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…

Pictured are members of the CD girls' soccer team receiving the state championship last Friday at Hersheypark Stadium after nailing down the PIAA spring Class AAA soccer championship with a 1-0 victory over Central Bucks West. ______ Photo credit: John Gayman

CD girls' soccer team put together an extremely solid 80-minute performance to down Central Bucks West 1-0 Friday to earn its second straight state soccer championship. The second time around was much sweeter for the Rams after battling to a tie in last year’s final with Central Bucks West, earning both teams the title "co-champion." High-scoring junior forward Kate Yurkovic (pictured in green jersey) got the game winner halfway through the second half on a penalty kick that she earned by hustling to regain possession of the ball after being knocked on her can by a Bucks player. For in-depth game coverage from The Patriot-News, CLICK HERE for a report by Michael Bullock, and HERE for a story about CD's late-game defensive stand by John Tuscano. Check back later this weekend for game photos by John Gayman. _______ Photo credit: John Gayman NOTE: Photo is from a game played earlier this season.

Hey, hey, ho, ho, let's go Rams ... Tonight, state championship soccer game, 7 pm, Hersheypark Stadium, be there! Win or lose tonight, CD girls' soccer team has put together a season for history books (22-2-0). I'm telling you here and now, seeing the Yurkovic sisters, Allicia (#2) and Kate (#10), and Jocelyn Weidner (#9) perform soccer magic with the ball is worth the price of admission – $6 for adults and $3 for students. Also, keep an eye out for the booming kicks pumped out by Allison Snyder (#25), the tough-as-nails brand of defense played by Maria Tommasini (#11) and the confident swagger of goalkeeper Amy Gouldner. This is a special group of athletes worthy of your support tonight. CLICK HERE for a game preview by sports reporter Michael Bullock who writes for The Patriot-News. See you tonight in Chocolatetown U.S.A.! GOAL!! Kate Yurkovic (far left in white) heads in a goal Tuesday during the second half of the semifinal against Neshaminy. The goal came after a beautiful centering pass from Kate's big sister, Allicia. _______ Photo credit: John Gayman

CLICK HERE for a preview by Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News of tonight's PIAA spring Class AAA girls' soccer semifinal between CD and Wilson at Hersheypark Stadium. Game time is 7:30 pm. Pictured is CD senior goalkeeper Amy Gouldner (in black) tracking down the ball in the quarterfinal game last Friday against Neshaminy. Also pictured is CD senior defender Maria Tommasini who has regularly been assigned to dog opponents' top players during the team's playoff run. ___________ Photo credit: John Gayman

CD coach Gregg Davis shows the effects of state tourney pressure.

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Photo credit: John Gayman

CLICK HERE for a preview of the state girls' soccer championship first-round game CD vs. Easton that will be contested at 7:30 pm tonight at Hersheypark Stadium. Also, CLICK HERE for a listing of CD Lady Rams who were selected to the Mid-Penn All-Star team, and HERE for an article that mentions Rams senior forward Jocelyn Weidner being selected as the Commonwealth Division Player of the Year. (Weidner is first mentioned below the advertisement on page 1.) ____________ Pictured l. to r. is Allicia Yurkovic, Kate Yurkovic and Jocelyn Weidner holding the District 3 championship trophy following Friday night's 4-1 win over Lower Dauphin at Hersheypark Stadium. (Click the photo to view a larger version.) Photo credit: John Gayman