City Islanders Unveil 2006 Roster, Jerseys
Published on April 20, 2006 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
(Harrisburg, PA, April 20, 2006) - The Harrisburg City Islanders introduced the majority of their roster and unveiled their 2006 uniforms in a press conference on Thursday morning at the Capital BlueCross Headquarters Building in Harrisburg. Capital BlueCross, a presenting sponsor of the City Islanders, hosted the event for the third straight year.
Players sported the club's 2006 home uniforms, supplied by JAKO USA, Inc., the club's Official Uniform Supplier since its inception. This year's edition features the Capital BlueCross logo prominently across the chest. Aside from the JAKO mark, the corporate images of three other Presenting Sponsors are featured on the jerseys: SNICKERS; the Dauphin County Executive Commission on Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco (DCDAT); and the Brenner Family of Dealerships.
"The City Islanders once again thank Capital BlueCross for hosting what has become a great annual event for us," said City Islanders President Eric D. Pettis. "We are proud to officially kick off what should be another exciting summer with this opportunity to introduce our players, unveil our jerseys, and express our appreciation for our family of corporate partners."
"In the team's brief history, the City Islanders have performed as champions on the field by playing excellent soccer -and they have championed causes off the field, touching many lives in the community," said Anita M. Smith, President & CEO of Capital BlueCross.. "This is the type of organization that Capital BlueCross looks to support in our efforts to promote good health and the quality of life in the communities we serve."
"We are excited about sponsoring the City Islanders Academy and Mind, Body Soccer programs. Both initiatives promote fitness, good health and education to area youth -- all winning ingredients for a winning team."
Capital BlueCross is the presenting sponsor of the Mind, Body, Soccer program, an initiative where up to 5,000 local youth can earn a free ticket to a City Islanders home game by completing tasks or assignments based in the categories of Reading, Healthy Living, Fitness and Nutrition. In addition to being the presenting sponsor of the entire Mind, Body, Soccer program Capital BlueCross is also sponsoring the Fitness category.
Mind, Body, Soccer is promoted through schools and various youth organizations. Anyone wishing to participate in this program should contact Kierstin Rowe at the City Islanders office by calling 717-441-4625.
Capital BlueCross is also a sponsor of the City Islanders Academy program, which is dedicated to improving youth soccer in central Pennsylvania. The program benefits more than 3,000 area youth soccer players by offering them professional training, high-level competition and exposure to other players with similar skill sets.
Harrisburg's roster as of Thursday's event featured 23 players, 15 of which return from the 2005 squad that finished 12-3-5 and posted a 15-game unbeaten streak to end the regular season. The returning players are: goalkeepers Sam BishopandDave Kern; defenders Dustin Bixler,J.T. Dorsey, andTommy Rutter; midfielders Adam Clay, Steve Fisher, Sumed Ibrahim, John Lapore, Mo Oduor, Ryan O'Neill, Derek Potteiger, and David Schofield; and forwards Bernie Showers and Matt Tanzini. Schofieldwas an All-League Second Team selection a year ago.
The signings of Sumed(an All-League First Team pick in 2005), rookie midfielders Carlos Morales (Catonsville Community College) and Justin Sadler(a former Cumberland Valley High School star), and forward Haven Bruce (formerly of the Wilmington Hammerheads) are all pending United Soccer Leagues and US Soccer approval.
Accomplished veterans Jamel Mitchell (forward) and Chris Morman (defender) were added in mid-March. Earlier this week, the City Islanders announced the signings of forwards Teofore Bennett - a regular for the Jamaican National Team - and rookies David McClellan (midfielder, Messiah) and Jim Stevens (forward, Lehigh).
"There is certainly a great deal of talent on this roster," said City Islanders Head Coach Bill Becher, the reigning USL-2 Coach of the Year. "We feel like we did a good job keeping the core of last year's group together while making some notable additions. We have every reason to be confident heading into the season, but we also recognize that the league will be much more competitive this year than it's been since we joined. We look forward to the challenge."
The City Islanders complete their preseason schedule with a game tonight at Hersheypark Stadium against Towson University (7:00 p.m.) and tomorrow night at Central Mountain High School in Mill Hall, PA, against Penn State (7:00 p.m.). Harrisburg's 2006 season opener will be Saturday, April 29, against the Cincinnati Kings, with a 7:05 p.m. kickoff at Skyline Sports Complex.
For the second consecutive season, the club will face off against D.C. United of Major League Soccer in a premier exhibition match, as "Clash of the Capitals II" will take place on Tuesday, May 9, at Chapman Field at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, PA. The match will kick off at 7:05 p.m. Tickets will be $10 in advance and $15 on Match Day. Tickets may be purchased by calling 717-441-GOAL, or by visiting www.cityislanders.com.
Season, group, and single game tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices have remained the same for the third straight season and begin at just $5 for youth general admission. In addition, the club has added a Bring Your Own Chair ("BYOC") option for 2006. Tickets are available by calling 717-441-GOAL or online at www.cityislanders.com.
The Harrisburg City Islanders enjoyed a superb second season in 2005, posting a 12-3-5 record underscored by a 15-game unbeaten streak. The campaign included a second straight playoff appearance, two major postseason awards (Rookie of the Year-, Chad Severs; Coach of the Year, Bill Becher), and four All-League selections (Shane Crawford- and Sumed Ibrahim, First Team; Severs and David Schofield, Second Team). The City Islanders also received the Second Division's "Organization of the Year" award.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 20, 2006
- City Islanders Grab 2-0 Preseason Win - Penn FC
- City Islanders Unveil 2006 Roster, Jerseys - Penn FC
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