Friday night in Union, New Jersey was another tough one. The Islanders dropped a 1-0 decision to Union SC at Volunteer Park, their fourth straight loss to open the 2026 spring season.

The game's big moment came early — and it wasn't the goal. In the 13th minute, Capital City earned a penalty kick, and Captain Freddy Opoku stepped up to take it.

Union keeper Dylan Valencia made a strong save, and that was probably the ballgame right there.

Cameron McGregor's 31st-minute header off a corner gave Union the lead, and despite a more assertive second half from the Islanders, they couldn't find the equalizer.

Grant Glorioso was solid in goal, including a good stop on Union’s McGregor late to keep the deficit at one. The Islanders showed some life in transition as the second half wore on — they just couldn't finish. Union managed the game well down the stretch and saw it out without too much drama.

Check out the newest episode of the Islander Insider for more!

The Islanders tickets are a bargain!  I think they’re a great value for family-friendly entertainment, but I wondered how the Islanders stacked up against sports in our area.

For a day out for a family of 4(2 adults, 2 kids):

Islanders: $41.14 + Free Parking = $41.14

Hershey Bears: $188 + $20 for parking = $208  (5x more expensive)

Philadelphia Union: $215 + $30 for parking = $245  (6x more expensive)

World Cup in Philly (Brazil vs. Hati): $2,944 +$125 for parking = $3069 (75x more expensive!)

Oh, and Saturday is Hersheypark Pass Night!

It's been a rough spring so far. The lads are still searching for their first point, but a huge home game is coming.

Next Saturday, May 2 at 6 p.m., Capital City hosts Cosmos B at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium on the Bishop McDevitt campus — and it's Hersheypark Pass Night. The first 1500 kids 12 and under get a free Hersheypark pass with their ticket.

Cosmos B used to be called Morris Elite.

Let’s get a huge crowd out and get the Roc jumping!

Over on YouTube, I’ve started a new mini-series on the history of City Island and the surrounding area: City Island Stories.

The first three episodes are up. The longest is just a minute and 25 seconds, so they’re not a huge time commitment.

The more I learned about City Island and the history underneath our feet… the more I wanted to know. I’m an English and journalism teacher in my day job, but history has always fascinated me.

If you like what you see either in the Islander Insider or the City Island Shorts, check out my YouTube channel and subscribe!

The Islanders Store is up and running with a good variety of swag, so you can show your team pride!

I’ve got an away jersey; I’m a sucker for the blue and white checkerboard pattern.  But this spring, I think the polo is calling my name. 

Remember, every purchase helps support the Islanders!