Palace Primed For Playoffs

Published on August 12, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace FC USA break new ground on Wednesday night at UMBC when they play the Harrisburg City Islanders in the 1st round of the USL2 playoffs. Palace missed out on the post-season last year, their inaugural season. The winner of tomorrow's contest earns a semi-final trip to Charlotte to face the regular season champion Eagles on Saturday August 16th. The 2008 Championship match will take place the following Saturday and will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel.

Palace's regular season has ended in a whimper with three losses in their last five matches. Palace have faced the City Islanders three times already this season, twice in the league and once in the 2nd round of the US Open Cup. Palace were victorious in two of the three encounters, despite playing a at least one man down on each occasion due to player ejections, adding some fuel to the existing rivalry. Last year the teams faced off three times including a late season win for Harrisburg that ended Palace's 2007 playoff aspirations. Palace Co-Manager Pete Medd commented: "Our games with Harrisburg are always very competitive. They're well coached, well organized and very physical."

Palace have only one injury concern - regular outside back Paul Robson is set to miss his second consecutive match due to a pulled hamstring. "Paul has been the unsung hero this year - he's been vital to our defense all year, so it definitely hurts us not having him available," said Medd.

Fellow Co-Manager Jim Cherneski was optimistic about Palace's chances tomorrow: "Our guys have played their best in the biggest games and I think you'll see that starting Wednesday and continuing on through the playoffs."

Fans can still buy tickets for Wednesday night's playoff match online at http://www.crystalpalaceusa.com or by phone at 410.933.TEAM (8326).

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 12, 2008


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