Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders will host the Dayton Dutch Lions on Saturday night for the Islanders' 2014 USL PRO home opener at the Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg. The match will kickoff at 7 p.m.; gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for fans and media.
Saturday's home opener against the Dutch Lions marks the Islanders second match of the 2014 USL PRO season. The Isles settled for a 0-0 draw in their season opener against the Wilmington Hammerheads back on April 5 at Legion Stadium in Wilmington.
The Dutch Lions come into Saturday's match with an overall record of 1-1-1, with their only loss coming from the New York Red Bulls Reserves squad on March 30. The Dutch Lions went on to defeat the Charlotte Eagles 1-0 on April 4 and scored a stoppage-time goal to post a 1-1 draw against the Rochester Rhinos on April 11.
Historically the Islanders have fared very well against the Dutch Lions. Over the past three seasons the Islanders have defeated the Dutch Lions four times, tied with them once, and lost to them twice. In the 2013 season the Islanders and Dutch Lions split their matches, both winning at their home stadiums. The Islanders defeated the Dutch Lions 5-1 at the Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, while the Dutch Lions defeated the Islanders 3-1 at Beavercreek Stadium in Dayton.
"Dayton is off to a good start in league play after their first three games," said Islanders coach Bill Becher. "They are a very solid team that will present a challenge for us in our home opener. It's been two weeks since we last played so our guys are really looking forward to this game."
The Islanders are captained by veteran midfielder Jason Pelletier. Pelletier was named to the USL PRO Team of the Week following his outstanding performance in Wilmington on April 5. The veteran leader is considered one of the best Islanders of recent time; he holds a top five position in numerous Islander All-Time statistical categories. On the pitch Pelletier is a commanding leader and has the authority to make his surrounding teammates better.
Another key player to watch for the Islanders is forward, Clesio Bauque. The electrifying attacker was named an honorable mention on the USL PRO Team of the week for his performance against the Hammerheads. The Mozambique national is determined to put one in the back of the net on Saturday.
Key players to watch for the Dutch Lions include forward, Aaron Schoenfeld and goalkeeper, Matt Williams. Schoenfeld is a versatile attacker with MLS experience, who is with Dayton on loan from its MLS partner the Columbus Crew. He appeared in 19 matches for the Crew during the 2012 MLS season. Schoenfeld comes into Saturday's match currently tied for fifth place in USL PRO with most shots taken this season (7). Williams is another key player to watch in Saturday's matchup. Williams recorded a six-save shutout against the Charlotte Eagles back on April 4, and was voted to the USL PRO Team of the Week for his efforts.
Saturday's match will consist of numerous Islander players making their Skyline Sports Complex debut. This list includes Bauque, Edinho Junior, Pedro Ribeiro, Raphael Cox, Neil Shaffer, Robbie Derschang, Richie Marquez and Danny DiPrima.
Saturday's home opener is sure to be a battle. The critical early season matchup between the Islanders and Dutch Lions will provide fans with tons of action-packed entertainment. Fans of all ages are encouraged arrive early for plenty of pre-game fun. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free Capitol Blue Cross tote bag. Following the conclusion of the match young fans will be allowed on the field for player autographs.
The Islanders home opener will also stream live via www.youtube.com/cityislanders.
The Islanders next match is on Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. as they visit Orange County California to take on the Orange County Blues. For more information please visit CityIslanders.com or phone 717-441-4625 (GOAL).