Second Half Performance by Tanzini brings the Islanders Back in 2-2 Draw
June 2, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
(Harrisburg, PA)- The Harrisburg City Islanders (3-1-4) came from two down to tie the undefeated Cleveland City Stars Saturday (4-0-2) night, at a humid, overcast Skyline Sports Complex. The City Stars came out aggressive and caught the Islanders off guard with two first half goals. But the resilient hosts marched back during the second half in dramatic fashion, on the heels of midfielder Matt Tanzini.
The scoring got underway in the 20th minute when a free kick just outside of the Islanders eighteen allowed defender Mark Schulte to capitalize by way of a missile that was launched off the host's wall and into the area of goalie Dave Kern. Kern, who was playing in place of the injured Matt Nelson, was unable to get his body behind the ball as it squirted into the upper left corner of the Islanders net.
The Islanders luck continued to worsen when only eight minutes later the City Stars once again found the back of the net. However, this time the hosts were unprepared when a through ball from forward Anthony Stovall found its way onto the foot of Ian Leibbrandt. The forward took one touch and put himself in alone on goalie Kern, who broke off his line but was beaten by a well slotted ball.
Harrisburg returned to the field in the second half appearing to have been re-energized by the locker room talk. From the tap, midfielder Dave Schofield pressured and caused a mix up that allowed fellow midfielder Mo Oduor to fire off a quick shot, but it went no further then the steady hands of Cleveland goalie Caleb Patterson.
The home crowd came to life in the 65th minute when second half substitute Matt Tanzini took on the role of reviver with his fast paced touch past the City Stars defender, followed up with a blasted left-footed, perfectly placed ball into the far corner of Cleveland's goal.
It took only another four minutes for the Islanders to mount their next attack. A free kick just outside the eighteen gave Tanzini the opportunity to deliver his second storm of the night, this time by way of a lightning bolt which glanced off the visitor's wall and into the side netting of the goal.
"TAZ" followed his second picturesque strike of the evening by racing to the stands with fists full of blue his blue jersey, embracing the madness and standing tall in his new found glory. The midfielders play was certainly inspiring considering it came all came on his 31st birthday.
The Islanders developed several more chances but walked off the field to a 2-2 draw, after a hard fought match and a stunning performance from Tanzini.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 2, 2007
- Second Half Performance by Tanzini brings the Islanders Back in 2-2 Draw - Penn FC
- Cleveland returns undefeated with 2-2 draw from Harrisburg - Cleveland City Stars
- Phantoms tie Crystal Palace, 0-0 - New Hampshire Phantoms
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