Islanders Sign Cruz and Benbow for the 2015 Season
Published on March 17, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
Harrisburg - The Harrisburg City Islanders are pleased to announce the signing of two midfielders, Erick Neres da Cruz and Cardel Benbow, for the 2015 season.
The 5-foot-10, 158-pound Cruz from Ilha Solteira, Sî=A3o Paulo, Brazil started his professional career with Brazil's Ituano F.C. in 2009 before transferring to G.D. Estoril Praia in Portugal where he spent three seasons. He then signed with Portimonense S.C. where he excelled on the field, netting two goals during the 2012 season, helping the team finish in sixth place with a record of 17-12-13. In 2013 Erick was acquired by FC Dallas for one year, tallying 652 minutes over the course of the season.
"Last year we had a great run, but did lack some toughness in our
team. We have addressed that with the signing of Erick. He is a ball winner who will only make the players around him better." Said Islanders Head Coach, Bill Becher.
Benbow, 20, is a Jamaican international footballer and midfielder who has made ten appearances for the Jamaican National Team in both Senior and Youth competitions.
The 5-foot-4, 145-pound, midfielder from Jamaica played three seasons for St. Georges College where he helped the team to a double championship, winning both the Manning Cup and Olivier Shield in 2012. He started his club career with Waterhouse F.C. in Kingston, competing in the Jamaican National Premier League.
"Cardel is a young exciting attacking player who has already played with his country's full National Team. We look forward to him playing with us this season." Added Becher.
Cardel appeared in the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup where he helped create history by assisting Jamaica's first ever goal at an U17 World Cup. Cardel's international career continued as he represented Jamaica's U21 at the CAC Games in Veracruz, Mexico in 2014. There he scored his first international goal versus Honduras, followed up by his most recent appearance in January 2015 with the Jamaica U20's at the CONCACAF Championship held in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Isles are preparing for yet another action-packed season. The Islanders kick off their season on the road on March 28th against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium. The Isles' home opener is slated for April 18th against FC Montreal. For tickets and group packages for the upcoming Islanders season please visit our website at cityislanders.com or call us at 717-441-GOAL (4625). For more information you can contact media@cityislanders.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 17, 2015
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- Islanders Sign Cruz and Benbow for the 2015 Season - Penn FC
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