Philadelphia Union News Release -- www.philadelphiaunion.com
Friday, September 23, 2011
CHESTER, Pa. -- Philadelphia Union today announced the signing of goalkeeper Karry "Chase" Harrison from the club's USL PRO affiliate, the Harrisburg City Islanders. Harrison joins the Union after goalkeeper Thorne Holder was diagnosed with a concussion injury during the Union's reserve match against Columbus Crew. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, the terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.
Along with recently signed midfielder Morgan Langley, Harrison led the City Islanders to the 2011 USL PRO final, in which Harrisburg lost in a penalty shootout to the Orlando City Lions. During his second season with the club, the goalkeeper registered a total five shutouts in goal earning a 1.3 GAA and an 8-6-6 record. As a City Islander in 2009, the 'keeper earned eight shutouts, finishing with an 8-4-4 record and a 0.81 GAA. Harrison was then named USL-2 GAA Champion and All-League Second-Team goalkeeper.
Before rejoining the City Islanders this past season, Harrison defended Crystal Palace Baltimore's goal as well as the Richmond Kickers' in 2010. The West Virginia native was called up by D.C. United to replace back up starter Troy Perkins at the end of the MLS regular season, before signing with the Columbus Crew for their playoff run in October.
The graduate from Virginia Tech first joined MLS in 2006 when he was taken by Real Salt Lake in the third round of the 2006 Supplemental Draft. Harrison spent the majority of the season on loan with the Virginia Beach Mariners of the USL-First Division, before joining the Rochester Rhinos in 2007. As a starter for the Rhinos we went 7-5-6 with a 1.28 GAA. In 2008, the 'keeper was traded to the Portland Timbers where he earned a 1-5-0 record and a 1.76 GAA.
As a collegiate athlete with Virginia Tech, Harrison broke a total record of 24 career shutouts, eight in a single season during his senior year, as well as a 1.12 GAA.