The Islanders City net the equalizer after Rochester takes the lead late in the match.
Brett Jankouskas scored his second goal in as many games as the Harrisburg City Islanders drew 1-1 with the Rochester Rhinos on Friday night at FNB Field. Harrisburg almost took the lead in the 12th minute when Jose Barril’s shot went off the right post, but while the City Islanders had the better of the first half, they were unable to break the deadlock.
Rochester came out more aggressive in the second half, but Harrisburg goalkeeper Keasel Broome made a big save to deny Steevan Dos Santos just past the hour-mark. The Rhinos took the lead with three minutes to go as second-half when substitute Sean Totsch rose to head home a cross from the left by Bradley Kamdem at the back post. Moments later, however, Harrisburg denied the visitors the victory as Jankouskas’ header from a corner in stoppage time evened it.
Three Things That Matter:
1. Coming off back-to-back victories, the City Islanders were positive in the opening half, and maybe unlucky to not take the lead. Harrisburg created more chances, and better chances, in the opening 45 minutes with the best of them coming off a clever dummy by Garrett Pettis that drew the Rhinos defense and opened up a clear chance for Jose Barril, only for his low shot to ricochet off the right post and out.
2. Rochester almost ground out a victory, which would have boosted its chances of challenging for a top-four position in the Eastern Conference. Second-half substitute Sean Totsch’s header was an excellent one, and had to be to beat City Islanders goalkeeper Keasel Broome, who was solid, but while the Rhinos would probably have been OK with taking a point from tonight’s game beforehand, they’ll probably be disappointed to have let the late lead slip.
3. The City Islanders, on the other hand, might be able to take positive momentum away from Brett Jankouskas’ late equalizer, but with a playoff place hanging in the balance a draw was not what the side would have been looking for. With a New York Red Bulls II side that has only dropped points once on the road this season coming in next, Harrisburg is going to have to muster all of its strength on Tuesday night to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Rhinos next game is against the Richmond Kickers on Aug. 3, at 7:05 p.m. at Rhinos Stadium.