City Islanders announce first roster decisions of the 2017 USL season

With the 2017 USL season just two weeks away, the Harrisburg City Islanders have announced the signing of twelve players: a combination of players returning from last season, league veterans, and one American returning from abroad.

The Islanders have re-signed seven key contributors from the 2016 season: Paul Wilson, Cardel Benbow, Danny DiPrima, Mohoumed Dabo, Shawn McLaws, James Thomas, and Aaron Wheeler. Chris Hill also returns to the club after playing two games for Harrisburg last season.

In addition, the front office have signed three veterans from around the league. Defender Lee Nishanian joins the club making 50 appearances in two seasons with the LA Galaxy II. Midfielder Jonny Mendoza signed after spending one season with Orlando City SC (USL) and two seasons with the Rochester Rhinos.

Mendoza was joined by former teammate Brandon Miller. The 2015 Goalkeeper of the Years comes to Harrisburg after spending a season with the Orange County Blues. Miller and Mendoza helped the Rhinos win the USL Cup in 2015 over Nishanian and Los Dos.

Defender Travis Brent joins the City Islanders after playing professionally in the Netherlands. The Virginia-native spent one season in the Eredivisie with Heracles Almelo and another in the Eerste Divisie (second division) with Almere City.

With the 2017 season just around the corner, expect the City Islanders to make more roster announcements in the coming days. Trialists Martin Galvao (Pfeiffer University) and Jake Bond (formerly of St. Louis FC) have both scored in preseason matches for the club and may be on Head Coach Bill Becher’s radar.

Current Roster

Goalkeepers: Brandon Miller

Defenders: Shawn McLaws, James Thomas, Travis Brent, Lee Nishanian, Chris Hill

Midfielders: Paul Wilson, Mohoumed Dabo, Danny DiPrima, Jonny Mendoza

Forwards: Cardel Benbow, Aaron Wheeler