Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Friday, July 1, 2011
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders will host the Charlotte Eagles this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Skyline Sports Complex on City Island for their first match-up this season. The City Islanders are coming into the game with a three game unbeaten streak (2-0-1) as the Eagles are 5-0-2 in their last seven games. Both teams are anticipating an exciting and entertaining match for fans.
Harrisburg City Islanders (6-4-3, 21 points)
The City Islanders are currently in second place of USL PRO's National Division, three points behind the first-placed Rochester Rhinos. The Islanders are 4-1-1 at home this season scoring 12 goals and allowing five. In their last seven games, the City Islanders have gone 5-1-1, outscoring their opponents 13-6. Their only loss in that span was to the Rhinos.
Last weekend, the City Islanders traveled 3,000 miles to take on the Los Angeles Blues twice in three days. The first match took place at Centennial High School in Corona, California. Down to 10 men in just the first half, the City Islanders tied the Blues 1-1. City Islander Andrew Welker scored his first goal of the season in the 53rd minute off an assist from leading scorer Jose Angulo. The Blues would spoil the City Islanders shutout five minutes later as Josh Tudela tied the game.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the City Islanders would hand the Blues their third home loss of the season, winning 2-1 at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Stadium. Sainey Touray and Andrew Welker scored the goals for the City Islanders as Blues Isreal Sesay scored their lone goal. Welker's outstanding weekend performance of two goals, one of them being a game-winner, earned him USL PRO's Player of the Week. The win also gave the City Islanders sole possession of second place in the National Division.
"We had an outstanding road trip in L.A. last weekend," said City Islanders Head Coach Bill Becher. "We were able to take four points and put ourselves into second place."
Harrisburg Players to Watch
Andrew Welker
This week's USL PRO Player of the Week has been stellar of late, scoring two goals in his last two games. The former Seton Hall Pirate and Cumberland Valley Eagle will be looking to continue his two-game goal streak.
Chase Harrison
Coming back from injury, Harrison has been impressive in his last two games with a 1-0-1 record. Allowing just two goals and saving five shots, look for Harrison to continue to his recent run of form.
Charlotte Eagles (5-4-3, 18 points)
The Charlotte Eagles are currently in fifth place of the American Division. They're sixteen points behind first place (Orlando City) and six points behind second place (Richmond Kickers). The Eagles are 1-2-2 on the road, scoring four and allowing five goals. Overall, the Eagles have allowed the least amount of goals this season with eight in 12 games, giving them a 0.66 GAA. Going into Saturday's game, the Eagles have shut out their last four opponents. In their last seven games, the Eagles are 5-0-2. In that span, they've outscored their opponents 12-2 and held them to five shutouts.
Last Friday, the Charlotte Eagles hosted the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and earned a 2-0 win at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Forward Sallieu Bundu led the way for the Eagles as he scored both goals in the 15th and 24 minutes, respectively. The win earned the Eagles' fourth win at home this season.
"Charlotte is the hottest team in the league right now, undefeated in their last seven," commented Becher. "They are defending very well, and have some very dangerous players going forward."
Charlotte Players to Watch
Sallieu Bundu
The Sierra Leonean footballer leads the Eagles this season in points (9) and goals (4). In his last two games, Bundu has scored three goals. Look for him to be driven to earn a three game goal streak.
Cheyne Roberts
The Charlotte Eagles defender is second in points for the Eagles with seven and second in goals with three, pretty good for a defender. Look for the former Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish to come up into the Eagles attack from the back line.
Saturday's kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at the Skyline Sports Complex on City Island. A limited amount of fans will receive a FREE t-shirt and bread courtesy of Bimbo Bakeries! The game will be available to stream online at usllive.com, brought to you by Invica Sports. For more information on the City Islanders, or to order tickets contact the team at 717-441-GOAL, or visit cityislanders.com. See you on the Island!