USL Game Report

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

MONTREAL - The Harrisburg City Islanders got a hat trick from Jason Plumhoff as their playoffs hopes got a big boost in a 5-0 victory against FC Montreal at Stade Saputo on Wednesday afternoon. With the victory, the City Islanders will host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday night in their final game of the season knowing a victory will book the side a place in the USL Playoffs. 

Plumhoff scored twice in the opening 20 minutes, and opened the scoring in just the ninth minute as he curled home a low finish from 15 yards off a pass from Craig Foster that beat Montreal goalkeeper Yann-Alexandre Fillion to his left.

While Foster was forced to leave the game five minutes later with an injury, substitute Antoine Hoppenot quickly filled his position as he set up Plumhoff for his second in the 19th minute. 

Montreal threatened regularly throughout the game, but was unable to find a way past Harrisburg Nick Noble, who helped the City Islanders hold their two-goal lead until the break, and finished the game with six saves to earn the shutout.

Two minutes into the second half, Hoppenot added to Harrisburg's  lead, and Andrew Lubahn added a fourth in the 54th minute as he dribbled in the penalty area before putting home a good finish. 

Plumhoff completed his hat trick in the final minute, as Harrisburg completed a season sweep of its three-game series with Montreal.

"Players were ready after the good result against New York," said assistant coach Simon Gatti. "But the opponent was dangerous and made good runs. We gave away the ball badly. As the season came to a close, players raised their game level in general and we are happy with the progress they made."

Harrisburg will host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday night at Skyline Sports Complex in its regular season finale. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.