Chase Harrison has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer for the 2012 season. He has been training with Philadelphia during pre-season and saw action in their recent match against the Orlando City Lions.

Harrison returns to the Union after joining the club in September 2011 as a backup keeper following the injury to Faryd Mondragon. In 2011, Harrison led Union USL-affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders to the league’s championship game, which was lost to Orlando City after penalty kicks.

Harrison played with DC United during the end of the 2010 season as well as during the 2011 pre-season. He also was a member of the Columbus Crew during the playoffs in 2010. Prior to that Chase was selected in the supplemental draft and spent time with Real Salt Lake in 2006. Chase has also played for the Rochester Rhinos and Portland Timbers. In 2011, he went 8-6-6 for the Harrisburg City ISlanders during the regular season last year and recorded 5 shutouts.

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The Philadelphia Union (MLS) today announced the signing of goalkeeper Karry “Chase” Harrison from the club’s USL-PRO affiliate, the Harrisburg City Islanders. Harrison joins the Union after goalkeeper Thorne Holder was diagnosed with a concussion injury during the Union’s reserve match against Columbus Crew.

Harrison led the Islanders to the 2011 USL-PRO final, in which Harrisburg lost in a penalty shootout to the Orlando City Lions.  During his second season with the club, the goalkeeper registered a total five shutouts in goal earning a 1.3 GAA and an 8-6-6 record.  As a City Islander in 2009, the goalkeeper earned eight shutouts, finishing with an 8-4-4 record and a 0.81 GAA.  Harrison was then named USL-2 GAA Champion and All-League Second-Team goalkeeper.

Before rejoining the City Islanders this past season, Harrison defended the Crystal Palace Baltimore’s goal as well as the Richmond Kickers’ in 2010.  The West Virginia native was called up by D.C. United to replace back up starter Troy Perkins at the end of the MLS regular season, before signing with the Columbus Crew for their playoff run in October

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Chase Harrison and the Harrisburg City Islanders finished a whirlwind season this weekend, falling short on penalty kicks in the finals of the USLPRO Championship to the Orlando City Lions. After 120 minutes of back and forth play, the City Islanders succumbed to Orlando 3-2 in a dramatic penalty-kick shootout played out before a crowd of 11,220 at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Orlando City added the Playoff Championship to go along with the USLPRO Regular Season Title.

“You could not have had a better game,” said Orlando City owner Phil Rawlins. “The record number of fans who came out tonight saw one for the history books. This is huge for Orlando, even bigger for Orlando City. This is one that we will never forget.”

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Chase Harrison posted his fourth shutout of the year for the Harrisburg City Islanders in a scoreless draw against FC New York in USLPRO league action.  The 0-0 result eliminated FC New York from playoff contention and puts Harrisburg in a tight playoff race.

“We had some good opportunities — their goalkeeper [Thorne Holder] made some great saves — but defensively we got the shutout so it’s good,” Harrison said. “Hopefully, going into our last two games going into the playoffs we’ll be able to put together a complete game and get on a nice roll heading into the first round.”

“We need to be getting a shutout,” remarked Harrison, whose shutout was safe once New York’s Gary Boughton smashed a late sitter at the left post over the woodwork. “To win in the playoffs, it’s gonna take 1-0. You’re not gonna come out and crush anyone in the playoffs.”

Chase Harrison was named the USLPRO Goalkeeper of the Week for his work in the net, as the Harrisburg City Islanders defeated the Richmond Kickers 1-0.  Harrison made four stops to secure the shutout over his former club.

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J.T. Noone and Sainey Touray scored late goals and Chase Harrison made a few key saves, particularly in the final 10 minutes, to send the Harrisburg City Islanders into the next round of the Lamar Hunt Open Cup, defeating Reading F.C..

Harrison made 5 saves over the course of the match, which finished 2-1. See video below:

Chase Harrison was named the USLPRO Goalkeeper of the Week and part of the Team of the Week for his performances against the Rochester Rhinos and the Richmond Kickers.  Harrison recorded a six-save shutout against Rochester and turned in another strong outing against Richmond, as the Harrisburg City Islanders picked up four out of a possible six points on the weekend.

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Chase Harrison and the Harrisburg City Islanders’ defense posted a shutout over the Rochester Rhinos, helping the City Islanders to a 1-0 victory. Chase’s efforts were chronicled by Michael Bullock in the Patriot-News:

“Lingering in the middle of Skyline Sports Complex, his post-game responsibilities just about finished, Chase Harrison was saluted by one particular fan.

“Nice to have you back,” the woman said.

And while an appreciative Harrison graciously responded with a “thank you, ma’am,” the rest of the weary Harrisburg City Islanders remaining on the plush turf could have wandered over to their 27-year-old teammate, extended a firm hand and offered a few timely compliments of their own.

That’s if they hadn’t already.

Making his first home appearance in a Harrisburg uniform in two seasons, Harrison turned aside a half-dozen rips as the City Islanders (1-1-1, 4 points) sidestepped the late-charging Rochester Rhinos 1-0 in a tight USL PRO National Division scrap Tuesday night at Skyline.

Harrison played extraordinarily well in the final 15 minutes, accruing five stops during that stretch as the Rhinos (2-3-0, 6 points) searched for an equalizer that never came.

“Busy second half,” admitted Harrison, who pocketed his first shutout. “They did have a few opportunities. Defense did well, though. A lot of their opportunities were closed off and half-chances.”

Not in that final 15.

Harrison denied Tony Donatelli three times in the pivotal closing moments, including a diving effort in the 78th minute and a lunge an instant later that caused J.C. Banks’ slick follow to slip off the left upright. Stops on Andrew Hoxie and Anthony Hamilton came a few minutes later.

Center back Dustin Bixler also got into the act, sliding across the goal line in the 80th to kick away a crisp Hamilton pop that nearly found its way inside the left post.

“Our defense did great, closed it down and I had a lot of support behind the ball,” said Harrison, lauding backs Bixler, Andrew Marshall, Stephen Basso and Anthony Calvano. “Bix saved that one off the line. That’s what it takes. You need that all-around effort from everyone supporting each other.”

“Obviously, we got some good long-range shots in that Chase dealt with well, held or steered to safety,” Rochester skipper Bob Lilley lamented. “But we didn’t get in clean often.”

And when they did …

“Chase came through when we needed him,” City Islanders coach Bill Becher said. “I thought, as a whole, we defended well and limited their chances. But when they got a couple in the second half, Chase came up big. … Again, that’s why you have him there.” ”

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Michael Bullock of the Patriot News wrote the following article on Chase Harrison, who will be playing with the Harrisburg City Islanders for the 2011 USLPRO season. You can see the original article here.

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.”

The Harrisburg City Islanders are proud to announce the signing of goalkeeper Chase Harrison, pending USSF approval.

Harrison rejoins the City Islanders after a one-year tour of stints with different clubs in the USL and MLS. After signing with Crystal Palace Baltimore, Harrison was sent on loan to the Richmond Kickers, starting in two games, allowing two goals and making five saves. In September, he was called up to Major League Soccer’s D.C. United to back up starter Troy Perkins. In October, he signed with the Columbus Crew for their playoff run.

As a City Islander in 2009, Harrison started in sixteen games recording an impressive 8-4-4 record. With a 0.812 GAA (goals against average) and ten shutouts, he was the 2009 USL-2 GAA Champion and All-League Second Team goalkeeper. Harrison also saved 54 shots and allowed just 13 goals.