Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Thursday, May 24, 2012
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders (2-1-3) will welcome the Rochester Rhinos (6-0-1) to Skyline Sports Complex on Friday at 6 p.m. Rochester edged the City Islanders by three points in the National Division standings last year, but would fall to Harrisburg in the National Division Final in the playoffs. The teams split the regular season series, each taking their respective home match.
Both teams were in action on Tuesday night as part of U.S. Open Cup. The City Islanders rode a hot striker and goalkeeper to a 2-0 home win against the PDL's Long Island Rough Riders, earning a third-round match with the MLS’s New England Revolution on Tuesday night at Skyline Sports Complex. Yann Ekra recorded his fifth goal in all competitions this season, where the 21-year-old is quickly becoming an offensive catalyst in his first year with the team.
With fellow striker Sainey Touray sitting out (three assists in four games), Brian Ombiji filled in up top and didn’t miss a beat. The City Islanders veteran added the second goal of the evening for the hosts in the 76th, continuing to wake up a Harrisburg offense that had been dormant for long stretches during the young season. Behind them, goalkeeper Nick Noble posted his third consecutive shutout.
Head Coach Bill Becher hopes to carry that momentum into Friday’s game against the Rhinos, who are currently tied atop the USL PRO standings with Orlando City.
“We will have to be at our best to get a result on Friday night against Rochester,” he said. “They come in undefeated and tied for first place. We are up for the challenge and expect a very intense game.”
In Rochester’s Open Cup match against the Brooklyn Italians, the Rhinos dictated play in a 3-0 win at Sahlen’s Stadium. Strong games from Troy Roberts (two assists) and J.C. Banks (one goal) propelled the home team to a convincing victory and a meeting with the City Islanders’ MLS affiliate, the Philadelphia Union, at PPL Park on Tuesday night. Banks leads the team with seven points and will be one to watch on Friday.
The teams will meet again in Harrisburg on June 15 before convening in Rochester on June 30 to wrap up the season series.
Friday will be a “Microbrew Night” on City Island. Drink specials will be on Goose Island 312 and regular drafts. Prior to kickoff, fans can also come out to enjoy some live music from the reggae band Sweet Ruckus.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game against Rochester will take place at 6 p.m., with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Single-game ticket prices are
$14 for adults, $7 for youths and $12 for senior tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cityislanders.com or call 717-441-GOAL.