-0 win - Penn FC
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