| 2004: Matt Tanzini’s original role with the City Islanders in 2004 was on the left flank, where his outstanding pace and made him a notable presence. After competing in the 2003-04 MISL playoffs with the Kansas City Comets, Tanzini joined the Islanders and played five games in the midfield, scoring one goal. But his true value to the team became evident after head coach Bill Becher moved him up top: in seven games (six starts) after being moved to forward, Tanzini scored five goals and 11 points and was involved in three game-winning scores (two goals, assist). Despite playing only 785 minutes for the season, Tanzini led Harrisburg in goals (six), points (13), and game-winning goals (four), and averaged an impressive 1.5 points per 90 minutes of action. He recorded the first multiple-goal game in team history with a pair of tallies on July 17 against Long Island.
Honors: PSL Team of the Week, August 17 (Week 18)
Profile: Tanzini, known to fans as “Taz” for his breakneck style of play, began his professional career with the NPSL’s Buffalo Blizzard in 2000-01, scoring 10 points and blocking seven shots in 11 games before a knee injury ended his season. In two seasons with the Harrisburg Heat (2001-03), he scored 28 goals and assisted on 22 others while blocking 65 shots in 72 games. A native of Binghamton, NY, Tanzini earned back-to-back junior college national titles while at Herkimer (NY) Community College, and holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts & Sciences from West Virginia University. He has also played for the U.S. National Futsal Team. |
