Dante Leverock and his Harrisburg City Islanders teammates recorded a 4-0 victory over Wilmington Hammerheads FC at Legion Stadium. Kenny Tribbett scored his first two professional goals to lead Harrisburg to its second win of the season.
Wilmington forward Sunny Jane was quick on his feet to start the first half, and had an early shot that went wide. Newly acquired midfielder Christian Bassogog made his debut for Wilmington on Saturday along with Brian Anunga and Fran Martinez, and proved a key factor as he found his teammates feet throughout the night as they looked for attempts on goal.
The City Islanders struck first from a corner, as Jason Plumhoff's delivery in the 31st minute found Tribbett at the back post for his first professional goal. Shortly after, the Hammerheads were awarded a free kick just outside of the penalty area for an opportunity to equalize, but Harrisburg goalkeeper Nick Noble claimed the ball cleanly. With halftime approaching, Hammerheads defender Paul Nicholson sent a long ball up to Bassogog, but Noble approached quickly again to save.
Wilmington’s Corben Bone found an opportunity early in the second half to send a cross in front of the net, but the attempt was long. Martinez was able to gain control and send the ball back into play in Harrisburg territory until City Islanders defender Leverock cleared it up field with the header.
Harrisburg doubled its lead when Brett Jankouskas scored in the 59th minute after a miscommunication by Wilmington gave him space for the shot after receiving it at his feet from Yann Ekra a few yards away. After faking a move to the right, Jankouskas took a shot with his left foot and found the upper-left corner of the net.
Bone attempted to halve the Hammerheads' deficit off a free kick after Bassogog was brought down just outside of the penalty area. The hard shot curved just outside of the right post, resulting in a goal kick.
Tribbett, who helped the Michigan Bucks earn the PDL Championship last year, added his second of the game in the 70th minute after gaining control of the ball in the penalty after the Hammerheads failed to clear a corner kick. The City Islanders completed the victory just before the final whistle when Plumhoff converted from the penalty spot after he himself was brought down in the penalty area.
