The Harrisburg City Islanders checked out of the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday after a 2-0 defeat to D.C. United. This is the second consecutive year that the Islanders reached the quarterfinal of America’s oldest soccer tournament and two years in a row the Islanders have been ousted by D.C. United. The Isles had enjoyed another good run this year after topping the Brooklyn Italians, Long Island Rough Riders, and New York Red Bulls in recent weeks. As mentioned previously, by virtue of being the last lower division team left alive, the Islanders have secured a tournament bonus that I’m sure the management and ownership will put to good use.
Turning their attention forward, the Islanders face off in a league match against the Charleston Battery Saturday nigh, July 24, on City Island. The Islanders have climbed out of the cellar and sit on 17 points (4-6-5) just on the edge of the playoff bubble. With 5 games left in the regular season, every game is important when trying to make up ground and secure 4th place. Charleston sits atop the league with 30 points (9-3-3) but the Battery have divided the season series with the Islanders on a win, loss, and a tie. The Islanders will look to take all 3 points from the visiting Battery in what should be a hard fought and physical contest. In addition, the Islanders will have the benefit of young striker Jack McInerney on a one game loan from Philadelphia. His speed and creativity will hopefully cause some problems for the Battery defense.
On the lighter side, Tuesday, July 27, shows the Union coming to City Island to square off against their affiliate club in their first-ever friendly. The Islanders will look to keep their team sharp while the Union prepare for next Saturday’s battle with the New England Revolution. Also look for the Union to showcase their new signing, Argentine midfielder Eduardo Coudet, and for Coach Nowak to run out any trialists he may look at over the next week.
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