Christian Arnold

carnold@GameTimePA.com

Playing professional soccer has been a dream of Shane Campbell’s for quite some time. To start that career in his own backyard? That’s just icing on the cake.

For Campbell, a 2012 Dallastown graduate, his first four months as a member of the Harrisburg City Islanders have been an enjoyable experience. Campbell announced he had signed with the United Soccer League club on March 22 and has appeared in five league matches since then.

“At the end of the day I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else to start other than Harrisburg,” Campbell said. “I’m used to playing in Pennsylvania. … I’ve enjoyed playing with all the teammates I’ve been playing with. I’ve enjoyed playing for (head coach) Bill (Becher). It’s a fun ride and I’m just glad to be here.”

The Islanders have been utilizing Campbell, a defender, in several spots since the start of the season. Campbell has found himself at center back, outside midfielder and outside back. The movement has allowed him to work on becoming a more well-rounded player.

The Dallastown native has spent the last four years play college soccer at the Division I level, spending two years at Penn State and then transferring to Louisville for his junior and senior seasons. He appeared in 54 games during his collegiate career, scoring four goals and adding three assists.

Now at the next level, Campbell is adjusting to the new pace of play. The Islanders’ defenseman said there is a misconception about the competition level in the USL, the third tier of American soccer.

“In reality when you’re playing in the USL you’re playing against guys that have been in the MLS,” he explained. “Guys that could be in the MLS. It’s really not that far of a step away and the competition every single day …is very, very competitive.”

That competitive level will get even tougher on Wednesday, when the Islanders play the Philadelphia Union in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament. Campbell has a connection to the Union, as well, having played for the Union's academy team for two seasons when he was 16.

“It will be a cool little homecoming for me. A little different being on the other side,” he said.

Playing so close to home has given Campbell’s friends and family plenty of opportunity to see him in action. But has also given him the chance to be a role model for young soccer players in York County.

And that is something he is taking very seriously.

“I want to be looked at as a positive influence and a positive role model for all kids,” Campbell said. “Whether they’re in Dallastown, York, anywhere. But especially for kids that are in Dallastown, playing for Dallastown. I just want them to see that, yeah, we may not be from a huge soccer city, but it’s still possible.”

Campbell said he also plans to give back to the Dallastown soccer community, which he credits for his development. He coaches and U-11 FC York team and plans to hold a soccer camp on June 25 and June 26 at York Township Park.

“I want to be able to give back to the players that are coming up through the ranks as much as I can,” Campbell said.

If you go

Who: Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) vs. Philadelphia Union (MLS)

What: The matchup is part of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which pits U.S. soccer clubs at all levels against each other. The winner earns a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League.

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Talen Energy Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive, Chester, PA

Tickets: Prices range from $15 to $46 and can be purchased at philadelphiaunion.com/tickets.