Philadelphia Union over the City Islanders 3-1

Philadelphia Union beat the City Islanders 3-1 in a friendly match at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster on August 31, 2015.

(Daniel Zampogna, PennLive )

Roy Mehl assumed the role of City Islanders president Dec. 7 with two significant questions looming over the USL franchise: Will the team build a new stadium and will it find an MLS organization to partner with?

Mehl made clear Thursday that the team's priority is the stadium, and while there's been "no movement" on discussions regarding the construction of a new facility since Mehl joined the staff, he's confident that a deal will be finalized in the coming year.

The team plays most of its home games at the Skyline Sports Complex and hopes to build an upgrade facility in its place on City Island. Mehl said the City Islanders are committed to remaining in Harrisburg and will continue to seek support for the project.

The USL has outlined a goal to have each team play in a 5,000-seat stadium by 2017, but the Skyline Sports Complex only holds 4,000 fans at capacity, and that includes those who sit on lawn chairs or lean against railings.

"The stadium would change the whole dynamic and increase the entertainment value and enjoyment of our game," Mehl said. "We'll have real restrooms and proper food."

The Islanders dissolved their affiliation with the MLS' Philadelphia Union over the summer, meaning they no longer serve as a feeder system to the club. The Union formed a new team in Lehigh Valley that presents more competition for the City Islands in the semi-pro soccer market.

Mehl said the Islanders aren't actively looking for another MLS team to partner with, though they'd listen to any offers. While the lack of an affiliate means the Islanders no longer have a strong financial partner and miss out on the possibility of grooming players for a specific MLS team, Mehl is excited by the flexibility the team's independence provides.

He said the club will have more freedom to grow its footprint in the central Pennsylvania area by playing more games in Lancaster and hosting events in other parts of the area.

"I think we do a good job of getting our name out there, of using social media," Mehl said, "but we can do better."

Mehl, a former soccer player at Lock Haven university, said the City Islanders want to be a team that attracts the attention of the entire Midstate area. And the success of that, like so much else surrounding the team, is tied to the potential of a new stadium.

"It comes back to having a quality place to play," Mehl said. "For people in Lancaster, it's not a long drive up. I think a stadium would bring fans our way."

-- @AaronKazreports