Wednesday, May 1, 2013
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- On a beautiful night at Skyline Sports Complex the Charleston Battery claimed their third consecutive victory, handing the Harrisburg City Islanders their first defeat of the season with a 2-1 win. Mike Azira and Nicki Paterson both scored for the Battery, with Cris Hernandez answering just before the halftime break for the City Islanders, as Charleston pulled even with Harrisburg on nine points.
The Battery got an early jump on the match when Azira scored from the corner of the penalty area in the 10th minute. Mark Wiltse sent a cross from the far right side across the field, and Azira volleyed back across goal to the far post to put the Battery into the lead.
Charleston doubled its advantage in the 38th minute as Nicki Patterson scored on a penalty kick, shooting low into the right corner of the net, after a handball in the penalty area by City Islanders defender Coady Andrews. Harrisburg pulled a goal back three minutes later when Lucky Mkosana sent a ball to Hernandez 25 yards from goal. Hernandez drilled a low finish into the right corner of the net, halving the City Islanders' deficit at the halftime break.
The game became a bit chippy as both teams battled on in the second half, and Charleston almost added a third goal in the 58th minute, only for Nick Noble to tip Quinton Griffith's shot over the crossbar after the Antiguan international made a strong run into the penalty area. The Battery continued to try to add to their lead, with Zach Prince shooting a fine effort just wide from 30 yards, and Dane Kelly being denied by Noble with less than 15 minutes to go.
The City Islanders picked up the action the second half as well. Second-half substitute Jimmy McLaughlin sent a shot just wide, while Sainey Touray’s close-range shot was bravely stopped by Charleston goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper. Harrisburg kept the pressure on as the game entered stoppage time, only for the Battery to hold on defensively and claim all three points.
The City Islanders travel to Rochester to face the Rhinos on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. They return home on Friday, May 10th to meet Antigua Barracuda FC in the first of two matches against Antigua at Skyline Sports Complex. Kelly Sporting Goods will provide “Eye Black” tattoos for the first 1,000 youth in attendance.
May 10th’s match will feature the first of six Craft Brew Nights at the Islanders games. Troegs Brewery will be features and fans will be able to sample various Troegs Craft beers as well as the first 100 fans to the beer garden will receive a Troegs Pint glass. For more information or to purchase tickets for the upcoming season phone 717-441-GOAL or visit www.cityislanders.com.