With Dominic Dwyer and Orlando City SC off this past weekend, that gave other Major League Soccer loanees a chance to shine in USL PRO play. And as it turned out, several did — all from the same team — as the Harrisburg City Islanders took over second place in the league behind Orlando City.
Philadelphia Union men Christhian Hernandez, Aaron Wheeler and Jimmy McLaughlin all found the back of the net as Harrisburg bagged two wins in three days.
Hernandez (above) tallied the first goal on a curling free kick in the sixth minute as the City Islanders crusied to a 4-0 victory over Charlotte on Saturday. Wheeler then added a brace with goals in the 18th and 22nd minutes, then McLaughlin scored the fourth and final goal of the match a minute from full time.
In the City Islanders' 2-1 win on Friday over Charleston, Greg Jordan was a stalwart in defense through his 90-minute shift.
Complete MLS Reserve League schedule, standings
The Richmond Kickers, fresh off their near-win over D.C. United in the Open Cup, took a 1-0 win over Phoenix FC on Friday. Several United players returned to Richmond following the Open Cup, including forwards Casey Townsend and Michael Seaton.
Townsend had hoped to find the back of the net in his return, but was unable to do so despite a one-on-one chance created by former United man Joseph Ngwenya. Forward Brian Ownby nearly netted his own chance when Taylor Kemp slotted him in behind the defense, but the Houston Dynamo loanee was unable to chase it down.
READ: Dom Dwyer, other loaned players won't play vs. Sporting KC in US Open Cup
In the NASL, Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made three saves and helped Fort Launderdale collect a point at home vs. the Carolina RailHawks. The Strikers remain in last place, but since Attinella’s arrival, the team has climbed to within striking distance of fourth place; one win could propel them three spots up in the standings.
USL PRO:
Phoenix FC Wolves 1-0 loss at Richmond Kickers, Friday, May 31
F Will Bates (Seattle Sounders) - Did not play
Richmond Kickers 1-0 win vs Phoenix FC Wolves, Friday, May 31
D Taylor Kemp (D.C. United) - Started, played 90 minutes
F Michael Seaton (D.C. United) - Substituted, played 30 minutes
M Conor Shanosky (D.C. United) - Did not play
F Casey Townsend (D.C. United) - Started, played 86 minutes
F Brian Ownby (Houston Dynamo) - Substitute, played 30 minutes
GK Andrew Dykstra (D.C. United) - Did not play
Harrisburg City Islanders 2-1 win at Charleston Battery, Friday, May 31
M Jimmy McLaughlin (Philadelphia Union) - Started, played 67 minutes
M Greg Jordan (Philadelphia Union) - Started, played 90 minutes
F Christhian Hernandez (Philadelphia Union) - Did not play
M Don Anding (Philadelphia Union) - Did not play
M Leo Fernandes (Philadelphia Union) - Did not play
F Aaron Wheeler (Philadelphia Union) - Did not play
Charleston Battery 2-1 loss vs Harrisburg City Islanders, Friday, May 31
M Bryce Alderson (Vancouver Whitecaps) - Substitute, played 24 minutes
Rochester Rhinos 2-2 draw vs Los Angeles Blues, Friday, May 31
D Bilal Duckett (New England Revolution) - Did not play
F Matt Horth (New England Revolution) - Did not play
M Gabe Latigue (New England Revolution) - Started, played 90 minutes
D Tyler Polak (New England Revolution) - Started, played 90 minutes
Rochester Rhinos 3-0 loss at Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Saturday, June 1
D Bilal Duckett (New England Revolution) - Did not play
F Matt Horth (New England Revolution) - Did not play
M Gabe Latigue (New England Revolution) - Started, played 90 minutes
D Tyler Polak (New England Revolution) - Started, played 90 minutes
Phoenix FC Wolves 2-1 loss at Wilmington Hammerheads, Saturday, June 1
F Will Bates (Seattle Sounders) - Did not play
Harrisburg City Islanders 4-0 win at Charlotte Eagles, Saturday, June 1
M Jimmy McLaughlin (Philadelphia Union) - Substituted, played 6 minutes, scored one goal
M Greg Jordan (Philadelphia Union) - Did not play
F Cristhian Hernandez (Philadelphia Union) - Started, played 73 minutes, scored one goal
M Don Anding (Philadelphia Union) - Started, played 90 minutes
M Leo Fernandes (Philadelphia Union) - Did not play
F Aaron Wheeler (Philadelphia Union) - Started, played 71 minutes, scored two goals
NASL:
Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 1-1 draw vs Carolina RailHawks
GK Jeff Attinella (Real Salt Lake) - Started, played 90 minutes
FC Edmonton 0-0 draw vs Tampa Bay Rowdies
D Carlyle Mitchell (Vancouver Whitecaps) - Did not play
