Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Thursday, May 31, 2012
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders (3-1-3) will welcome the Richmond Kickers (2-2-4) to Skyline Sports Complex on Friday at 7 p.m. After the excitement of Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup win over the New England Revolution, the City Islanders will look to build on the wave of momentum that has hit City Island. Harrisburg is riding a five-game winning streak in all competitions – all at home – and the club has been galvanized by its strong play in the Open Cup.
Tuesday’s comeback win over New England came down to penalty kicks after the home team had been down 3-0 in overtime. J.T Noone, who tied the game in the 120th minute, said the team’s pride was on the line, and the City Islanders didn’t go quietly.
“Anything is possible in soccer.” said Noone, whose team needed every one of the 120 minutes he played.
Bilal Duckett, who scored in the third round of penalty kicks, felt the energy of his side after they had clawed back from a 3-0 deficit in the second overtime period. Heading into the deciding shootout, he knew that “it was our night.” With a stutter step, he fooled goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth, adding to din of an already incredulous Skyline Sports Complex.
“I've been practicing PKs [and yes, I planned the stutter step], so I knew that all the work was done,” he said of his mindset just before his chance. “I just had to go execute, trust myself, and take my time. I'm just glad that, at that crucial moment in the game, I was able to step up and help our team win.”
Ultimately it was up to Nick Noble, the City Islander’s goalkeeper who hadn’t allowed a goal in the previous four games, to seal the victory for the home team. After Andrew Marshall scored in the fifth round, Noble faced U.S. international Benny Feilhaber and came up with the save that completed the improbable comeback.
“To score the three goals and get us to PKs, I knew we had to cap it off with a win,” he said. “On Benny's penalty I just wanted to stay a little more patient then I did on the two prior penalties and it paid off.”
Richmond was also in Open Cup action on Tuesday and pushed D.C. United to overtime. The visiting MLS squad needed a 107th minute goal from Marcelo Saragosa to advance to the fourth round. The Kickers’ Stanley Nyazamba capitalized on a penalty kick opportunity just before halftime to tie the game.
Harrisburg and Richmond met at City Stadium on May 12 and played to a 2-2 draw. Both teams hope their strong efforts against MLS competition continue in their return to USL PRO play. Duckett noted that the “fight and character” of his side would be integral to making a run at the playoffs.
“We are on a bit of a roll now,” he said. “Even though we gave up three in overtime, we still haven't given up a goal in regulation in over five games. We need to keep this run going and continue building our confidence as a team.”
Kickoff for Friday’s game will take place at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets 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.