Penn State Harrisburg’s Men’s soccer players Justin Henderson (Cherry Hill, N.J. / Cherry Hill East) and Nana Nyantekyi (Howell, N.J. / Freehold Township) have moved up to the next level in their soccer careers, signing with the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League) Semi Pro team Hershey F.C. Both players have made tremendous impact to the Harrisburg athletic program, both were here when the school was officially accepted into Division III sports and as well as being members of the inaugural season of the CAC in their senior seasons.
Justin Henderson, a 2 year captain for the Blue and White, had his best season in his 2012-2013 campaign. He scored 11 goals and added 2 assist making him the point leader for the season with 24 points. During his senior year he was first in assist (3) and tied for 2nd with points (7). “It is a great feeling to keep playing the game I love. I am very excited to continue playing competitive soccer at the next level”.
Nana Nyantekyi has done it all for the program. He has played defense, midfield, and forward throughout his 4 years in the program, making him one of the most versatile players to come through the program. In his senior season, his big highlight was ending the drought of scoreless games for the Blue and White by scoring the first goal against Christopher Newport. With that goal he was named athlete of the week for Penn State Harrisburg. “It’s precious! I have been playing the sport my entire life on this earth and I used to think after college my entire focus will pertain to my major and I would have to quit playing. I am glad to say I have the time to focus on my major and still not give away the one thing that puts me at ease, the game of soccer”.
Hershey F.C joined the NPSL, considered the fourth tier of the American soccer pyramid. The team represents the top level of the Hershey Soccer Club. The team played their first game on May 11, 2013, defeating FC Reading Revolution 3-1 on the road. HFC took 5th place in the NPSL Keystone Conference in their first season and was ranked as high as 16th nationally after their 4-0 start. This season there are just under 80 teams playing around the country, including a few MLS reserve teams as well as a team representing Liverpool, who’s first team participates in the English Premier League.
Penn State Harrisburg women’s head coach and assistant/player coach of Hershey FC Adam Clay is extremely excited about adding some of the former Lions to the team. “Nana and Justin had to work really hard over the past couple of months to win a spot on the team. The mentality and attitude they have gained from playing with Coach Donnelly at Harrisburg definitely came through and is a big part of the reason they are a part of the squad. I feel very lucky to now get to coach and play beside two young men that I was able to watch and get to know while coaching for the women’s team at Harrisburg.
Both Justin and Nana have worked their way up the lineup since being signed and now are fighting for starting roles and playing time on the wings. Hershey FC starts their 2014 campaign this weekend on the road against Greater Binghamton FC, last year’s regular season champs. They will host their first home game Saturday May 24th at the Hershey High School Soccer Stadium.