June 26 Match Report: Philadelphia Ousts Harrisburg from U.S. Open Cup in Quarterfinals
Published on June 26, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
PHILADELPHIA, Pa.- Under the lights of PPL Park in Chester, Pa., it took the visiting City Islanders until halftime to look comfortable. But even after a quick start to the second half, Harrisburg allowed the Philadelphia Union to regain control in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal matchup between the affiliated clubs.
Philadelphia looked impressive early, taking advantage of a nervous-looking Islander squad, which had lost twice over the weekend in USL PRO play. In the 6th minute, Harrisburg left back Stephen Basso tried to turn away a cross into the box, but landed awkwardly on his shoulder - and the ball. The resulting handball led to a Union penalty kick by Freddy Adu. The U.S. International pocketed the attempt into the lower right corner of Nick Noble's net, giving the home side an early edge.
Three minutes later, the Union attack struck again off a breakaway from Jack McInerney. The 19-year-old striker, who had scored twice in the Union's previous game against Sporting Kansas City, split the Islander backline and headed straight for goal. The solo effort landed in the same spot as Adu's and added to the din of an already buzzing PPL Park.
On the opposite side of the Islander defense, Bilal Duckett had troubles of his own. A collision resulted in a bloody nose for the lithe right back, and his night ended shortly after in the 31st .
After Tom Brandt and Colin Zizzi subbed in for the injured Basso and Duckett respectively, the Islander defense found its footing for a short while. But after Union defender Gabriel Farfan pinpointed a 29th minute pass by the entire Islander defense, including the outstretched boot of Brandt, to a streaking Lionard Pajoy, things looked bleak for the visitors heading into halftime down 3-0.
As is their wont, the Islanders would not go quietly in the second half. In the 51st, Brian Ombiji collected a Yann Ekra feed 10 yards out, spun and booted the pass by Zac MacMath to cut the deficit to two. Morgan Langley would chip in three minutes later - thanks to another Ekra assist - lofting it over the head of a diving MacMath to cut the lead to 3-2.
But another Union penalty kick in the 69th would swing the momentum decidedly back into the home team's favor. Harrisburg captain Dustin Bixler was caught chasing former Islander Antoine Hoppenot deep inside the Islander's penalty area. Pajoy did the honors, blasting the attempt by a diving Noble to reassure most of the 4,313 in attendance. Second-half substitute Gabriel Gomez added a late goal in the 81st to cement the game for the home side and send the Union to an impressive 5-2 victory.
Philadelphia advances to the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup and will play the winner of the Sporting Kansas City/Dayton Dutch Lions matchup, which also took place Tuesday night.
Harrisburg hits the road again Saturday in its return to USL PRO play. The Is landers face the Rochester Rhinos for the third time this season, and for the first time at Sahlen's Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Harrisburg hopes to end the season series undefeated; they are 2-0 vs. Rochester in 2012.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 26, 2012
- June 26 Match Report: Philadelphia Ousts Harrisburg from U.S. Open Cup in Quarterfinals - Penn FC
- Dayton Dutch Lions Lose in Quarterfinals - Dayton Dutch Lions
- Santos Laguna, Léon Announce Rosters for Copa Campéon de Campeones - Orange County SC
- Dayton's Garner Named USL PRO Player of the Week - USL
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