Harrisburg City Islanders' winger Tiyi Shipalane has been given an opportunity by MLS club DC United.

The 23-year old will join United for their friendly clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid on Sunday and then may have the opportunity to join the club on a permanent basis after the City Islander's play-offs end later this month.

"It's a dream come true from a player's point of view," said Shipalane.

"This is what you always work hard for a young kid.

"You never expect these moments to come this early, but I'm thrilled to have the opportunity and that my hard work is paying off. I'm just really excited. I might not get any playing time [Sunday], but just to be on the bench with D.C. United means a lot, playing against one of my favorite teams.

"It's just unreal."

City Islanders coach Bill Becher said he was delighted for Shipalane and backed the chance for him to move to a higher level.

"We're excited for Tiyi," Becher said.

"He's done a great job this year. Been a very dangerous player all year, and he's put up points. Now he's going to get the chance to move to a higher level, which is great for him. ... We have a few goals here.

"One of them is to win a championship, obviously, and another is to move players on, help guys get on to higher levels. He's going to get that opportunity, and he earned it. He put in a lot of hard work and showed himself well, not only in the league games but in the D.C. game."