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VSI fall in back to back road matches

August 12, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release


PITTSBURGH - VSI Tampa Bay fell in back-to-back road matches, first to the Harrisburg City Islanders Saturday evening in Skyline Sports Complex and then to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Sunday afternoon in front of the sold out Highmark Stadium audience.

The beautiful afternoon weather welcomed thousands to Highmark Stadium to watch the Riverhounds' dramatic win over VSI Tampa Bay. VSI Tampa Bay, crushed by the result, were barely rested from their 3-1 loss hours earlier in Skyline Sports Complex. The Islanders Lucky Mkosana, true to his name, found luck in the final third Saturday evening as he finished all three goals for Harrisburg. Mkosana fired home the first goal five minutes before half time was called.

VSI midfielder Tony Donatelli assisted Mauricio Salles in equalizing the match early in the second half with an exciting bicycle kick. Moments later Harrisburg midfielder Matt Bahner tore down the line and produced a low driven cross, which met Mkosana's foot and converted into his second goal of the night. In the final moments of the match Mkosana curled the ball into the top corner of VSI Tampa Bay's net lifting Harrisburg up 3-1. The result upheld the City Islanders (14-9-2) third place in USL PRO standings.

After the 7:30 p.m. match Saturday, VSI Tampa Bay traveled to Highmark Stadium to play the Riverhounds (10-7-7) Sunday afternoon. With little rest, VSI Tampa Bay handled the crucial match well for the first half, disallowing the Riverhounds any scoring opportunities. A handball, questioned by the announcers and fans alike, changed the flow of the game as Jose Angulo finished the penalty kick awarded to the Riverhounds. After a wonderful team build up, Riverhounds' midfielder Robert Vincent ripped a shot into the upper left corner of the net to raise the Riverhounds up 2-0. In the devastating final blow from the Riverhounds, midfielder Darren Amoo broke free in the middle of the park and guided a low driven ball just past VSI keeper Alex Horwath to lift Pittsburgh up 3-0.

While some might have hung their heads and given up at this disheartening score, VSI Tampa Bay rejuvenated their side with fresh legs. Vying for a place in USL PRO playoffs, VSI Tampa Bay never gave up. VSI defender Cheyne Roberts broke down the right flank and crossed the ball into the Pittsburgh penalty box in the 70' of play. Forward Chad Burt connected with Roberts' ball and put VSI Tampa Bay on the board at 3-1.

With five minutes remaining hope was still alive as Andriy Budnyy showed composure passing the ball around Pittsburgh keeper Gilstrap. Unfortunately, Budnyy's goal was the final of the match and VSI Tampa Bay return to Tampa, Florida with a 3-2 defeat. Despite the match result, the Riverhounds produced exceptionally positive numbers for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, raising more than $15,000 from the night's raffle and goals.

VSI Tampa Bay (9-12-4) turn their attention to their final home match of the 2013 USL PRO regular season. VSI Tampa Bay host the Charlotte Eagles in Plant City Stadium on Friday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to the match are available now online at www.vsi-fc.com. For those who cannot make it out to the match, it will be live online at www.uslnation.com.

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