Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com
Friday, April 19, 2013
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Harrisburg City Islander history will be made on Saturday when the team takes on the Colorado Rapids Reserve team at Dick's Sporting Goods Park at 9 p.m. ET. This is the first of two games between the Islanders and an MLS reserve team.
“This is a great opportunity for our players to play in an MLS stadium against the Rapids reserve team," said City Islanders coach Bill Becher. "This is part of the agreement between the two leagues and we look forward to this game.”
This is one of the first visible impacts of the recent partnership between USL PRO and Major League Soccer, which aims to further the development of players in both leagues. The second contest against the Colorado Rapids Reserves will arrive later this season for the City Islanders at Skyline Sports Complex on June 8th.
In years past the Islanders have played and had success against 10 MLS teams. In 2013, the Islanders faced MLS opponents three times during the U.S. Open Cup Tournament. During that run, the club had with two wins in overtime against the New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls.
“This is another historic event for the Harrisburg City Islander's and USL PRO," said City Islanders owner Eric Pettis. "We are very excited about the trip and the home and away with the Rapids Reserves. For the continued development of soccer on all levels this is another stride in the right direction. I am anxious to see where this all goes over the next five years, but clearly, soccer has hit another level in this great country.”
Pettis and Union Present Nick Sakiewicz were pioneers in both leagues with the affiliate partnership developed in 2009 with the Philadelphia Union and Harrisburg City Islanders.
The Islanders opened up their 10th Anniversary season on Saturday with a 2-1 victory against their cross-state rivals the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Sainey Touray and Lucky Mkosana both netted late second-half goals to rally past the Riverhounds in the opening game of the Keystone Derby. The teams will meet again on June 21st at Skyline Sports Complex.
The first home game of the 10th Anniversary season for the Islanders will be on April 27th at 7 p.m. The team will kick off its home campaign against the Rochester Rhinos. Tickets may be purchased on the web at www.cityislanders.com or phone 717-441-GOAL (4625).