LD Update: USL Pro Game Night

The home clubs swept the night in a busy Friday evening slate of USL Pro soccer. Charleston posted a big win with the three others decided by one goal, including Dayton's 1-0 loss in Los Angeles, keeping the US Open Cup quarterfinalists without a victory in league play.

Harrisburg City Islanders 2:1 Rochester Rhinos - Deadlocked in a scoreless affair, a 35-yard effort from Rochester's Michael Tanke deflected off Dustin Bixler, crossing up goalkeeper Nick Noble as the ball flew by him. The Rhinos looked to be en route to ending a five-game winless run in league play (0-2-3) with only a few minutes remaining only to see the City Islanders rally late for the win. Yann Ekra took a long ball from Bixler, turned and fired an equalizer past Kristian Nicht in the 86th. Then, Lucky Mkosana finished a cross from Bilal Duckett in the 90th. - MORE

Charleston Battery 3:0 Antigua Barracuda - A red card and two set pieces led to the big win as Antigua lost Lawson Robins for violent conduct just 20 minutes in. That was followed by a Nicki Paterson free kick goal in the 33rd minute and a Dane Kelly strike just before the break. Paterson netted his second from the penalty spot in the 63rd after Kyle Hoffer was taken down in the box. - MORE

Wilmington Hammerheads 2:1 Richmond Kickers - Corey Hertzog was the hero once again for Wilmington, leading them in a rally with a goal and assist. A strong, physical play from Chris Agorsor on a long ball gave the visitors the initial advantage just six minutes in. But the Hammerheads responded and had the lead before a half-hour had transpired. Positioned inside the six, Andriy Budnyy sent a point-blank header past Ronnie Pascale on a long throw-in from Hertzog in the 16th minute. Another deep Hertzog throw-in in the 28th minute led to a handball and the striker converted the penalty he had created for what stood as the winner. - MORE

Los Angeles Blues 1:0 Dayton Dutch Lions - Off for three weeks, the Blues avoided an upset and showed no rust. Only Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams stood between the hosts and a bigger margin as Bright Dike, in particular, dominated the match. In the most unlikeliest of positions for a goal, Dike finally found the winner in the 56th minute when he took the ball on the left wing and drove through the Dayton defense before tucking the ball inside the far post. - MORE


THIS WEEK

Friday
Rochester @ Harrisburg
Antigua @ Charleston
Richmond @ Wilmington
Dayton @ Los Angeles

Saturday
Carolina @ Atlanta
Edmonton @ Fort Lauderdale
San Antonio @ Puerto Rico
Tampa Bay @ Minnesota
Richmond @ Charlotte

Sunday
Rochester @ Pittsburgh
Antigua @ Orlando
Dayton @ Los Angeles
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