USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, July 5, 2014
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders used an electrifying first half to spring them to a 4-1 victory against the Charleston Battery on Saturday night at the Skyline Sports Complex in front of 2,033 fans. The win marked Harrisburg's second victory of the season in front of their home fans, pulling them even with the Battery on 16 points in the USL PRO standings, two points behind the eighth-placed OKC Energy FC.
The City Islanders struck early and often as they scored three goals in the first 21 minutes. The opening goal came just seven minutes in after a Morgan Langley cross found Jimmy McLaughlin, who finished low into the right corner to give the Isles a rare early lead.
Just three minutes later, Jose Barril sent a set piece strike around the Charleston wall from the top-right corner of the penalty area and past Battery keeper Odisnel Cooper for a beautiful goal. It was then McLaughlin returning the favor to Langley as he set up the Hawaii native for his fifth goal of the season.
The Battery came into the match in the middle of the table, and hoped to make a move to tighten the playoff race in their second visit to Harrisburg this season. Strikers Dane Kelly and Andre Lewis showcased their elite speed as they consistently found room behind the Harrisburg defense. The pair combined for five shots, but Islanders goalkeeper Nick Noble made four saves and an early breakaway from Lewis resulted in the ball sailing over the crossbar.
The Islanders again struck early in the second half as Pedro Ribeiro found Matt Bahner with a masterful through ball three minutes in. Bahner went on the break and rounded the goalkeeper before he tapped into an open net for Harrisburg's fourth. Harrisburg held possession for much of the second half, and had one last opportunity after Clesio Bauque sent a rocket across the goal, though it would prove to be harmless as it rolled wide.
The Battery also had an early opportunity as Shawn Ferguson used a set piece shot to challenge Noble, who made a diving save to keep the visitors scoreless. In the 77th minute, Lewis would send his third shot wide across the goal. Frustrated with the physical match, Lewis was shown a red card for abusive language in the 81st minute. It was the eighth card of the match, each team receiving an even four.
Despite playing down a man, the Battery would earn a penalty kick with four minutes to go after an Islanders handball inside the 18-yard area. Jarad van Schaik calmly converted the goal into the upper-right corner, just out of reach of the diving Noble. The goal proved nothing but a consolation, however, as the City Islanders took an emphatic victory.
The City Islanders will look to build on their victory when they return home on July 18th for a clash with the Wilmington Hammerheads FC. Prior to that contest Harrisburg will visit the Dayton Dutch Lions F.C. next Saturday night at DOC Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.