Reading United News Release -- www.readingunitedac.com
Saturday, July 30, 2011
HARRISBURG, Pa. – In an effort to bolster their depth for what they hope to be an extended playoff push, the Harrisburg City Islanders have signed Reading United forward/midfielder Brian Ackley and center back David Rodriguez for the remainder of the 2011 USL PRO season.
“This is what we’re all about: getting our players kicked off to the next level," said Reading President Art Auchenbach. "To have two great players in Ackley and Rodriguez both be signed by Harrisburg is a testament to the relationship we have within the Philadelphia Union player development structure. Harrisburg is having a great season, and we’re excited to see what these players can do for the Islanders team and fans. We’re confident that Brian and David are the first of many from this year’s squad to sign pro contracts.”
Both Rodriguez and Ackley have benefitted from Philadelphia Union Reserves head coach Brendan Burke’s tenure with the United, as each player has seen time with the reserve squad. Rodriguez suited up for the reserves against Toronto FC, while Ackley saw time against both New England Revolution and D.C. United.
Rodriguez also played on the Philadelphia Union side during their annual friendly match with the Reading United in late May.
“We are excited to be able to add two quality players to our roster for our playoff run,” said Harrisburg head coach Bill Becher. “We have a great relationship with Reading, and Brendan and I have been in contact throughout the season. David gives us some much needed depth in the back. He played against us twice this season, and did very well. Brian gives us another quality attacking player. We like his size and ability on the ball.”
Rodriguez, a University of North Carolina graduate, started at center back in 14 games for the United this season and finished fourth on the team in minutes (1257). His lone regular season goal came in the United’s home opener against the New Jersey Rangers, as he scored the game winner in a 4-0 victory on May 15th. Coincidentally, his only other goal this season came against the City Islanders in US Open Cup play, as he netted Reading’s lone goal in a 2-1 loss to Harrisburg on June 14th.
"For me soccer here in Reading was good," said Rodriguez. "Every practice was competitive, physical, and at a fast pace, which made me a better soccer player. Reading United AC helped me make the transition to Harrisburg City Islanders. With Brendan Burke and staff working with me throughout the summer this was possible. I was very excited when I signed with the Harrisburg City Islanders, and I am even more excited to get started.”
Ackley played in five games for United, tallying one assist in 404 minutes of play. Before joining the United, Ackley spent time in the New Zealand with Auckland City and Team Wellington, and most recently in the Czech Republic with FK Pribram. A four-year starter at Indiana prior to his professional stint, Ackley has been actively eyeing a return to professional soccer in the States.
“The time I have spent with Reading United has been nothing but spectacular,” said Ackley. “From the owners and coaches to the players and fans, Reading is a class professional environment. I great appreciate the opportunities that the United staff provided me during my time here. I am very excited to start the next step with the Harrisburg City Islanders, and hopefully I can be successful at that level.”
Harrisburg currently sits one point behind the Rochester Rhinos for first place in the USL PRO’s National Division. They will face United alumni Luke Mulholland and the Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday at the Skyline Sports Complex on City Island. It will be a highly anticipated match-up between two of the hottest teams in the league. In the month of July, the City Islanders are 3-1-3 with a +7 goal differential, while the Hammerheads are 5-2-0 in their last seven games, also with a +7 goal differential. Both Ackley and Rodriguez will be eligible to play in Saturday's game for the City Islanders.
Kickoff on Saturday is at 7 p.m. and gates open at 5:30 p.m. There will be a Soccer Shots Global Goals clinic at 10 a.m. All clinic participants will enjoy a halftime contest on the game field. Also, there will be a silent auction to benefit Global Goals. Preschool night is open to all kids and starts at 5:30 p.m. It includes spinning art, wheel games, soccer tattoos, face painting, Jumping Jungle and more.
For more information on the City Islanders, or to order tickets, contact the team at 717-441-GOAL, or visit www.cityislanders.com.