Warning signs go unheeded as Touray’s Islanders tumble to Wilmington

A pair of goals by Andriy Budnyi and Corey Hertzog three minutes apart in the first half gave the Wilmington Hammerheads victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders at Skyline Sports Complex, moving the Hammerheads into fifth position in the USL PRO standings as they earned four points on their trip to the northeast.

Wilmington came out brightly to start, putting pressure on Sainey Touray’s City Islanders defense and midfield, and they took the lead in the 31st minute as Budnyi was able to latch onto a good ball into the right channel by Emanuel Guzman before sliding his shot low past advancing Harrisburg goalkeeper Nick Noble.

The Hammerheads doubled their lead three minutes later as a cross from the right was tracked down in the left corner by Paul Nicholson, who found Hertzog 15 yards from goal for a low finish into the left corner of the net.

Harrisburg was dangerous at times, and Sainey Touray’s pace certainly asked questions of the Hammerheads’ defense. Despite being outshot 18-4, Wilmington was able to withstand the pressure, Alex Horwath recording a shutout as his side took all three points.

Sainey Touray’s City Islanders will be at home Friday, hosting the Rochester Rhinos at Skyline Sports Complex but will first have to take on their MLS affiliate, the Philadelphia Union in a friendly match at Hershey Park Stadium.