USL Game Report

Saturday, April 18, 2015

HARRISBURG, Pa. – It was a battle of clubs seeking their first wins of the season, and the Harrisburg City Islanders prevailed in their home opener at Skyline Sports Complex. Antoine Hoppenot’s goal early in the second half led Harrisburg to a 2-1 victory against FC Montreal.

Harrisburg improved to 1-2-0 while FC Montreal dropped to 0-3-0.

The Islanders got off to a fast start accented by a Jimmy McLaughlin penalty kick score in the 11th minute for a 1-0 lead. Hoppenot broke free toward the goal before being taken down in the penalty area by Montreal’s Mitchel Bringolf. Bringolf was red carded in just the ninth minute to give McLaughlin, a Philadelphia Union loanee, an opportunity from the spot.

Yann Ekra was the next Islander to threaten the goal as he saw his low laser blow by Montreal keeper David Paulmin only to be deflected away at the goal line by the defense.

Despite playing short-handed for the majority of the half, Montreal was able to manufacture quality scoring opportunities. A corner kick was played at the top of the box to Fabio Morelli, but his attempt sailed just above the frame. A short time later, Victor Ndiaye played the ball across the middle to the feet of Louis Beland-Goyette, who buried a one-timer into the lower right corner of the net in the 32nd minute. The equalizer marked the first USL goal in FC Montreal’s history.

The Islanders wasted no time in the second half, as Hoppenot took advantage of a misplayed back pass and slid the ball past the challenging Paulmin. The goal proved to be enough to seal the match for the home side. A second opportunity from the spot arrived for McLaughlin after Hoppenot was again brought down in the box by John Dinkota, but his blast deflected off the right post and be cleared away from danger.

Montreal’s attack was stymied by a tight Harrisburg back line as they were only mustered one second-half shot, failing to challenge Isles' keeper Nick Noble in the final 45 minutes. Harrisburg dominated offensively, launching 12 shots to Montreal's three.

The Islanders picked up their first three points of the season to lift them out of the basement of the Eastern Conference. They will return to action on Friday, April 24, as they travel south to face the Charlotte Independence. The Islanders’ next home game is on Saturday, May 16, against the Charleston Battery.

FC Montreal next hosts the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, April 25, at Stade Saputo Field.