The Philadelphia Union’s USL affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders have increased their depth at midfield with the signings of Ocean City Alums & “Philadelphia Soccer Six” products, Ken Tribbett and Jason Plumhoff. 

A critical component of the Nor’easter’s 2013 National PDL Finalist squad, Tribbett contributed 5 goals and 3 assists to Ocean City’s cause in 14 games-played. Plumhoff was a member of the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Division Champion Nor’easter side, as well as the 2014 season in which he was named to the PDL National Team of the Week one time and was acknowledged as Honorable Mention twice. Plumhoff played nearly 1,500 minutes in the Ocean City shirt, scoring 5 goals and dishing out 6 assists in his 22-game career.

Fresh off of a professional trial with Harrisburg, the two alums took us into the mind of an aspiring pro. For both athletes, nervousness never crossed their minds. For Tribbett, “There was no nervousness whenever I stepped on the field, but I knew that I had to perform so my focus was on high alert. Every little thing that was asked of us, I made sure that I was doing what the coaches wanted.”

Plumhoff echoed with razor-sharp focus, “A professional trial is very intense and tedious. All players are there for the same goal, to earn a contract. So you have to be sharp every day. The training sessions get to the point. You are there to showcase your skill and ability, that’s it.”

Harrisburg City Islanders announced Jason's signing on March 23, 2015

The unparalleled pressure of a professional trial, according to Plumhoff and Tribbett produces a feeling like none other. Tribbett explained, “There is nothing that can compare to a trial other than being on a trial. There is a lot of pressure to perform and you tend to overanalyze your play instead of just being comfortable and playing like you do every day.” Put succinctly, this occurs as a direct result of, “The quality of the players surrounding you.”

Two box-to-box midfielders, Tribbett and Plumhoff bring two very different approaches to the beautiful game. When asked specifically about these skills that they showcased for the City Islanders, Tribbett explained, “I believe my aerial ability is my strongest asset, and I should be able to dominate the air at [the USL] level.”

“I hope to bring my creativity and work rate to the USL,” added Plumhoff.

Recalling their careers at the shore, the alumni explained how their time with The Nor’easters prepared them, especially during training sessions and matches, for a pro trial.

For Plumhoff, “Going into my first season with the Nor'easters, I was a relatively unknown player, and Coach Oz (Tim Oswald) gave me the opportunity to play amongst the best and most well-established college players in the nation. I learned how to live with many different personalities, who were all working towards the same goal. Coach Oz also made me a better two way player, which has benefited my play greatly.”

A Holding Midfielder for the Nor'easters, Tribbett has featured every minute for the Islanders at either Center or Right Back

“The atmosphere [of the Harrisburg trial] was similar to a level of a top-notch PDL team, explained Tribbett. “I was lucky enough to make it to the National Semifinal with Ocean City.” The Nor’easter’s organization is, “of top quality and I was able to train alongside players who had a professional mindset already, so training in that environment is very similar to professional situations. Playing with quality players allowed me to play at my best level and in turn, allowed me to be seen by coaches at the professional level.”

And of what it’s like to live in America’s Greatest Family Resort, Jason continued, “The environment at the shore is great. Everyone from the President to the Physio Therapist make you feel very at home. I will always enjoy our pasta dinners at the President’s house and relaxing at the beach. Ocean City is a place I call home and am sure I will be back to many more times in the future.”

Through their first four matches of the young season, the traditional holding midfielder Tribbett has played every minute in the defensive line for the 1-2-1 City Islanders, contributing one shot on target. Plumhoff, dealing with injury, has seen action in one game for Harrisburg, coming on as a sub late, but has already made his presence felt, tallying three shots on goal. 

The City Islanders’ next match is on May 2nd in Wilmington, NC versus the Wilmington Hammerheads. 

2015 Individual Match and Season ticket packages are on sale now. For more information, call (609) 432-8271 to speak with a Nor'easters ticket representative, email us at tickets@oceancityfc.com, or visit www.oceancityfc.com/tickets for ticket package information.

Text "ISLANDERS" to (609) 432-8271 to receive an exclusive promo code, for ticket purchases made online via www.oceancityfc.com/tickets.

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