Isles Season Opener Match Preview
April 15, 2011 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
The Harrisburg City Islanders will kick-off their 2011 regular season campaign this Saturday, April 16th, when they take on the in-state rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The game will officially mark the Islanders' participation in the inaugural season of the newly created USL PRO. With Saturday's Pennsylvania clash expected to be intense from start to finish, let's take a look at some interesting facts heading into the game.
2010 head-to-head record: (0-0-4, each game ended 1-1)
Harrisburg City Islanders (0-0-0)
The City Islanders have looked sharp all preseason, going undefeated with five wins and two ties. The backline has been nearly impenetrable after only surrendering one goal in seven exhibition matches, while the offense has lacked nothing in the goals department, netting 23 times. The team certainly has a new look this year with several fresh faces on the Islanders' roster. The addition of defender Andrew Marshall to Harrisburg's defense has added even more experience to their veteran backline. New signings Nelson Becerra and Jason Herrick have brought a new dynamic to the Islanders' offense, which will help take pressure off of Jason Hotchkin, who led the team with 12 points (five goals, two assists) in 2010. The 2011 edition of the Islanders also sees the return of goalkeeper Chase Harrison, who had the best goals against average in USL-2 in 2009 (0.81 GAA). This combination of young talent and experienced leadership appears to have the Islanders well on their way to success in 2011.
"We had a successful preseason that has us prepared for the upcoming league matches," City Islanders head coach Bill Becher said. "The team looks ready to go, and we are excited to get our season started on Saturday."
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (0-1-0)
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds completed a strong season in 2010, reaching the USL-2 semifinals before bowing out to the Richmond Kickers. Several Riverhounds received post-season accolades, with Hunter Gilstrap, Shintaro Harada, and Jeremy Deighton receiving Goalkeeper, Defender, and Rookie of the Year honors respectively. Former Islander Chad Severs was the focal point of Pittsburgh's offense last year, and the off-season signing of former FC Dallas forward and Allentown, PA, native Jason Yeisley will provide another option for the Riverhounds' attack. After falling to Richmond, 2-1, in their season opener last weekend, Pittsburgh will be looking for their first win in the USL PRO.
"Pittsburgh is a very good team that will battle us for 90 minutes," Becher said about his team's first opponent. "We played them to four 1-1 ties last year, and I expect this first game to be very competitive. Both teams have added quality players to their respective rosters, so Saturday match will definitely be an entertaining one for the fans."
Saturday night's kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Skyline Sports Complex, located on City Island. The Harrisburg City Islanders will then travel west for a rematch of the opener on Saturday, April 23rd (7:00 p.m.). For more information on the City Islanders, or to order tickets for the upcoming season, contact the team at 717-441-GOAL, or visit www.cityislanders.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 15, 2011
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- Orlando City Looks to Start a Winning Streak in Charlotte - Orlando City SC
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- Isles Season Opener Match Preview - Penn FC
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