Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Thursday, May 3, 2012
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Harrisburg City Islanders will officially kick off the home portion of their 2012 season on Friday night at 7 p.m., when they welcome the Charlotte Eagles to Skyline Sports Complex on City Island in Harrisburg, Pa. The match-up will be a rematch of Harrisburg’s first game of the season, a 2-1 victory in Charlotte on Friday, April 20. Andrew Welker (Cumberland Valley HS; University of Pennsylvania) and J.T. Noone (Central Dauphin HS; Temple University) found the back of the net for the Islanders, with Noone’s game-winner coming by way of a penalty kick in the 51st minute.
The City Islanders enter the contest with a record of 1-0-1, as they followed up their victory against Charlotte by battling to a 0-0 tie in Wilmington the following night. Welker and Tom Brandt (Palmyra HS, University of Pennsylvania) received USL PRO Team of the Week honors for their performances over the weekend, while Noone and Bilal Duckett received honorable mentions. Nick Noble has gotten off to a very strong start in net for the Islanders, allowing just one goal over the two games, logging 180 minutes. The Eagles will bring a 1-4-1 record with them to City Island, as they come off of a 2-0 victory against Antigua.
“We had a successful first weekend on the road, and we look forward to continuing that on Friday with our home opener,” said Head Coach Bill Becher. “We know Charlotte is a very talented team, and it will be a tough game for us.”
The game will be the team’s first home match since they dispatched the Los Angeles Blues 3-2 in the National Division semifinals on August 19, 2011 en route to a National Division title and a berth in the USL PRO Championship game.
Including Welker, Noone, and Brandt, the City Islanders feature a unique group of local talent on this year’s roster with seven Mid-Penn players. The previous trio is joined by Colin Zizzi (Carlisle High), Garret Pettis (Lower Dauphin), Jason Pelletier (Middletown), and Dustin Bixler (Red Land High). Pettis and Brandt also join the team as former City Islanders Academy players.
The game will feature Funky Friday Music and a PPL light bulb giveaway, as students from Nye Elementary in Hummelstown, Pa. will sing the National Anthem. Tiki’s Kids Cove will also be open, as young Islander fans can enjoy free face painting, Tiki’s Jumping Jungle, and raffles.
“I feel like a player again," new City Islanders GM John Gregg said. "I have some good old butterflies in the stomach about the home opener and I can’t wait for it to get here. Our ownership, office staff, and coaching staff have spent countless hours getting ready for the season. Everyone has pitched in and helped me as well. As a new GM I look forward to the kick off on Friday night to start my first year with the Islanders."
Kickoff for Friday’s home opener against Charlotte will take place at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Single game ticket prices are $14 for adults, $7 for youths, and $12 for senior tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cityislanders.com or call 717-441-GOAL.