Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Thursday, May 16, 2013
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders are off to one of their hottest starts in team history (5-1) and are in a tie for second place in the league behind their opponent this Friday night, Orlando City, which arrives at Skyline Sports Complex on a three-game winning streak. Kickoff for Friday night's contest is set for 7 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on USLNation.com.
The Islanders have not only been winning games, they have also been scoring prolifically, averaging just fewer than three goals per game. Not to be out done, Orlando leads the league in goals with 23 in eight games. The Islanders goalie Nick Noble has two straight shutouts, but this will be a huge test for him and the rest of the Isles defense.
The Islanders will try to back up a solid rain delayed 4-0 win against Antigua Barracuda FC last Friday night. Sainey Touray had two goals and an assist in the game and was inches away from getting a hat trick. Noble had six saves on his way to his fifth win of the season. In their first six games, the Islanders have not surrendered more than one goal in a game.
The Islanders have three players in the Top 10 in the league in scoring on the year. Touray leads the pack with 11 points in five games. Lucky Mkosana is tied for sixth in the league with seven points and Cristhian Hernandez is tied for 10th with six points. Touray is also tied for third-most goals in the league with four.
This is the first meeting between the two teams this season, but they are very familiar with one another. The two teams met in the 2011 USL PRO Championship Game, where Orlando outlasted the Islanders in a gritty game that was ultimately settled in penalty kicks.
Even though Orlando is in first place, they have also played two more games than the Isles and a win would move the Islanders within one point of the Lions. The Islanders have never beaten Orlando City with an all-time 0-4-0 record against them.
“Orlando has been the class of the league the past two years, and they are off to a great start again this season," Harrisburg coach Bill Becher said. "We have started extremely well ourselves and look forward to the challenge on Friday night. Both teams are scoring tons of goals and defending well, should be a great game on the island.”
This game marks the second micro-brew night of the season with Traveler Brewing Company coming into Skyline Sports Complex. They will be set up behind the bleachers that are located behind the goal. Gold’s Gym will be on site as well with-shirts, free memberships and Gold’s sling sacks. For tickets you can call (717)-441-GOAL or visit www.cityisilanders.com.