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Montreal Holds Off Harrisburg’s Comeback Bid

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 06/21/16, 9:08PM EDT

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Jackson-Hamel has a goal and assist to lead visitors to 3-2 victory


Photo courtesy Harrisburg City Islanders

HARRISBURG, Pa. – FC Montreal held off a late charge by the Harrisburg City Islanders to take a 3-2 victory at FNB Field on Tuesday night for its second win of the season. The City Islanders had the bulk of possession, and chances to take the lead, but Montreal struck first on the half-hour mark as Mastanabal Kacher scored on a great solo effort that saw him drive forward from midfield fire home from 25 yards. Montreal added two more goals through the efforts of Anthony Jackson-Hamel, who first provided the assist on Zachary Sukunda’s finish six minutes into the second half, and his third goal in as many games six minutes later. Harrisburg fought back late, as Aaron Wheeler headed home a pair of crosses by James Thomas – the second on a corner with nine minutes to go – but with the final chance of the game on a header by Shane Johnson hit the left upright off a corner to see their chance of a point go astray.

Scoring:
30’ – MTL – Mastanabal Kacher
51’ – MTL – Zachary Sukunda (Anthony Jackson-Hamel)
57’ – MTL – Anthony Jackson-Hamel (Philippe Joseph-Lincourt)
78’ – HAR – Aaron Wheeler (James Thomas)
81’ – HAR – Aaron Wheeler (James Thomas)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. If you were looking for an object lesson as to what can happen when you don’t turn your dominance into goals, the City Islanders provided it here. Paul Wilson, Aaron Wheeler and Jose Barril all had good chances to get Harrisburg on the board in the first half, but each time the opportunity went begging, allowing Montreal to gain its footing when it could easily have gone behind early. While the late rally was impressive, the City Islanders could have had a hold on the game in the first half, instead of trying to fight back late.

  • 2. To the contrary, Montreal did an excellent job of converting its opportunities when they presented themselves. Mastanabal Kacher’s opening goal was a tremendous run and finish into the left corner of the net, and while Harrisburg goalkeeper Nick Noble may have been a little unfortunate on Zachary Sukunda’s first professional goal, Montreal’s confidence progressively grew as the game went on as it finally put on display what this side can be capable of.

  • 3. Arguably the biggest factor in Montreal’s recent play, however, has been the addition of Anthony Jackson-Hamel to the lineup. The Homegrown forward has now scored three goals in three games for Montreal after his tally on Tuesday night, and has provided a great focal point for the team’s attack with his ability to not only hold up play, but also turn and run at opposing defenses.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Anthony Jackson-Hamel, FC Montreal – After being named to the USL Team of the Week earlier in the day, Anthony Jackson-Hamel recorded his third goal in as many games, and an assist, to lead Montreal to victory.

Upcoming Games:

Harrisburg City Islanders vs. Charlotte Independence – June 24, 7 p.m. ET, FNB Field

FC Montreal vs. Orlando City B – June 26, 3 p.m. ET, Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard

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