Pennsylvania native earns point in Keystone state with second half goal.
HARRISBURG, PA — Jimmy McLaughlin struck home his first goal of the year in the 81st minute and FC Cincinnati (4-2-2) would come away with its second draw of the season following a 1-1 tie against Harrisburg City Islanders (2-4-1) Saturday night at FNB Field.
FCC found themselves trailing for the fourth straight game after Jose Barril picked off the ball on an FCC turnover. Paul Wilson delivered a smooth through-ball to Craig Foster, who shot it past Mitch Hildebrandt in the 17th minute for the Islander lead.
McLaughlin answered for FCC in the 81st minute on a set piece. Earning consecutive corner kicks, Andrew Wiedeman served the ball on the second attempt and the header by Paul Nicholson was flicked off the foot by a City FC defender to McLaughlin, who had time and sharply put the ball past Nick Noble.
The Orange and Blue saw few early chances in the first half as City FC out-shot FCC 5-3 in the period. Omar Cummings registered a shot in the 10th minute but the effort would sail high. Cummings then was a target for Sean Okoli in the 18thminute but Okoli’s pass was intercepted to break up the play.
Okoli nearly had the game-tying goal in the 53rd minute. FCC was awarded a free kick and Okoli’s shot was headed toward the upper corner but the ball was rocketed off the crossbar.
Okoli and McLaughlin each posted three shots apiece with Hildebrandt totaling four saves.
FCC has posted at least one point in six of the last seven contests and hosts Pittsburgh Riverhounds in an “Orange Out” game, May 14, at Nippert Stadium at 4:00 p.m.
