Chase Harrison At Home On The Island

A great article on Chase Harrison by Michael Bullock of the Patriot-News:

"Chase Harrison has been through the process ... a number of times. 

Trudge into training camp with the promise that you’ll get a lengthy look and have an opportunity to claim the starting job. Bust your backside for several weeks during practice sessions, dueling with other hopefuls for prized minutes in some exhibition game. Sweat out cuts before landing a contract. 

For several springs, this was Harrison’s life as a professional soccer player. 

So when the opportunity to spend the spring and summer in a friendly yet familiar locale was extended Harrison’s way — along with the likelihood of receiving plenty of playing time in a higher-level league — the 27-year-old goalkeeper thought long and hard about  retracing his steps. 

Since Harrison performed extremely well during his first experience with the Harrisburg City Islanders, he thought, ‘They know my game. Things went well when I was there before. They’ve already offered me a deal. They’re moving into this new league, which should be good competition. Let’s do it.’ 

And he did. 

“It is a different situation,” admitted the well-traveled Harrison, who arrived at camp nearly three weeks ago. “Now I’m a little bit more established and by playing here two years ago, they have a better idea of what type of player I am. So the part of having to prove myself is over. 

“At the same time, consistency is a big part in professional sports. So, over the next few weeks, they’re going to want to see that as well. Nothing’s set in stone, but [it’s good to be] getting out of the new player stage,” added Harrison, the Virginia Tech product who began his pro career in 2006. 

“So it’s kind of nice to come into a preseason where you’re known, and the coaches have an idea of what you’re going to bring to the table.” 

And they do. 

A second-team all-league selection two seasons ago — when the City Islanders were still playing in USL-2 and not the higher USL PRO circuit in place today — the 6-3, 185-pounder performed splendidly for a Harrisburg side that qualified for playoffs and made a deep Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run. 

In 16 regular-season appearances, Harrison (8-4-4) pitched eight shutouts and piled up 54 saves while fashioning a league-best 0.812 goals-against average. He also posted a 3-1-0 record and 1.000 GAA in four Open Cup outings, leading the City Islanders to the quarterfinal round. 

Harrison also sparkled in the playoffs, turning aside a remarkable 15 shots as the City Islanders dropped a 1-0 decision (overtime) to Richmond in the USL-2 semis. 

“We’ve been very fortunate to have good goalkeepers here on this club, pretty much from the beginning,” City Islanders head coach Bill Becher said. 

“We were excited when Chase agreed to terms with us. He’s a guy that when he left here, we told him that we’d always like to have him back — even though he had other opportunities at a higher level. ... But we’re at a higher level now, so this is a good match to get him back.” 

Back now after stints with Crystal Palace Baltimore, Richmond and two Major League Soccer franchises (D.C. United and Columbus), Harrison has had the chance to reunite with Harrisburg defensive fixtures such as Dustin Bixler, Anthony Calvano and Geoff Bloes. 

Plug in center back Andrew Marshall and fullback Stephen Basso, defenders Harrison played alongside in Baltimore, and the City Islanders should sport a cohesive back line. 

Heading into a higher-level league, they’ll need it. 

And Harrison, bolstered by the strong likelihood that’ll he’ll begin the season as the City Islanders’ No. 1 netminder and sporting even more experience, is hoping to play at a higher level as well. 

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Harrison said. “Every year, I feel like if I’m not getting better, that’s the time to retire. 

“I’m hoping to bring an even better aspect to my game this season, so hopefully we’ll continue to have the success we had that year and put together a good squad that will have another good year.”