Spanish Midfielder Jose Barril Helping City Islanders Compete Until Final Whistle
August 25, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
Spanish Midfielder Jose Barril Helping City Islanders Compete Until Final Whistle
(Penn FC, Credit: Eric F. Epler)
Harrisburg, PA - In a way, Spanish football player Jose Barril has been angling for competition all his life. The timing is good then as the Harrisburg midfielder leads the City Islanders into the next critical phase of the United Soccer League season.
Barril has played a major role in Harrisburg's resurgent play lately, not exactly a surprise considering 24-year-old's background and skill set. And when veteran coach Bill Becher says Barril is "one of the most talented players in the league," well, lock it down as fact.
"He's an impact player for us and we need him to play well for us to win games," Becher said on Wednesday. The Islanders (7-14-4) are prepping for a pivotal Saturday showdown with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the Keystone Derby Cup at FNB Field.
Harrisburg, 3-1-2 in its last six matches, needs a sterling five-game run to close the regular season for a potential playoff berth. Currently, there is a seven-point gap between the Islanders and eight-place Orlando City B.
"Jose is a guy we like to play through. We get the ball to him a lot because he can score goals and set up goals. Recently, he's been scoring," Becher said. "He's got a good shot and I think he's really starting to get some confidence in that. He's been shooting at some distance, which is good. He's certainly a guy that we rely on a lot."
Barril joined the Real Madrid Academy at the age of 7. Courtesy of City Islanders
Barril has taken to his third season with the Islanders in a familiar, attacking style. And it's rooted over 14 years with the Real Madrid Academy from the age of 7. That's when the competitive drive began for the native of Madrid, Spain.
"In the academy we would play one or two times every day, but it was working with the ball all the time," Barril said. "It was fun training but very competitive. Almost every day you compete with your teammates or coach. There was so much pressure every day. It feels like everyone is testing you."
While Barril continued to stretch his game in Europe -- he made several appearances in Champions League matches for Real Madrid -- he has embraced his time with the Islanders. After scoring a pair of goals in 2014, Barril led Harrisburg with seven assists and scored three goals last season.
"I think it's easy coming back to one team. I'm happy with my teammates and coach and I think they have welcomed the way I play," Barril said. "I think I am very good at passing, finding good passes all of the time. I want to give my teammates opportunities to score."
Barril has done his share of scoring, too. Through 24 games, Barril leads the Islanders in shots (42), goals (6) and assists (6), which is tied for second in the USL. Last week, Barril earned a spot on the USL Team of the Week, with his goal against Toronto FC II nominated for USL Goal of the Week.
He's also embraced playing alongside fellow midfielder and decorated Mechanicsburg native Bobby Warshaw.
"I didn't know anything about when I got here but everyone told me about him," said Barril. "They love him and he's working hard. He's a perfect player for our team. He has been trying to help the young guys."
Barril will take some well-deserved time off and return home to his family and girlfriend in Madrid after season, which hopefully reaches the postseason. His current contract with the Islanders will be over but a future destination is uncertain. There's always a need for impact players, here or there.
"That's a tough one, but I know I want to keep moving faster at a rapid pace. I think I'm ready for more," Barril said.
"I want to do the best I can. You never know. We'll see what happens, but right now every game is a final for us. We have to win everything. We need to just take care of this game."
Images from this story
 Spanish Midfielder Jose Barril Helping City Islanders Compete Until Final Whistle (Eric F. Epler) |
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