Eric Bird makes professional debut in Harrisburg loss

Rookie midfielder Eric Bird made his professional debut on loan with Harrisburg City Islanders in a third round U.S. Open Cup match against Rochester Rhinos on Wednesday night.

Bird checked into the game in the 78th minute and delivered the assist on the game's first goal in the 106th minute, setting up Brett Jankouskas for the go-ahead goal.

The lead did not last long.

Rochester fired right back with an equalizer by Kenardo Forbes and a go-ahead goal of their own from Asani Samuels in the 115th minute that held up as the winner. Samuels scored again in the 120th minute to seal the 3-1 victory for the visitors.

With the win, the Rochester Rhinos advance to face the Union at PPL Park on Tuesday, June 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the fourth round of the 102nd Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Bird won't be available in the game now since he's cup-tied to Harrisburg.

The City Islanders return to USL play with a 7 p.m. game Saturday at Pittsburgh Riverhounds.