Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders announced the signings of Brian Ombiji, Andrew Welker, Drew Yates, and Dustin Bixler for the 2012 season, pending USSF approval.
Bixler returns for an astounding eighth season with the club, where he is the all-time leader in minutes played (10,213). An ACL tear cut his 2011 season short, though he did make 13 appearances for the year.
Ombiji, like Bixler, has been a fixture in Harrisburg’s lineup, as 2012 will mark his fifth season on the Island. He played in 16 games in 2011, posting two goals and eight points in 1128 minutes.
Welker’s return provides a significant boost to the Islanders’ offense, as the 22-year old finished his rookie campaign as the team’s second-leading goal scorer for the 2011 season. Welker found the back of the net eight times and was twice named USL PRO Player of the Week.
The team expects big things from Drew Yates in 2012, as an early ACL tear kept Yates on the sideline for the duration of the 2011 season, his first in Harrisburg. With the signings, the City Islanders’ roster bears a striking resemblance to the 2011 team that won the USL PRO National Division and advanced the USL PRO Championship game. The combination of returning players and strong new additions give the City Islanders a great chance to win the title this year.
Bixler expressed his optimism and excitement for the new season, saying, “I can’t wait to get back out on the Island with this new group of guys, and remake history. Let’s go, City.”
Both Bixler and Welker are home grown products. Bixler a Lock Haven grad was a Red Land High School stand out. Welker, who attended Seton Hall University, excelled at Cumberland Valley High School. Both Bixler and Welker are two of five local players playing professional soccer. They join JT Noone (Central Dauphin), Jason Pellitier (Middletown) and Garret Pettis (Lower Dauphin).
The club will begin their 2012 campaign on Friday, April 20 in North Carolina against the Charlotte Eagles. They will open their home portion against Charlotte on Friday, May 4 at Skyline Sports Complex. For more information or to purchase tickets for the upcoming season, visit www.cityislanders.com or call 717-441-GOAL.