Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders will host National Division rivals F.C. New York for the second time this season on Wednesday night at the Skyline Sports Complex. The City Islanders are coming off a two games in two nights away tour, tying the Charlotte Eagles 1-1 and losing to the Wilmington Hammerheads 3-1.
F.C. New York is going into the game winless in its last four games (0-3-1). Fans will receive free trading cards of Jason Hotchkin, Geoff Bloes and Jose Angulo courtesy of York Mitsubishi KIA. ZooAmerica North American Wildlife animals will be on display in the Kid's Zone. Children may register to win Hersheypark and Zoo tickets.
Harrisburg City Islanders (7-5-5, 26 points)
The City Islanders are currently in second place of the USL PRO National Division. They're four points behind the first-placed Rochester Rhinos. This will be the Islanders ninth home game of the season, where they hold a 5-1-2 record, scoring USL PRO's second-most goals (18) and allowing nine goals.
Last time these two teams met was on May 7th at Belson Stadium of St. John's University. Kyle Hoffer of F.C. New York scored the first and lone goal for his side in the 10th minute. Just six minutes later, forward Jose Angulo retaliated for the City Islanders, tying the game 1-1. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
This past weekend, the Harrisburg City Islanders traveled to North Carolina to take on the Charlotte Eagles and the Wilmington Hammerheads. In the first game on Friday night, at Charlotte Christian Stadium, the City Islanders and the Eagles played to a 1-1 draw. Midfielder Nelson Becerra scored in the first minute of play for the City Islanders, off a Sainey Touray delivery. The Eagles would come through in the 68th minute as defender Luke Williams took advantage of a City Islanders mishap to even the score at 1-1.
On Saturday night, the City Islanders lost to the Wilmington Hammerheads 3-1 at Legion Stadium. Once again, the City Islanders struck first, causing a Hammerheads defensive scramble that resulted in midfielder Chris Murray knocking the ball into his own net. The Hammerheads would wait until the 65th minute to score as Andres Cuero slid to finish a cross by Andryi Budnyy, knocking it in the net for the 1-1 tie. Budnyy wouldn't stop there with his deliveries as he sent the ball to midfielder Luke Mulholland for the 2-1 lead in the 76th minute. The City Islanders hopes would disappear in the 86th minute as Richard Jata beat Harrison 1-on-1 for the third goal in 21 minutes, giving the Hammerheads a 3-1 win.
"It was a difficult weekend for us," said Harrisburg City Islanders Head Coach Bill Becher. "We played well at times, but weren't able to come away with more points."
Harrisburg Players to Watch
Nelson Becerra
Since coming back from injury, the former Long Island Rough Rider and Central Jersey Spartan has scored two goals in his last three games, taking his season totals to three goals and one assist.
JT Noone
Known for splitting defenders and creating chances every time he touches the ball, the former Philadelphia Union midfielder has three assists this season.
F.C. New York (4-8-6, 18 points)
F.C. New York is currently in fifth place in the USL PRO National Division. They're 12 points behind the first-placed Rochester Rhinos and eight points behind the City Islanders. This will be F.C. New York's eighth away game of the season, recording a 1-5-2 record, scoring USL PRO's second-least goals (6) and conceding fifteen goals. In their last four games, FC New York is 0-3-1, being outscored 9-4.
This past Saturday, New York played the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to a 1-1 tie at Belson Stadium located at St. John's University. New York opened the scoring in the 19th minute as Quame Holder finished an Owen Morrison corner. The Riverhounds would spoil New York's superb start in the 29th minute as Neil Shaffer also scored off a corner for his side. The game would end a 1-1 tie.
"New York has done very well so far this season, and they are battling for a playoff spot," said Becher. "We are looking to keep pace with Rochester at the top of the division, so we need a good result on Wednesday."
New York Players to Watch
Jhonny Arteaga
The former Poland ŁKS Łomza player and Dominican College alum is leading his team in points (13), goals (6), and shots (22).
Tadeu Terra
The forward from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has proven to have a diverse style of play this season, registering one goal and team-high five assists.
Wednesday's kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at the Skyline Sports Complex on City Island. The game will be streamed 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 www.cityislanders.com.