Tonight the Philadelphia Union take on their USL-PRO affiliate, the Harrisburg City Islanders in a friendly match at Hershey Park Stadium. After a 3-2 win Saturday evening over the Reading United AC (a USL-PDL affiliate), the Union look to go three for three in midseason friendlies (2-1 win against FC Schalke 04, 3-2 win versus Reading United).
The City Islanders have already knocked off two MLS teams this season on City Island in the US Open Cup. Harrisburg beat the New England Revolution on penalty kicks after coming back from a three goal deficit with ten minutes remaining in extra time.
They also defeated the New York Red Bulls last Tuesday 3-1 in extra time. The Harrisburg attack was lead by former Red Bull Sainey Touray (FWD), former Union player Morgan Langley (MID) and the newly signed Zimbabwean striker Luckymore Mkosana (formerly of the Chicago Fire).
Touray notched three goals in the Islanders two games verses MLS Teams and leads the Isles in US Open Cup goals. Yann Ekra leads the City Islanders with four regular season goals in six games.
The young players on each team will look to impress the coaching staffs of their respective teams. Players such as Ray Gaddis were discovered in games such as these.
Gaddis played for Reading United last year then was drafted second round by the Union in the 2012 MLS Superdraft. Players can earn a sport on the team or more playing time with these opportunities in the friendlies, such as Morgan Langley, who was signed late in the season by the Union last year after playing for the Islanders.
Tonight will also be Roger Torres' second game back after recovering from a leg injury. He came off of the bench in the 35th minute for Gabriel Farfan on Saturday in Reading, playing well, but showing some soreness after challenges.
These two teams will face off in July 26's USOC game at PPL Park, making this friendly a preview to a quarter final match in a cup competition.
The match starts at 7:00 pm and tIckets to the match at Hershey Park Stadium are $20.The weather in Hershey is forecasted as rain during the game.