The USL’s Harrisburg City Islanders scored an emphatic 3-0 victory in the Second Round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup over nearby Reading United AC to avenge their ouster by the amateur side in the 2013 edition of the national tournament. The loss to Reading two years ago on the very same field was not only Harrisburg’s first loss to an amateur team, but it was the first time they had ever lost the opening match of the tournament. The City Islanders made sure history didn’t repeat itself.
Harrisburg came into the game with four straight victories by an 11-1 goal margin in league play, and showed that the numbers were not a fluke by putting in two quick goals over the home side. Midfielder Danny DiPrima netted the first for the visitors in the 8th minute, striking into space left by the Reading backline. As Reading netminder Kyle Morton charged off his line, DiPrima calmly pushed the ball wide and slipped a low ball to the far post for the first score.
Former Reading player and 2013 All-PDL selection Jason Plumhoff was the architect of the next goal just two minutes later. Outflanking the Reading defense on the right side of the penalty area, Plumhoff sighted teammate Cardel Benbow driving toward the goal, sending a cross to his feet. Benbow shot low and to the corner to put the Islanders up 2-0.
The second half finished without any further scoring as Reading started to find their feet, but their comeback hopes were given a major blow when Harrisburg scored in the 46th minute. Plumhoff again pulled the strings for Harrisburg, this time curving a corner kick into the box to defender Ken Tribbett, who headed the ball home cleanly.
While Harrisburg didn’t concede, they also didn’t leave Don Thomas Stadium unscathed. Neil Shaffer earned an ejection when he drew his second yellow card of the match in the 76th minute. However, Reading wasn’t able to capitalize on their man advantage.
With the victory, Harrisburg earned entry to the third round and a home matchup against fellow USL side Rochester Rhinos. The last Open Cup visit by the Rhinos to Harrisburg in 2011 resulted in a 1-0 City Islanders loss. The Rhinos will bring the memory of that victory with them, along with dreams of repeating their 1999 Open Cup championship, when they became the last non-MLS team to take home the Dewar Trophy.