Islanders Shutout Crystal Palace 2-0
Published on July 25, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
(Annapolis, MD, July 25, 2007) - The Harrisburg City Islanders (9-2-5) moved into second place in the USL-2 standings by defeating Crystal Palace Baltimore (6-6-5) by a score of 2-0 at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD. Brian Ombiji got the Isle Guys on the board early (17th minute) with an assist from Brian Devlin and Mo Oduor tallied the second goal (80th minute) on a penalty kick which was earned by Marty Johnston who had been pulled down in the box. Islanders goalkeeper Matt Nelson recorded his lead leading ninth shoutout of the season.
Although the first half witnessed only one mark on the scoreboard, it was fraught with dangerous attempts and big saves by two of the League's best net minders. Steve Fisher nearly connected for the Men In Blue on a corner kick from David Schofield in the 13th minute. Just four minutes later Brian Ombiji did finish his attempt off of loose ball as a result of a Brian Devlin shot. Then in the 31st minute Matt Nelson kept a clean sheet by making a big save off an attacking CP Baltimore side.
The second half saw both sides working on their possession and looking for their opportunities. Steve Fisher and Brian Ombiji nearly combined in the 55th minute but the play was broken up by a solid Palace defense. Brian Rowland kept his squad within one with a challenging save of a David Schofield shot in the 66th minute. Mattt Nelson equaled his counterpart in the 79th minute with a nice effort of his own and it seemed as if both keepers had declared "no mas."
However, just a minute later Marty Johnston was pulled down in the box resulting in a penalty kick for the Islanders. Mo Oduor converted the PK in the 80th minute to put the Isle Guys up for good.
The City Islanders return to Skyline Sports Complex on City Island in downtown Harrisburg, PA on Saturday July 28 when they take on the defending USL-2 Champion Richmond Kickers. Richmond defeated the Islanders 1-0 in Virginia on June 30 in their only other meeting this season. The Islanders are undefeated (4-0-4) to date, at home this season. Kickoff is set for 7:05pm and tickets are available by calling 441-GOAL or by visiting www.cityislanders.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 25, 2007
- Phantoms Shutout New England - New Hampshire Phantoms
- Islanders Shutout Crystal Palace 2-0 - Penn FC
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