While waiting for good news about signings from the City Islanders, I get this: Our cross-state rivals have signed our all-time leading goal scorer, and one of our best defenders has left to join AC St. Louis. Oh boy.

Penn St. alumni and Harrisburg great Chad Severs has been signed by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds this offseason. Chad made 51 appearances for the Isles and holds the all-time scoring mark with 31. In addition to the depature of Tiyi Shipalane to D.C. United and the retirement of Steve Fisher, the departure of Severs raises questions about the Islanders firepower this coming season. That is something Isles fans will be wondering about for the next weeks as the season approaches; hopefully the FO has identifed some young offensive talent at the various combines and camps held throughout the off-season.

Also making news this week is the departure of defensive stalwart Tim Velten. Tim has been signed by NASL expansion side AC St. Louis, his hometown team, and he joins the list of Islanders who will not feature at Skyline this season. Though all of these departures mean there will be some unfamiliar faces on the island this season, the news makes me anxious for the signings to come. Regardless, Skyline will still be a fun place to take in a game and Socceritaville will still be calling my name.