Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Monday, June 11, 2012
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders (3-2-4) will welcome the MLS’s Philadelphia Union (2-7-2) to Hersheypark Stadium at 7:00 p.m. for a friendly between the affiliated clubs. Taking place a fortnight before their quarterfinal matchup in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the game will be a litmus test for each squad as they make preparations for their date in the tournament at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.
Since 2010 – the year the teams made their partnership official – the Islanders have played the Union twice, playing to a 1-1 draw in 2010 and losing 5-3 last year. This year’s meeting will see the reunion of Philadelphia goalkeeper Chase Harrison and defender Sheanon Williams with their former club.
Harrisburg looks to return to form Tuesday after dropping a 2-0 home decision to the Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday night. The visitors scored twice in four minutes, despite having only four shots on net the entire game. The two first-half goals by Andriy Budnyy and Corey Hertzog and a solid effort by goalkeeper Alexander Horwath (10 saves) left the Islanders foundering by halftime. The two-goal lead would stand, Harrisburg’s 11 second-half shots notwithstanding.
Philadelphia rolls into the matchup after defeating its PDL affiliate, Reading United, in a Saturday game at Shirk Stadium. Goals by Chandler Hoffman in the eighth, Jack McInerney in the 57th and a Reading own goal in the 74th proved sufficient in the 3-2 win. Ryan Finley scored on a penalty kick in the 33rd and Paul Wyatt added a late goal in the 79th for United, but it wasn’t enough to upset the MLS club.
Kickoff for Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia will take place at 7:00 p.m., with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 for ages 4-18 and $20 for adults. Game-day tickets are $20 for ages 4-18 and $25 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cityislanders.com or call 717-441-GOAL. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.hersheyentertainment.com and www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 717-534-3911.