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Tribbett Bicycle Steals Point for Penn FC

By COLTON CORESCHI - colton.coreschi@uslsoccer.com, 04/21/18, 9:00PM EDT

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Captain's late strike earns Penn a draw in 2018 home debut against Battery


Photo courtesy M. Williams/Penn FC

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A late bicycle-kick goal from captain Ken Tribbett salvaged a point for Penn FC in the club's home debut of 2018 against the Charleston Battery as the teams played to a 1-1 draw at FNB Field. The 26th minute saw the Battery take their best chance of the opening half-hour as Patrick Okonkwo had an opportunity to tap in a low cross in front of goal but was denied by an amazing save from the knees of Penn goalkeeper Romuald Peiser. Aside from a few lone chances for Penn, the Battery dominated the opportunities moving forward in the first half, out-shooting the hosts 6-2 and not allowing a shot on target the other way. The few times Lucky Mkosana was able to hold up play for Penn in an attempt to start an attacking move, his teammates lagged too far behind to develop anything dangerous, pinned back by the Battery's pressure. The hosts found a bit more footing in the second half, playing the Battery much more evenly over the last 45 minutes, but they were unable to convert their early opportunities, and it would cost them. In the 77th minute, the Battery's Ataulla Guerra made a perfectly timed run beyond the hosts defense and was fed a gorgeous through pass from Tah Anunga. Guerra made a quick move to get around Peiser and slotted his shot into the open net to give the Battery a one-goal lead. The hosts would get the last laugh, however, as an 89th minute equalizer salvaged a point in their home debut. A chipped cross from Mauro Eustaquio went over the head of every Battery defender and found Penn captain Ken Tribbett, who bicycled a bouncing shot beyond Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper to bring the hosts back and earn a point.

Scoring:
77’ – CHS – Ataulla Guerra (Tah Anunga)
89' – PEN – Ken Tribbett (Mauro Eustaquio)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. It's been a long time since Penn FC have been able to top the Charleston Battery, and Saturday night wasn't able to change those fortunes. The hosts remain winless against the Battery since 2014 and it didn't come as a surprise given the run of play. Penn FC was largely out-shot, out-played and on the back foot, with an incredible goal from Tribbett as the club's salvation in the final minutes.

  • 2. It was home not so sweet home for Penn, as its first match of the season at FNB Field didn't go the way the fans wanted. Despite managing to escape with a point, Penn looked the second-best team on the field, and that's a bad omen in the long USL season, where road points are at a premium and home points are therefore must-have. Improved performances at home need to be a focus for Penn if the club intends on pushing for a playoff spot at the end of the year.

  • 3. While it wasn't what the hosts were looking for, the Battery should be pleased with their performance, and perhaps a little disappointed they didn't escape with three points. The visitors had several chances to double and even treble their advantage, but couldn't find a final pass or a finishing touch on their numerous opportunities. It's a good road point, but it almost feels more like two points dropped.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Ken Tribbett, Penn FC – Despite his team trailing and seeming hopeless as the 90 minutes wound down, the captain converted an incredible bicycle-kick to steal a point in front of the home fans.

Upcoming Games:

Penn FC vs. Nashville SC – April 24, 6:30 p.m. ET, FNB Field

Charleston Battery at Atlanta United 2 – April 24, 7 p.m. ET, Coolray Field

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