Harrisburg City Islanders News Release -- www.cityislanders.com

Thursday, October 7, 2010

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Harrisburg City Islanders, members of the United Soccer Leagues Second Division for the past seven seasons, are proud to announce they will join USL PRO for the 2011 season. Created through a merger of the United Soccer Leagues First and Second Divisions, USL PRO will debut in 2011 as a national league that features a regional competition model to build natural rivalries.

As one of the charter members of USL PRO, the City Islanders will have the opportunity to compete in a league that represents the highest level of competition in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean outside of Major League Soccer (MLS). Eight teams have already announced their participation in USL PRO, including the Charleston Battery, Dayton Dutch Lions, Richmond Kickers and Charlotte Eagles. Additional announcements are expected soon, with USL PRO expected to have as many as four geographic regions in 2011.

"On behalf of the entire City Islanders we are very pleased with the expansion of the league," Harrisburg President Eric Pettis said. "The USL folks have been hard at work to improve the overall strength of the NEW USL PRO. We are very excited for the 2011 season to take shape!"

USL PRO will feature a Board of Governors responsible for making all major decisions for the league including expansion, competition format and commercial strategy. The U.S. Soccer Federation-affiliated league will benefit from the leadership of the dedicated and experienced professional staff at USL's Tampa headquarters as well as the developmental support of USL's proven and integrated system of leagues.

"The City Islanders have built a special relationship with their fans and the Harrisburg community during the past few seasons, and that excitement should only grow with their participation in USL PRO," USL President Tim Holt said.