A Real Challenge, Plus Three
Published on May 28, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
The Islanders return to action this coming Saturday night, May 31, at 7:05 pm on City Island as they take on USL-2 expansion side Real Maryland Monarchs. It is team photo night courtesy of Huggins Printing (while supplies last).
Harrisburg, 0-1-5 (5 points), looks to record their first win of the season and should be well rested as they take the pitch on Saturday. The Islanders were off over the Memorial Day weekend and used the break to get a few players healthy as well as bring some new players into the squad. Coach Bill Becher should have all his players available for team selection this week with the exception of defender Anthony Calvano.
Three new players have been added to the squad since Harrisburg last played on May 17 (1-1 draw at Charlotte) and May 18 (1-1 draw at Wilmington).Yu Hoshide and Yuki Stalph, along with local product Geoff Bloes, look to get into the line-up this weekend and log their first minutes of the season. Hoshide, a central mid-fielder, and Stalph, a midfielder or defender, bring some international experience to the side as they have last played in Japan and Germany respectively. Bloes, a Middletown High School and Shippensburg University graduate, has been working out with the team since training camp and has recently signed his first pro contract.
With the addition of new players, some rest from game action, and some quality training sessions, the Islanders will head into the contest with Real Maryland primed to capture their first win. Head Coach Bill Becher noted that, "The guys are training hard every day and we're confident that we can go out and get the result Saturday night. They're a quality side with proven players, but I know that the players we have are up to the task and quite eager to get back on the playing field."
The Monarchs, sporting a solid 3-3 record, are coming off of a 2-1 win last weekend over the Wilmington Hammerheads that saw an early red card for Wilmington, and a penalty kick for Real to win it. Marking their first trip to City Island, the Monarchs bring a couple of very experienced international players with them. Ronald Cerritos and Dennis Alas have both played for the El Salvador National team. Cerritos has made over 40 appearances and is the 7th all-time leading scorer in MLS history. The duo is a lethal combination as a forward and midfield tandem and has caused headaches for every team they have faced thus far.
Tickets are available and may be ordered by visiting www.cityislanders.com or by calling 717-441-GOAL. See you on the Island!
Meet #7 Nigel Marples
Nigel Marples is in his first year with the Islanders after playing for the Philadelphia KiXX of the MISL and the Vancouver Whitecaps of the USL First Division in 2007. Marples now 22 years old, attended Towson University where he was named First Team All-Conference, First Team All Region South Atlantic, and Scholar All American. He was also recognized as a High School Provincial MVP at North Delta Senior Secondary in his hometown of North Delta, British Columbia. Despite his current defensive position, Nigel began playing soccer as a forward at the age of five. Marples is currently rooming with teammates Almir Barbosa, Ryan Heins, Brett Wiesner, and Danny Cepero in Harrisburg. When asked what his favorite thing about Harrisburg is, Nigel simply responded, "Anthony Calvano." Likewise, he listed Ryan Heins as his biggest pet peeve. Along with being a talented soccer player, Marples also has a talent for making egg salad sandwiches. You may be surprised to know that Nigel has climbed five mountains and is part of a band named Green St. Hooligans in which he sings, Danny Cepero plays drums, and Ryan Heins plays guitar. As you may not see the Green St. Hooligans on tour anytime soon, you will definitely notice Nigel Marples on the playing field.
Favorites
Pro Sports Team: Vancouver Canucks
Pro Sports Player: Roger Federer
Movie: The Big Green
Book: Harry Potter
TV Show: The Office
Car: Bentley Continental GT
Food: Tacos
Gatorade Flavor: Purple
Soccer Move: The over-under
Favorite Island: Vancouver Island
Siblings: Brother Tyler is 24 and Sister Taylor is 8
Quote: "There must be more to life than having everything."
Game Day Ritual: Putting his pants on two legs at one time
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 28, 2008
- City Stars Traveling to Bermuda and Western Mass Over the Weekend - Cleveland City Stars
- Kickers Host Free Youth Night Saturday - Richmond Kickers
- Richmond Slated To Host Open Cup First Round June 10th - Richmond Kickers
- A Real Challenge, Plus Three - Penn FC
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