BUIES CREEK, N.C. -- Vince Petrasso, the 2009 Atlantic Sun Conference player of the year, has signed a professional contract with the Harrisburg (Pa.) City Islanders of the United Soccer Leagues Second Division.

A second-team All-South and first-team all-conference performer at Campbell University in 2009, the senior from Woodbridge, Ontario led the Atlantic Sun Conference and ranked fifth nationally in assists per game (0.61) with 11 in 18 outings.

Last fall, Petrasso helped lead Campbell to its third A-Sun regular season title in the last 5 years and a 16-1-1 league regular season record over past two years.

""I'm extremely pleased for Vince," said Campbell head coach Steve Armas. "It has been a dream of his to play soccer professionally. I'm excited that he is going to have the opportunity to pursue his professional ambitions and showcase his talents. Vince is an exceptionally gifted player, and we all at Campbell certainly wish him the best as he pursues his professional career."

Named A-Sun player of the week (Nov. 2) after scoring once and producing a pair of assists in wins over North Florida and Jacksonville, Petrasso provided four assists that set up game-winning goals in '09. Twelve of his 18 points in '09 came during eight conference games, when he scored three times and set up six other goals.

Petrasso totaled 22 points (7 goals, 8 assists) in his last 16 A-Sun regular season games dating to 2008. He was also a first-team all-conference choice in '08 and the 2007 A-Sun Tournament MVP, when he helped lead the Camels to their first berth in the NCAA College Cup.

He concluded his career ranked 23rd on Campbell's career scoring list with 54 points (17 goals, 20 assists) in 67 matches.

Over Petrasso's four-year career, Campbell fashioned a 25-4-5 record in Atlantic Sun regular season play and 45-29-6 (.600) mark overall. The Camels won the 2007 A-Sun tournament crown and claimed the league regular season championship twice (2008, 2009), earned the program's first-ever year-end national ranking on the Division I level (2008) and defeated top-10 ranked teams twice.

Petrasso further prepared for professional duty by playing with USL Premier Developmental League clubs Cary Clarets (summer 2009) and Toronto Lynx (summer 2008).

The Harrisburg City Islanders have an official partnership with Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer as Union's exclusive USL Second Division affiliate.

An annual friendly match in Harrisburg between the clubs (date to be announced) highlights the partnership. Other components will include cross promotional opportunities and Philadelphia Union player appearances in Harrisburg throughout the summer and off-season. The City Islanders are also a key part of Philadelphia's player development strategy. The Union has the option to loan players to Harrisburg. Similarly, City Islander players will benefit from exposure to Philadelphia's staff and training methods.

The United Soccer Leagues Second Division (USL-2) has once again been sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. As a result, the Islanders, and the entire USL-2 will be incorporated into US Soccer's third division and eligible for the US Open Cup.

Harrisburg opened its seventh season on April 17 with a 2-2 draw at defending champion Richmond. On April 24, The City Islanders host Real Maryland in their home opener at Harrisburg's Skyline Sports Complex.

The USL-2 regular season will consist of 20 games: ten at home and ten away. The Islanders will play each team twice at home and twice on the road. Returning with the Islanders to USL-2 are the Charlotte Eagles, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Real Maryland Monarchs and the Richmond Kickers. The Charleston Battery also joined USL-2 after competing in USL-1.