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USL Pro Week 12: A Look Back

USLPro

By JOHN BOSCHINI

With Antigua on hiatus and Orlando drawing with Wilmington, Richmond had an opportunity to mount a charge in the American Division.

Unfortunately for the Kickers, a 1-0 defeat to the Harrisburg City Islanders saw them fall to six points behind Orlando. Richmond does still have two games in hand but one win in six games leaves little confidence that the Kickers can take advantage of them.

After a very difficult opening few games, the Charlotte Eagles are enjoying a good bit of form. A 2-0 victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions takes their unbeaten run to six games and the Eagles are now only 13 points back of Orlando City with three games in hand. Dayton continues to earn its reputation as the minnows of the USL, earning only five points from 11 games.

The Lions also fell short against a Charleston Battery side that is trying desperately to keep pace in the American Division. Charleston is just two points out of second place and is enjoying a better run of form than any of its fellow challengers.

Also enjoying a resurgence in June are the Rochester Rhinos, who made quick work of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds with a 3-0 victory. The Riverhounds are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and have not won since May 21. 

Here is a look back at the rest of the Week 12 action in the USL Pro:

Harrisburg City Islanders 1, Richmond Kickers 0: Jason Hotchkin's goal just before halftime was the difference maker for Harrisburg. Chase Harrison played well for Harrisburg, making four saves in his second shutout of the season.

Charleston Battery 1, Dayton Dutch Lions 0: The Charleston Battery used a 77th minute goal to edge a narrow victory in a game marred by five yellow cards and two ejections. Despite the frenetic nature of the game, neither offenses threatened very often, combining for four shots on target.

Rochester Rhinos 3, Pittsburgh Riverhounds 0: Early goals from the Rhinos never gave the Pittsburgh Riverhounds much of a chance. Rich Costanzo, Andrew Hoxie and Drew Cost scored in the first half and coasted in the second half for a victory. Rochester goalkeeper Neal Kitson had an easy night, forced into action only two twice.

Wilmington Hammerheads 1, Orlando City 1: Andriy Budnyy scored with six minutes left to salvage a draw for Wilmington. Orlando took the lead early in the second half with a goal from Devorn Jorsling.

Charlotte Eagles 2, Dayton Dutch Lions 0: Darren Toby scored after only 10 minutes, and Sallieu Band added an insurance goal with 10 minutes to go. Dayton offered little in the form of offensive pressure, putting only one shot on frame. Charlotte was whistled for offsides 10 times.

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What did you think of this weekend's results? Impressed by Charlotte's run of form? Disappointed in Richmond's loss? Do you see Orlando being caught anytime soon?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Great job by the Rhinos – hopefully this game will lead to a victory in Harrisburg this week in US Open Cup play!

    Reply

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