2008 Season Is Underway
March 19, 2008 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
While it's been an enjoyable winter in Central PA since walking off the Richmond pitch in August holding the Championship trophy aloft, the reality of a new season has now set in for Coach Bill Becher and his staff. On Monday March 17th at 9:30am the City Islanders officially kicked off their title defense as they began workouts at In the Net. Although blustery and cold, the coaches, returning players, and trialists all seemed anxious to be back on the playing field.
In the NetThe mix of players in training camp include nine .players under contract, including new arrival Almir Barbosa, along side twenty-eight invitees. Players reported from California, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Wisconsin and many other Mid-Atlantic States. Local high school and college products were among the mix. One player even arrived from his hometown of Paris, France.
With two-a-day sessions running all week the team will look to prepare for the first preseason contest on Friday, March 21. The Islanders will host league rival Crystal Palace Baltimore at noon at In the Net Sports Complex in Palmyra. Feel free to come out and support the players. There is no admission charge.
Meet the Coach
headerIn four years as Head Coach of the Harrisburg City Islanders Bill Becher has been able to make the transition from player to coach as he has brought many of the same attributes he possessed as a player to the bench of the City Islanders: calm demeanor, acute game sense, and strong personal skills. Bill has always been a hard working player with a great sense for the game. He's experienced the ups and downs of a team and a season, learned that team chemistry is often more important than talent, and that molding it all together is key to success both on and off the field. Attempting to apply that knowledge each and every year, Bill looks for the types of players that will fit into his team system.
Last season all the pieces fell into place. Bill was able to blend the talent into a team that not only worked hard but enjoyed playing together and competing day in and day out. This team bonded in a way not seen in previous year's versions. They played hard and pulled for the success of their teammates. As their confidence grew, they set higher goals and eventually were able to achieve their ultimate goal, the league championship. Bill turned his Harrisburg City Islanders from expansion team to Champion in only four short years.
"I've had the great fortune to surround myself with some of the best coaches in this area. Assistant Coach Steve Widdowson (Millersville University Head Coach) and Mark Pulisic (Director of Soccer Operations, Detroit Ignition MISL) have been key figures in our player development, along with the scouting services of Mike Corney and Bob Lilley (Head Coach, Detroit Ignition MISL)," said Bill.
Majority owner Eric Pettis states, "Bill and his assistants have successfully organized a very successful professional team. Now entering our fifth season, Bill, who was named Coach of the Year in 2006, is one of the best coaches in the league and has built the City Islanders into one of the league's most competitive clubs."
One of Harrisburg's most recognizable soccer personalities brought decades of professional playing experience to his first pro head coaching job. After winning a National title with Sagamon State University in 1986, the St. Louis native enjoyed an acclaimed and lengthy professional career in the MISL (formerly the AISA and NPSL), scoring 280 goals and assisting on 254 others in 458 games. Bill spent the bulk of his indoor years with the Harrisburg Heat from 1991-99 and served as the team's captain from 1997-99. He also played indoors with the Hershey Impact, Ft. Wayne Flames, New York Kick, St. Louis Ambush, Arizona Sandsharks and outdoors with the Colorado Foxes.
Since 1996, Bill has served as Coaching Director for the Lower Dauphin Soccer Association, and coaches the LDC United U-17 Boys and LDC United U-15 Girls as well as his son Jackson's LDC United U-9 Boys team. Bill will coach the City Islanders Academy Super 20 Men's team this summer. He and wife Dawn reside in Hummelstown, PA with sons Jackson (8) and Ryan (7).
Bill has had a great ride so far, but knowing how he has approached the first four seasons, we know the best is yet to come from the City Islanders Head Coach and Champion!
groupsGroup Night with the Islanders
Looking to bring a group of co-workers, family, friends, students or teammates out to a game? Looking for a fun and different type of corporate outing? Harrisburg's 2007 Champions want you and your group to experience the excitement of a City Islanders game!
Group Benefits Include:
Ticket discounts, Special group block seating, group recognition during game, plus much more! Call Kierstin or Allison at 717-441-GOAL to set up your group night!
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