With the two wins in their two games, City Islanders FC have put themselves back in the playoff race and get even closer with two big wins this Friday, July 29th and Tuesday, August 2nd at FNB Field.
For only the second time this season City was able to string together wins. It was their first such feat on the road. The first 2-1 victory in Pittsburgh gave them the upper hand in the Keystone Derby Cup. After that they traveled to Bethlehem for the first time and took down Bethlehem Steel FC 1-0. City will meet both of these teams later in the season at home.
By taking those two games they have jumped back into the postseason conversation with work left to do. They are still three spots and five points out of the final spot in the playoffs.
City has been led by a different attack than they started the season with. While Aaron Wheeler is still the leading goal scorer despite suffering an injury weeks ago, the Isles have been led by a balanced attack of a few players.
Jose Barril is the overall leading scorer with 14 points and has been helped by Craig Foster and Paul Wilson who each have four goals on the season.
Rochester Rhinos – Friday, July 29th @ 7pm.
The first foe to make their way to Harrisburg will be the Rochester Rhinos. It will be the second meeting this season between the two long time rivals. In their first meeting the Rhinos leapt out to an early two goal lead before City pushed back with a late goal from Craig Foster. Ultimately Rochester held on for the 2-1 victory.
Rochester only has four losses on the season and currently sit in fifth place in the division. The Rhinos are on a seven game unbeaten streak, but have played to 1-1 draws in their last two games. Christian Volesky leads the team with 6 goals and two assists on the season.
New York Red Bulls II – Tuesday, August 2nd @ 7pm.
The Red Bulls will come into FNB field off of only their second loss of the season. They are in the second spot in the division, but could solidify themselves as the top team in the league with a win on Tuesday.
City and the Red Bulls met earlier in the season with New York taking a narrow 1-0 win in Red Bull Arena. The only goal scored came in the 7th minute from Sean Davis for his only goal of the year.
Before heading to City Island on Tuesday New York will face off against the Richmond Kickers on the road as well.
After heading back on the road for two games following the two game homestand, City will welcome both Pennsylvania teams to FNB Field one last time this season. The Riverhounds will come in for the final leg of the Keystone Derby Cup on Friday, August 29th and Bethlehem will follow on Tuesday, August 30th.
|
