Isles Pick up 3 Pts against Phoenix FC Wolves
June 28, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
(HARRISBURG, PA)- The Harrisburg City Islanders got a much needed three points to keep their hold on second place in the league with a win on Friday night against the Phoenix FC Wolves 2-1.
The game was played primarily in the midfield, where no team seemed to be able to break through to break the tie. Tom Mellor, who was recently subbed in for Jimmy Mclaughlin, got open and a pass from Colin Zizzi spread out the Wolves defense. This opened up the sideline for Mellor to make a run into the Phoenix penalty area. The ensuing cross off of Mellor's foot found the toe of Sainey Touray, who guided it in for the game-winning goal.
With the win tonight, the Islanders finished their five game homestand with an overall 3-2-0 record, with the rubber match gaming coming against a team that has struggled to score in their past few games.
The opening goal, which almost was called off because of an offiside came in the 15th minute off the foot of Ekra. The ball was played into the box after a couple of great midfield moves between Touray and McLaughlin. McLaughlin sprung Touray down the side and into the box with speed. Touray passed the ball back through the box to Ekra who struck the ball that was deflected on the way to the back of the net.
Instead of opening play, the goal did nothing much to change the slow pace that the game was being played at.
The Wolves were finally able to break though with their first goal in their last five games off of their second corner in a matter of minutes. The corner was a high, hard delivery from Schmitt that crossed the entire box. The ball found it's way to Schafer who was at the back post waiting for the ball to come to him. The ball bounced passed the goalkeeper, Noble, who never had a chance.
The second half opened up with a string of good chances created by the Islanders top three scorers of the year, playing together for the first time this season. McLaughlin had the first chance, and got a pass in the middle of the penalty area but curled it just over the bar. Lucky and Sainey followed suit by getting into the attacking area but coming up short both times.
After the quick start by the Islanders, the game started to look more like the first half. There wasn't much quality to the play. Neither team could put together a good string of passes to make any real challenges at each other's net. The game was flat, until Islanders' Mellor entered the game.
Mellor changed the pace of the game and opened up the field with his quality and ability to create chances for his teammates. His cross led to Touray's ninth goal of the season and the winning goal of the game in the 73rd minute. That puts Touray at 23 points on the year.
Phoenix came on late with a barrage of shots in the dying minutes but Noble stood tall in goal and kept the Islanders up one and kept them firmly in second place.
The City Islanders will return to Skyline Sports Complex on July 10th to face the Los Angeles Blues at 7 p.m. For tickets and information visit www.cityislanders.com or call (717)-441-GOAL.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 28, 2013
- Another Tie for the Dayton Dutch Lions - Dayton Dutch Lions
- Isles Pick up 3 Pts against Phoenix FC Wolves - Penn FC
- VSI PRO Host Richmond Kickers - VSI Tampa Bay FC
- Sporting Kansas City Parts Ways With Defender Yann Songo'o - Orlando City SC
- Rhinos Host Phoenix FC Wolves Saturday Night - Rochester Rhinos
- Wilmington Aims for Return Match Victory - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Jake Edwards Named VP of USL PRO - USL
- Lions Host Unbeaten Richmond Kickers - Orlando City SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
