I’m not sure that song will ever leave my head. I know I can’t convey the tune in writing, but trust me, it’s catchy. I checked out my first City Islander’s game Saturday night, and thanks to some extremely awesome fans, when I fell asleep early Sunday morning, that chant was still bouncing around in my cranium. That night, the City Islanders beat the Bermuda Hogges 4-2 and also gained at least three new fans. I went to the game with my girlfriend and her sister, and all three of us ended up having a really good time. Granted, all three of us have taken soccer fairly seriously in the past and continue to play soccer with varying degrees of intensity today, but all in all, the gameday experience way a positive one. Beyond that, the soccer was played at a very high level. Judging by the sold-out crowd of nearly 2,500, I’m a bit late in catching on. CHECK OUT PICTURES FROM THE GAME ON FACEBOOK OR FLICKR Harrisburg, who won the USL-2 Championship in 2007, scored three quickies and basically held on from there (aided by an absolutely bonkers save by goalkeeper Danny Cepero on a penalty kick), but even when the action on the field lagged a bit, the antics of the “Sons of Ben” in the crowd kept things moving. The S.O.B. are a group of die-hard Philadelphia soccer fans who started supporting their city’s MLS team before it even had one (the still-unnamed franchise will start play in 2010). They occasionally take field trips, and they took one to Harrisburg Saturday night. The conduct of European soccer fans would seem more than a little bit out place in an American football basketball, baseball or hockey arena. Soccer fans aren’t content to just be loud. They sing original songs, bang on drums, throw streamers, wave banners, etc.; if you’re not a big soccer fan, check out Liverpool F.C fans singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” their club’s de facto theme song, to get an idea of what I’m talking about. On Saturday night, the “Sons of Ben” brought a little bit of European passion and fanaticism to City Island. Some of their songs and chants were about the team. Others were pure brilliance. After Harrisburg torched Bermuda goalkeeper Tim Figuriedo for three goals early, the Sons of Ben borrowed from Mary Poppins and came up with, “tim timmery, tim timmery, tim tim tarooo, you let in three before minute 22.” The rest of the crowd wasn’t quite as enthusiastic, but in general, the atmosphere was a lot of fun. As always, I look pictures. You can see them on Facebook or on Flickr, whichever you prefer. If you want to check out a game yourself, Harrisburg’s last home game of the season is this Wednesday, but depending on the results of that one, they may have a playoff game at home. After Saturday night, I’m going to do my best to get out. Ohhhhhh Islanderrrrrrsssss…