Match Preview Vs Charlotte & Orlando
Published on August 9, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
The Harrisburg City Islanders are heading south for two games this week. They will take on the Charlotte Eagles Wednesday, August 10th at 7:00pm and Orlando City Friday, August 12th at 7:35pm. During this road trip the City Islanders are hoping to secure a home playoff game, and possibly the top seed in the National Division. They trail the Rochester Rhinos by three points, and lead the LA Blues by the same margin. The City Islanders need three points to secure themselves at least second place, and if they can get four or more, they could finish on top.
Harrisburg City Islanders (9-6-7, 34 points) The Harrisburg City Islanders are currently in second place of the National Division, three points behind the Rochester Rhinos. This will be the Islanders eleventh and twelfth away games of the season, recording a 3-4-3 record, scoring 11 goals and allowing 13 goals.
This past Friday, August 5th, the Harrisburg City Islanders battled FC New York to a scoreless draw in their regular season home finale at Skyline Sports Complex before a crowd of 1,733. Chase Harrison made four saves in goal for Harrisburg, recording his fourth shutout of the year.
"I thought we did a much better job defensively last game, and we hope to carry that momentum into the playoffs," commented Head Coach Bill Becher. "We still created several good scoring chances, but we just ran into a hot keeper."
The City Islanders are 1-0-1 versus the Charlotte Eagles this season, outscoring them 5-1. Last time Harrisburg and Charlotte faced off was a 1-1 draw on July 15th at Charlotte Christian Stadium. City Islanders midfielder Nelson Becerra scored first in the game but Eagles defender Luke Williams would even the score later in the game.
Harrisburg and Orlando City have only met once this season back on May 22nd in Harrisburg. The game was tied 1-1 in the 80th minute before Orlando City would score two goals in stoppage time to give them the victory. Demar Stewart, Max Griffin, and Lewis Neal scored for Orlando, respectively as defender Stephen Basso scored for the City Islanders.
Charlotte Eagles (9-7-6, 33 points)
The Charlotte Eagles are currently in fourth place of the American Division. This will be Charlotte's twelfth and final regular season home game, recording a 5-5-3 record, scoring 15 goals and allowing USL PRO second best 8 goals. Since tying the City Islanders 1-1 back on July 15th at Charlotte Christian Stadium, the Eagles have 2-1-2, outscoring opponents 8-7. Most notable game in this 5 game span is a 3-0 win versus National Division leader, the Rochester Rhinos. "Charlotte has a chance to lock up a playoff spot on Wednesday, so we know they are going to put forth their best effort," said Becher. "This game will have a playoff atmosphere which will be good for us as we prepare for the upcoming post season."
Orlando City (14-3-6, 48 points)
Orlando City is currently in first place of the American Division and USL PRO. This will also be Orlando City's twelfth and final home game of the regular season, recording a 6-1-4 record; scoring 15 goals and allowing USL PRO best 7 goals. Since beating the City Islanders 3-1 back on May 22nd at Skyline Sports Complex on City Island, Orlando City has gone 8-2-4, outscoring opponents 19-10.
"Orlando has been the best team in the league from start to finish," commented Becher. "This will be a great test for us to play them right before the playoffs begin."
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 9, 2011
- Blues Host LAPD vs. LAFD Exhibition Game Friday - Orange County SC
- Los Angeles Falls 3-0 at Antigua - Orange County SC
- Orlando's Watson Named USL PRO Player of the Week - USL
- Match Preview Vs Charlotte & Orlando - Penn FC
- Kickers Head to Wilmington Wednesday - Richmond Kickers
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