2013 Islander Jersey Unveiled and Players Announced
April 10, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
The Harrisburg City Islanders introduced their 2013 team at a press conference held today at Capital BlueCross Headquarters in Harrisburg, PA. The City Islanders will return to Skyline Sports Complex for their 10th Anniversary season as professional organization.
With such a celebration, comes exciting changes.The new uniform kit is a navy climacool Tiro 13 jersey and short. The navy jersey and short with the classic white strips provide a great look for the team's anniversary. Showcased on both the home and away jerseys is the traditional large City Islanders logo with the Championship Star placed above, commemorating the team's 2007 USL Championship. Team presenting partner Capital BlueCross will once again be featured on the front of the jerseys while Arlington Orthopedics will be featured on the back. On the right sleeve the Philadelphia Union logo will be unveiled as Harrisburg is the Exclusive Affiliate Partner of the Philadelphia Union.
The team returns a solid core group of players from last year's USL PRO roster including attacking players Sainey Touray, Tom Mellor, Morgan Langley and Yann Ekra. Steven Basso also returns for his third season with the club and looks to anchor a strong backline for the Islanders. Defenders Tom Brandt (Palmyra HS) and Colin Zizzi (Carlisle HS) will enter their second seasons with the Islanders. Andrew Welker (Cumberland Valley HS) and Jason Pelletier (Middletown HS) are back and will be expected to help in the midfield again this year. Nick Noble is coming off a strong season in net for the Islanders and the club is excited to have him back.
Head Coach Bill Becher and his staff also expect a number of new faces to contribute as well. Newcomers Coady Andrews and Matt Bahner will add to the defense, while Jamiel Hardware gives the coaching staff another attacking option. Brian Sylvestre has been very strong this preseason and along with Noble makes for a very formidable goalkeeping tandem.
The Islanders also have three players on a season long loan from their MLS affiliate, the Philadelphia Union. Defender Gregg Jordan, and winger Jimmy McLaughlin spent time in Harrisburg last season and will be with the club for the entire 2013 season. Midfielder Cris Hernandez will also be joining the Islanders from the Union this year. Don Anding is currently with the club, but is expected to return the Union within the next couple of weeks.
"The players have worked extremely hard this preseason and are ready for the season to get started in Pittsburgh on Saturday night," Becher stated.
The Islanders have been under the coaching staff of head Coach Bill Becher and Assistant Coach Steve Widdowson during the ten year history. Goalie Coach, Dave Kern has been with the club since 2010. Becher eye's his one hundredth win this season.
The Islanders finished 10-7-7 a year ago which was good enough to get to the playoffs, unfortunately they were defeated 2-1 in Charleston in the opening round.
The groundbreaking partnership between the USL PRO and Major League Soccer (MLS) includes interleague play between USL PRO and MLS Reserve League teams. The City Islanders have been matched with the Colorado Rapids Reserve team and will face them both home and away this season. The Islanders will host fourteen home games this season, including the Colorado Rapids Reserve match. The Islanders return for action at their home stadium, Skyline Sports Complex, City Island, Harrisburg, PA
The team begins their 2013 campaign Saturday, April 13 in Pittsburgh against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Isles home opener is Saturday, April 27 against Rochester Rhinos at Skyline Sports Complex. For more information or to purchase tickets for the upcoming season, visit www.cityislanders.com or call 717-441-GOAL.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 10, 2013
- 2013 Islander Jersey Unveiled and Players Announced - Penn FC
- Orlando Falls 1-0 to Blues in LA, Home Opener on Sunday - Orlando City SC
- Franks Called up to U14 National Team - Richmond Kickers
- Five Additional Players Sign with Dutch Lions - Dayton Dutch Lions
- Kickers Host Charleston Saturday - Richmond Kickers
- Dutch Lions Win at Rio Grande in Preseason - Dayton Dutch Lions
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