Friday, July 19, 2013
PLANT CITY, Fla. – An early goal set the Harrisburg City Islanders up as they took a 2-0 victory against VSI Tampa Bay FC in Plant City Stadium on Friday night. Lucky Mkosana and Jimmy McLaughlin scored in either half as the City Islanders moved back into third place in the USL PRO standings.
After rain showers cleared VSI and Harrisburg began play 20 minutes later than originally intended. Mkosana showed his aggression early as he and VSI defender Bitielo Jean-Jacques flew into one another on a hard 50-50 ball. Moments later Mkosana flicked home a header past VSI keeper Alex Horwath, transforming a lofted free kick into the opening goal of the match in the 12th minute.
Only a moment later it seemed as if Mkosana might find a second goal, only for VSI captain Kyle Hoffer to make an important challenge to clear the danger. Tampa Bay's best chance of the half came when Shawn Chin tapped a ball across to fellow midfielder Tony Donatelli, who directed a shot into the top-right corner that was blocked by a Harrisburg defender.
VSI entered the halftime breack down 1-0, but were on the front foot for much of the second half. Harrisburg goalkeeper Nick Noble and his defenders were difficult to break down, however, as Noble made a handful of good saves, and his defenders remained well organized, as the City Islanders held onto their lead.
Harrisburg would add to its lead with three minutes to go as a cross from a counter-attack down the right found McLaughlin on the left side of the penalty area, and the on-loan Philadelphia Union midfielder curled a good shot into the right corner of the net. Tampa Bay tried to find a way back into the game, but the City Islanders held on to claim their first win in the month of July.
Harrisburg moves on to Orlando on Saturday night to battle Orlando City at the Citrus Bowl. VSI Tampa Bay FC (8-7-3) turns its attention attention to a difficult road trip ahead where the side travels to Legion Stadium on Friday, July 26 to face the Wilmington Hammerheads (6-9-3) for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Then VSI enter City Stadium on Sunday, July 28 for a 5 p.m. ET kick off against Richmond Kickers (10-0-7). Both games will be live online at www.ulsnation.com. For more information on the team visit www.vsi-fc.com.