My take on the differing fortunes of the Harrisburg City Islanders and Reading United: http://thesportsburger.com/2011/05/23/confessions-of-a-soccer-nobody-a-tale-of-two-cities.aspx In particular, I think the City Islanders need more offensive production from their wingers. Ombiji, Schofield, Hotchkin, and Touray have combined for a grand total of 1 assist. Everything can't fall on the shoulders of Angulo and Becerra (when healthy), so if the wingers aren't producing, maybe Becher needs to change the formation, do something with a true second forward, put Touray closer to goal or find a way to use the speed of Touray, Ombiji, and Seabrook more effectively. This team was terrible offensively last season, and with 4 goals in 5 games in 2011, it looks to be more of the same. Also, considering the experience of the backline, they can't be allowing late goals. This team threw away 4 points in the standings this past week at home, and although still in good shape for the playoffs if the season ended today, they need to tighten up while generating more goals. And the attendance has been dreadful, a drop of 400 fans from last season and 600 dating back to 2009, that's a lot when you only average 1,246 per game.
------------------------------------------------------------------ Not the best match and some interesting goals, but a game Isles' could have walked away with at least a point. No disrespect to rookie Welker who is filling in capably on back line, but with Marshall's experience and ability/height to foil crosses in back line to complement steady work from Harrison and Bixler, team may have held off late charges by Richmond (for win) and Orlando (tie), as they did with Rochester. Can't let that home field advantage slip away in final seconds. Midfield needs to keep possession or force ball deep in corners of opposition rather than sliding back and trying to pack it in. Don't foul in our end or give up corners late in games - too dangerous. Scoring has been tough, but Angulo, Ombiji and Becerra getting into dangerous areas and taking quality chances in the box. Addition of Touray and Noone when he ragains form should help, but Becerra's absence is significant handicap. Team's depth already challenged (with Marshall, Becerra, Herrick and Yates injured) and it's early in season. Another injury to starter could be devastating. A few wins and good summer weather will help attendence. But perhaps, not enough to support team in the manner we all hope. Play for tie on road and aim for 3 points on home turf.
The City Islanders defeated their fellow Union affiliate 1-0 tonight on a 64th minute goal by Sainey Touray. Of note, former Seton Hill (not Hall) midfielder Doug Schmitt suited up for the Isles. Schmitt trailed with the team this preseason, perhaps he signs with injuries mounting? He was a second-team All-WVIAC player (D-2). http://www.setonhill.edu/athletics/soccer_m/roster_get.cfm?PlayerID=278 Also, I had the chance to interview Reading United's assistant general manager in advance of tonight's match. The link below will take you to the transcript, thank you to Ryan Lineaweaver for your time and insight into United's affiliation with the Union and PDL! http://thesportsburger.com/2011/05/24/the-soccer-nobody-interview-reading-united-ac.aspx
Great interview BTW Hax. I posted a brief entry about the match. Mostly stuff that is already known, scorer, goalie, photos, but also listed the starting lineup and subs per the coaching staff. I like that they played Schmitt. What ever happened to Geoff Pezon? Wasn't he training with the club? Glad to see Tuttle play well. Just in case Chase would ever get hurt its good to know the back up is solid. http://blog.pennlive.com/upper90/2011/05/phil_tuttle_city_islanders_rec.html
Still no Becerra or Herrick for the Battery tonight, and we know that Marshall is out a few weeks still. Does anyone know how long Becerra is going to be missing? The anemic offense could really use his creativity.
Pittsburgh at Harrisburg, 7 pm tonight Weather: near record high temperatures, hot and humid, high of 94 Note: this is the rescheduled match from April 16 when severe weather forced postponement, the Senators are home as well, so parking will be scarce and cost you $3 (as opposed to being free for the City Islanders) Injuries for Harrisburg: Becerra (knee), Herrick (concussion), and Marshall (foot) are out; Welker (ankle) is probable Suspensions for Harrisburg: Basso and Pelletier (ejected on Saturday) Pittsburgh comes to City Island with former-Isles Guy and PSU alum Chad Severs. Severs is Harrisburg's all-time leading scorer. Another former Nittany Lion, Jason Yeisley, also plays for the Riverhounds. Don't expect too many goals as Pittsburgh's tallied just 5 goals in 9 games while Harrisburg has netted 5 goals in 5 games. So with all the injuries and suspensions, what does the starting lineup look like tonight for Harrisburg? My guess: [LINEUP-4-5-1]Angulo, Ombiji, Touray, Schofield, Noone, Thayer, Bloes, Bixler, Welker, Calvano, Harrison[/LINEUP-4-5-1]
The City Islanders will have M/F Ryan Richter of the Philadelphian Union on loan for Saturday night's match against the Charleston Battery. Where will Harrisburg play him? I haven't got a clue. There's no way he plays up top in place of Angulo, and I don't know enough about Richter to know where'd he go in the midfield. On the one hand, I don't like loan deals like this because it could break team chemistry just when the Isles figured out how to close out a win. Sure, players like Nick Zimmerman did really well in his loan stint last season, but I think these roster moves can be disruptive. Who would you bench for Richter anyway? Is a supplemental draft pick who's yet to appear for the Union an impact player, even at the USL level? How sharp can he be after playing only in reserve matches? Cynical skepticism aside, the one thing I like about having a loan player like Richter is that it provides more depth to roster filled with injuries. Becerra, Herrick, Marshall, and Yates have been out a while, so Richter provides some cover in the attack. Should be interesting to see where Becher plays him. The Battery are coming off a road draw tonight, maybe fatigue impacts them? The Isles need to pick up some points during their two homes this week (Dayton on Wednesday), with the National Division bring so weak they can advance up the standings pretty quickly with some good results.
Awesome finish to an otherwise lackluster game. Coach must've been unimpressed with the first 45 subbing Ombiji,Angulo, & Schofield. Richter looked good for someone not seeing action & Tuttles flick over the bar was huge. Congrats to Touray & the boys on a much needed max-point evening. Oh yeah..it was nice hearing the drum crew making some noise.
Team is holding on - not having to play on road helps. Home win against Charleston and (should-have-been) tie (or win) with them on the road along with quality win against Rhinos and tie with Kick suggest Isles are stronger than many critics thought when the season started. The team is now even demonstrating it can score as well as defend. Becerra and perhaps Marshall could be ready soon to provide some spark and fresh legs. Welker, Scholfield and Bloes proving their value as "utility men". Adding Touray and Noone to the mix has strengthened and added variety to the attack. Basso and Pelletier are back from short-lived "vacations". Nice to see Harrison get a break and Tuttle stepping in admirably. Team could be jelling at right time (with Open Cup matches on the way).
Fast & furious start last night quickly jumping out to a 4 goal lead. Not surprising against the leagues worst which looked confused on defense. Ombiji gets his season started with his 1st & 2nd & Angulo looking sharp as usual with a pair as well. Tuttle not tested much at all until the second half & playing stout once again. Not sure what is wrong with Chase but Tuttle is doing a fine job between the pipes. The test is next with a 4 game roadd trip (this saturdays game w/Rochester on FSC @ 5:30) & a Cup match on the Island next tuesday with Reading.
Nobody have anything to say after Rochester? Pretty even game with both teams having their moments. Tuttle proven to be very capable in nets. Game looked pretty good on TV with respectable crowd, some pace and decent play unlike many USL TV matches with sloppy play, lack of pace, poor camera angles and amateur commentary. Some concerns piling up though in back line. Welker and Calvano with sore ankles, Bixler nearing accumulation of yellow cards for suspension and Marshall not quite yet ready for play. Bloes and Thayer may need to step up in back. Becerra ready soon, but will need fitness. Angulo looked tired against Rhinos but still is the man up top. Hope the boys play well vs Reading and can get some time for regulars to rest late in game.
My preview of tonight's Open Cup tilt against Reading United. Key players for both teams will be missing, Becerra is doubtful, Calvano is questionable, while Marshall and Herrick remain out for HCI, RUFC will be without Will Bates and Brian Ownby who are on trial in Sweden. It will be tough for RU without their leading scorers, but they remain a formidable opponent for the first round. If HCI wins, they host the second round, RU needs a win and Rochester loss to host. http://thesportsburger.com/2011/06/...occer-nobody-local-friends-renew-rivalry.aspx
Sounds like a struggle but Islanders prevailed over Reading. Once again it sounds like a crossing ball led to opponent goal - seems we need to be stronger in the air; cover weak side and get head on the cross (Bixler can't get to every ball - Marshall's presence could help). Nice to see Chase between the pipes and Seabrooke getting some minutes. Missed Calvano resting ankle. Of note, every USL Pro Team won in Cup (except Dayton who faced league opponent Richmond). Nice! Next up in Cup is rival Rochester (again!). Should be heated but Isles' have home field advantage. A good crowd would help. Look for teams to pack it in and hope to counter off a mistake by other team - Isles 1-0? Next up league is at Richmond followed by journey to Cali for 2 against Blues. Those long trips west are killers. Hope team gets there early with at least a full day to train and get on Cali time schedule. Hope Marsh and Nellie back in kits after road trip!
Posted some thoughts, pictures and videos of a goal and a save: http://blog.pennlive.com/upper90/2011/06/harrisburg_vs_reading_match_co.html It was a struggle last night! Wow, what a nailbiter. Reading controlled much of the play and for 85 minutes made us look like the amateurs. Luckily we pocketed the tying goal then really came alive and got the winner. Chase was strong in goal, Calvano hurt, Becerra still out, Marshall still out, and Bloes spent part of the day puking from the flu! It was a crazy game thats for sure. Guess all that matters is we won again in the Open Cup and are moving on. Despite the weak play I still give them credit for fighting late and finding a way to win.
I agree that Reading deserved better, and I can't really blame Brendan Burke for his response to the officials at the end. This article from the Reading Eagle has some good quotes from Burke, I wonder if he could face any discipline for his comments or actions, does that ever happen in the Open Cup? [Edit: apparently Burke was ejected for his demonstrative handshake and thumbs up to the officials, so a suspension for next year's tournament is to be expected] http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=314555 Here's my recap of the match, which also appears on the Sports 'Burger: http://thesportsburger.com/2011/06/...e-open-cup-streak-with-stunning-comeback.aspx On a cool and blustery night, emotions ran hot as the Harrisburg City Islanders scored two late goals to defeat the Reading United 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup first round. With the win, the City Islanders preserved their unbeaten streak against amateur teams in the competition. Harrisburg is 10-3-2 all-time in the tournament, including a perfect 5-0 against PDL teams, while Reading failed to win a knockout game in their fifth try. The loss has to be particularly frustrating for United because they held a one goal lead for the majority of the game, played the better match, and suffered several dubious calls at the hands of the officials. Although Reading entered the match as underdogs because of their amateur status, they played like the more seasoned club, creating numerous chances against a physical but disorganized Harrisburg defense. Reading took the lead in the 35th minute off a David Rodriguez goal and nearly doubled that cushion when Matt Sanner hit the goal post minutes later. Sanner was dangerous all night, standing toe-to-toe with Dustin Bixler and working hard to find seams in the defense. Christian Barriero also had an excellent match for Reading, distributing the ball nicely from his playmaker position. The City Islanders were out of sorts, having been outshot at halftime and lacking cohesion on the ball. The tide turned somewhat in the 53rd minute when Steven Okai was ejected for an altercation with David Schofield. The red card mystified many in attendance because both players were tugging jerseys and scrapping after the play. Despite the man advantage, Harrisburg still struggled to equalize, and it looked like their streak of three consecutive Open Cup quarterfinal appearances was nearing an end. In the 86th minute, J.T. Noone rescued the City Islanders, slamming home a goalmouth scramble and scoring in the Open Cup for the third consecutive year (twice with the City Islanders and once with Ocean City FC). Neither team was willing to wait for extra time, pressing forward in the waning minutes in search of the game-winning goal. Like he did against the Charleston Battery, Sainey Touray provided the late heroics, sliding a tough angled shot beneath Reading's Brian Holt in stoppage time. Exasperated by the poor officiating, United boss Brendan Burke congratulated the officials on their performance sarcastically and stormed off the pitch with time remaining on the clock. When the final whistle blew, the teams set aside the physical gamesmanship that marred the game, and shook hands sportingly to salvage an otherwise testy affair. These franchises might be fellow affiliates of the Philadelphia Union, but a local rivalry seems to be blossoming after the heated contest. With the win, the City Islanders improve to 5-1-1 at home this season and will host the Rochester Rhinos in the second round next Tuesday at 7 pm. The teams have met twice during league play, with the two splitting a pair of 1-0 decisions. The winner will meet a team from Major League Soccer, although pairings have not yet been announced. Anthony Calvano missed the match due to an ankle injury, forcing Bill Becher to shuffle his lineup. David Schofield took Calvano's place at right back, and Morgan Langley earned the start in Schofield's normal midfield position. Nelson Becerra, Jason Herrick, and Andrew Marshall continue to recover from injuries, Geoff Bloes was sick with the flu, and all missed the game. Goalkeeper Chase Harrison returned to the starting lineup after rookie Phil Tuttle had tended goal for the previous three league matches. The City Islanders return to league play on Friday at Richmond.
Twas ugly, but a W is a W. Fivehundredsum (c'mon central PA! its only $7) folks were treated to a strange, disorganized, home club victory that left alot to be desired. Being at PPL Park saturday i missed the C.I.'s loss, but it must've carried over to this tilt as play was quite lackluster. I truly felt bad for Reading as they deserved to advance. The S.O.B. noise was good to hear.
go Harrisburg on the US Open cup, I want the game at home in Toyota Park http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Lamar-...Announces-Possible-Hosts-for-Third-Round.aspx
The draw for the third round hosts is lame, only one non-MLS team would host a third round match, Rochester if they beat the City Islanders. While some MLS teams had to qualify, I think it's lame that MLS is being coddled so much, many teams enter in the third round and then don't have to travel? Why favor them so much in the tournament? Make it a true "open" cup where random draws and tough road matches produce interesting results. As it is, things are stacked against the lower level teams because they will have played two straight weeks of knockout matches on top of their league slates. I know the USSF tries to regionalize the tournament to keep costs down for participants, I'm cool with that, but to have MLS host all the matches is ridiculous. Yet another example of the USSF lacking foresight and leadership...
That kind of drop for a U.S. Open Cup match is actually typical. The U.S. Open Cup isn't taken as seriously as the FA Cup, even though a lot more rides on it (namely, the Champions League).
Agreed, the Open Cup won't draw lots of fans at this stage. The opponent was a lower level (even though a local rival and very good PDL team), it was a weeknight, and it wasn't included in regular season ticket packages. The City Islanders drew small crowds against Brooklyn and Long Island last year, then had a decent crowd for the Red Bulls at home. It should be interesting to see what attendance is like for the Rhinos, a bigger brand of franchise, but still a midweek match with little time to publicize.
U.S. Open Cup, Second Round - June 21 Rochester Rhinos at Harrisburg City Islanders Skyline Sports Complex, Harrisburg, PA: 7:00 pm Weather: warm, chance of thunderstorms Broadcast: http://usllive.com/ The Sports 'Burger preview: http://thesportsburger.com/2011/06/21/surging-city-islanders-host-open-cup-second-round.aspx Patriot-News preview: http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/06/city_islanders_to_face_usl_pro.html Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester) preview: http://www.democratandchronicle.com...-U-S-Open-Cup?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Sports Devo's Direct Kick (blog) preview: http://blogs.democratandchronicle.c...urg-rhinos-face-foe-with-similar-cup-success/ The Cup preview: http://thecup.us/2011-us-open-cup-b...ity-islanders-phoenix-sc-at-rochester-rhinos/
The USL press release on the Harrisburg-Rochester Open Cup match last evening sounds like a lackluster, fairly even and just result as Tony Donatelli calmly pulled the game out by burying a PK. Wrong - what a distortion of an excellant match played in debilitating heat and humidity with Harrisburg clearly the better team and dominating play for long stretches, but losing on a PK at the 90th minute. The kind of 50-50 ball many referees may have ignored in such a tight match. Yes the GK took out the Rhino by attempting to puch the ball away in the top corner of the box, but a PK - pleeze. Let the players decide the game at that late stage. The reasonable call could have been a direct kick for Rhinos just outside the box. Oh, and Donatelli was ineffective and missing from play for most of the match. The Rhinos had trouble breaking down the Isles' steady back line as has been the norm for their 3 contests this season and with GK Tuttle making several top notch saves of his own. The first half was intense, fiercely competitive, sharp, and well played at an extremely high pace (leaving both sides dragging with tired legs in the final 30 min). Brian Ombiji constantly sped past the Rhino back line and Angulo picked his way thru the center repeatedly. Noone had a couple of near-miss blasts and helped break down the defense with clever chips of the center backs to spring Angulo. The Islanders just couldn't find the back of the net with Kitson making a number of great saves in each half. Perhaps as good as any USL Pro game could have been played with so much at stake and the weather unforgiving. A better summary: http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/06/city_islanders_fall_1-0_to_roc.html Sad that either team had to loose, but it is what it is.
Isles' fans largely a no show last evening (400+). Once again, an important match against a tough, long-time rival, but a last minute, mid-week scheduled contest competing against the Senators baseball game next door contributed to weak turn-out. When a scheduled Sat. match without baseball next door, the attendence has been 1,500 - 1,700+. Team goes on the road west this weekend. Let's hope they continue sharp play and don't suffer an Open Cup-let down. Also, Beccara was cleared and in uniform last evening. Marshall also rumoured to be ready to help fill out the Isle's depleted bench while they get match fit. However, no improvement for Herrick. Too bad.
Derek wrote a similar thing on his blog, questioning the penalty call too. I agree with the sentiment that it's a tough way to decide such a well-played and competitive match, but I thought it was a clear penalty from my vantage point. It happened quickly, and without the benefit of replays it's tough to say, but I initially thought Tuttle didn't need to come out when he did since it was a weird angle, then he awkwardly played the ball and man. I might second guess Tuttle's decision a little (hindsight is always 20-20), but it seemed like a clear foul and penalty to me. People have been talking a lot about Charlie Davies' dive for DC United this past weekend, and one point keeps getting made, as a defender you never want to put yourself in the position where the referee has a decision to make. I wonder if Tuttle really needed to come out like that because it seemed like a tough ball for Jagdeosingh to track down and control. I don't remember if any defenders could have tracked back to get involved in the play, but ultimately, I thought the penalty was the right call. As frustrating as it is to lose a match that the City Islanders probably deserved to win, it somewhat balances out last week's debacle against Reading when Harrisburg had no business winning. I have a recap going up on the Sports 'Burger later today, but one thing I wrote is that it might be for the best that City Islanders lost when they did. A sneak preview of what's coming later on the blog: “At least we can focus on the league now.” This line is uttered frequently in soccer by those who lose in cup competitions. It’s an optimistic way of locating the silver lining in elimination from a tournament. But in this case, it might very well prove true. The City Islanders embark upon their longest road trip in franchise history this weekend as they fly to Los Angeles for a crucial two game series against the L.A. Blues. Had Harrisburg advanced in the Open Cup, they would have traveled to Chicago to play the Fire on Tuesday after playing in California on Friday and Sunday. That’s a lot of travel and fatigue for a team with limited resources, both financially and personnel-wise. As it is, the City Islanders have already played 6 matches since June 4 and with two more looming this weekend, an additional road trip to Chicago might have been overkill. The City Islanders are tied with the Blues for second place in the National Division, and it’s not impossible for them to catch the Rhinos atop the division standings. Harrisburg should easily qualify for the playoffs this season, and without the Open Cup on their schedule, the team can focus on winning the divisional title and home-field advantage. As much as losing to Rochester stings, since Harrisburg would not have had the benefit of hosting an MLS opponent, it might be just as well that the City Islanders leave the tournament now and channel their energies toward league play.
Attendance has been disappointing this season, no doubt about that. The average attendance for league matches in 1325, and the Open Cup games drew far less. The crowds have been dwindling a little the past few seasons: 2011: 1,325 average (2,038 high) 2010: 1,666 average (2,389 high) 2009: 1,857 average (2,413 high) 2008: 1,684 average (2,374 high) It's still early in the summer, but the team is average 500 fewer fans per game than in 2009. Granted, the midweek rescheduled games haven't helped, nor has the weather, but I hope that as the team plays well, the crowds return.