Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Thursday, June 27, 2013
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Phoenix FC will make its first ever trip to City Island to face the Harrisburg City Islanders on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Skyline Sports Complex. The City Islanders will be aiming to bounce back from a tough defeat in their last outing as they try to close the gap at the top of the USL PRO standings on Orlando City against the Wolves.
Phoenix currently sits in second to last place in the league but have been competitive in every single game this season. They have lost a total of nine games but seven of them have been by one-goal differences. They have also had three ties in their inaugural season in USL PRO. With half of the season left and almost every team still in the playoff hunt, this is a huge game for the Wolves.
The Islanders, although still in second place behind Orlando City, have been falling short and not looking as sharp as of late. This game comes after the Islanders let a 2-0 lead to their cross-state rival, Pittsburgh, slip away in the second half. The match with Phoenix comes at the end of a very long homestand for the Islanders, in which the Islanders have gone 2-2 in league play.
The Islanders have a chance to strengthen their grip on second plce in USL PRO on Friday night as they take on a team that has been in every game but has often fallen short. Phoenix has only scored 14 goals in their 16 games and have failed to score in five games. Three of them have been 0-0 draws. Their games have all come down to the wire and have been competitive.
Last Friday, the Islanders scored two quick goals in the first 25 minutes with Jimmy McLaughlin and Tom Mellor looking quick early on in the game. Mellor has had a stretch of solid games where he has been creating quality chances for everyone else on the pitch, on Friday he did it himself. McLaughlin was his speedy, pesky self in front of goal, which paid off. Sainey Touray was able to net his eight goal of the season to stay third in USL PRO in goals.
The Islanders will also host their fourth microbrew night on the Island on Friday night with this week's guest being the Boston Beer Company. Each brew night has been a success this season and this brewery is no slouch. When you arrive on the Island make sure to head back to the beer garden located next to the concession stand for your free pint glass. Only the first 100 will get one! You might be surprised at what Boston Beer decides to bring. In addition all fans will receive a free TGI Friday’s magnet and free appetizer coupons at the front gate.
For information and ticket please visit www.cityislanders.com or call (717)-441-GOAL.