Photo: Courtesy of Harrisburg City Islanders

While no Union player covered himself in glory this week, several players on the Union’s USL PRO affiliate, the Harrisburg City Islanders, played quite well, as the team snapped its three-game winless streak (one draw, two losses) to record its first win of the season. The City Islanders defeated Sacramento Republic, in Sacramento, in front of a massive, USL PRO-record crowd of 20,231. Morgan Langley, former Union player, scored the game-winning goal, breaking a 1–1 tie in the 52nd minute.

The play was begun by Union loanee Pedro Ribeiro, playing as a converted center back. His headed clearance of a long-ball from Sacramento’s defense fell to Islander teammate Matt Bahner, who flicked the ball ahead to Garret Pettis. Pettis, in turn, played a through ball for Langley. Still with a lot to do, Langley spun 360 degrees to beat his defender, then drove into the box and finished between the keeper’s legs. (See 1:32:41 of the above video for the goal sequence.)

It was a sweet move, and sweeter finish, for a player who has been one of Harrisburg’s best for several seasons running.

The City Islanders have been one of the strongest teams in the USL PRO for several years, but have started with a slump in 2014. Harrisburg will look to use this performance as a springboard for the rest of the season. With more plays like Langley’s gamewinner, they shouldn’t have much trouble scoring points.

Honorable mention: Robbie Derschang, Garret Pettis. Derschang, who was selected by the Union in the second round of the 2014 SuperDraft before being released on February 19, made his first professional start for Harrisburg in the same game, and scored the opening goal, in just the fifth minute. Pettis assisted that goal as well, putting him at the center of Harrisburg’s big win.