Sunday night in Clifton was a rough one. The Islanders fell 4-0 to New Jersey Alliance FC, their second loss in as many matches to open the 2026 campaign.

Dorant Bokshi got Alliance on the board at the 20th minute, and the Islanders went into halftime down one, but very much still in the game.

The second half was a different story. Alliance’s John Gonzales made it 2-0 at the 58th minute. Bokshi added his second at the 81st, and Lucas Miquel Castrillo finished things off in the 88th.

The Islanders were held without a shot all night (if the SportNinja stat app is to be believed) — a number that tells the story on its own.

Is it the defense? Is it the lack of goal scoring? Confidence? There are many questions and few obvious answers, but that’s why Johnny Morris is the head coach… and I’m not. He knows where the issues are and how to fix them. The question is, can they sort it out quickly?

Because the game requires a short memory as the Islanders are back where they belong — home on City Island — this Saturday at 6 p.m. for Heroes Night against Bulldogs SC. Police, Fire, EMS, Nurses, and Doctors with ID get discounted tickets at the gate. And youth dressed like a superhero enter free!

The weather is lining up nicely too: mid-70s at kickoff. Come out to Skyline Sports Complex, get behind the squad, and let's help them turn the page. Tickets at SquadUp.

The Islanders are a team built by many hands, and we need help.  Do you want a peek behind the curtain to see how a semi-pro soccer team operates?  Do you need National Honor Society volunteer hours?  Looking for an Eagle Scout project?  Retired and bored at home? We have a variety of internship and volunteer opportunities.  

With just 6 days until the next home game, get your Islanders swag and head on over to the Club Shop!

As a programming note, I’ll continue bringing you the Islander Insider Newsletter each week.  It’ll be chock-full of inside info from the team, interviews, stats, and more.