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Monarchs Conclude 2009 Season in Playoffs

August 20, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Real Maryland Monarchs News Release


Charlotte, NC - The Real Maryland FC Monarchs concluded their 2009 United Soccer League's Division 2 play this evening with a 3-1 loss to the Charlotte Eagles. The Monarchs left everything they had on the field all season long and tonight was no different.

The 2009 Season marks many historical moments for Real Maryland FC including their first visit to the post-season. In the quarter final match, the Monarchs entered as the #5 team out of the 5 total playoff spots. Their opponent, the Charlotte Eagles gained home field advantage when they finished a spot ahead as the fourth seed. This trip to the playoffs marked the 15th time Charlotte has visited the post season with 7 appearances in the Finals and 2 Championships.

The Monarchs came out strong tonight, but found themselves a goal down just 4 minutes into the match when the referee handed the home side a penalty kick. Difficult for any team to rebound from this situation, Real Maryland still persevered and managed to put the pressure on the Eagles tallying 9 shots in the first half.

Charlotte withstood the pressure and found ways to come right back with long services into the back defensive third of Real Maryland. In the 16th minute, Dustin Swinehart put away a one on one situation with GK David Kern off of a pass from #12 Martins. Going into halftime, Real Maryland FC was in a deep 2-0 hole away from home in Charlotte, NC.

In the second half, like in the majority of 2009's matches, the team came out with a more attacking tactical formation and drive. The Monarchs continued to apply pressure, but the Charlotte defense and goalkeeper would not relent. #28 GK Ceus made some great saves throughout the match including a shot by Real Maryland's Mike Holody that was heading for the upper side panel.

In the 83rd minute, Ryan Cordeiro found #20 Gary Brooks for a goal to bring the score to within one for Real Maryland. Following not soon after in the 88th minute, the Monarchs thought to have found the equalizer off of another cross, but players found themselves on the ground as the Charlotte GK swept up the ball. The win now sends the #4 Charlotte Eagles to #1 Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday, August 22nd for the USL 2 Semi-finals.

2009 was a very positive year that saw Real Maryland FC take some major strides in their second year of existence. The Professional team made their first trip to the post season; they were the first USL 2 Club to air all of its home games on USL Live; the club formed 4 new Super Y League Teams; the professionals played two International Friendlies vs teams from Guatemala and El Salvador; the professional team tested boots for the new Nike/UMBRO footwear to be released for the 2010 World Cup; the club was featured on USL Breakaways; the club formed partnerships with the Colorado Rapids of the MLS and Real Sporting Gijon of La Liga; 3 Super Y League players were sent to Spain and the Club opened their first season at their new stadium at Richard Montgomery High School.

Real Maryland FC would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated their time to help make this year a positive one. The Club will be recognizing the different members who participated with the club this year in an upcoming ceremony. The Monarchs would also like to extend its sincere gratitude to all extended members of the Real Maryland Family who came out this year and supported us at our home games at Richard Montgomery High School. We hope to see you and a couple of new friends in 2010. Please check back with our website over the next coming weeks as we continue our efforts on youth development, professional tryouts and community outreach projects.

Real Maryland FC participates in the Second Division of the United Soccer Leagues. All 2009 Regular Season Home Games will be played at Lester Stadium at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD. For more information or tickets, please visit www.realmaryland.us or contact General Manager David Noyes at (301) 933-6460.

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