Monarchs Get a Draw in their Home Finale

Published on August 8, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Real Maryland Monarchs News Release


Silver Spring, MD - In their final home match of the season, the Real Maryland Monarchs played the Charlotte Eagles to a 2-2 draw in front of an energetic crowd. In a game where scoring chances were at a premium, both teams were able to create excitement throughout the game. The result leaves Real Maryland (3-8-8) at the bottom of the table while Charlotte (5-7-7) was eliminated from playoff contention due to the win by the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Coming off a tie and a loss in their two previous outings, the Monarchs were looking to generate some optimism as to what the home fans would get to witness next season.

Defense dominated the first half of the match, with neither team generating much offensive pressure. After a slow start where both defenses traded possession, Real Maryland saw their first scoring opportunity of the night come off the foot of midfielder Israel Sesay in the 11th minute. However, his shot was easily saved by Charlotte goalkeeper Eric Lefebvre.

The Monarchs continued their assault on the Eagle's defense, culminating in shots by defender Mason Trafford and Sesay in the 18th and 26th minutes.

As the first half started to wind down, Charlotte began to dominate offensive possession. Charlotte saw shots from defender Ramy Safi and midfielder Juan Guzman in the 39th and 40th minutes, but both were easily handled by Real Maryland goalkeeper Brian Visser.

Both teams headed into the locker rooms at halftime with the score tied at 0-0.

The second half began with a flurry of offensive pressure from both sides. Charlotte forward Ben Page's shot in the 48th minute sailed just right of the goal, while Sesay's shot in the 50th minute soared over the crossbar.

Charlotte finally broke open the game in the 63rd minute; forward Leo Gibson received a pass just on the edge of the box, and put the ball into the left corner of the Real Maryland net. Charlotte midfielder Miggy Ferrer looked to double the Eagles' lead in the 65th minute, but Visser made a fantastic save to keep the Monarchs in the game.

The Monarchs answered back in the 78th minute; midfielder Ben Hunter streaked down the left sideline and delivered a cross to forward Jyler Noviello, who put his shot into the back of the Eagles' net. The Monarchs then took the lead in the 87th minute on a shot off the foot of Hunter that managed to sneak into the lower right-hand corner of the Charlotte goal.

Once the match entered into extra time, Real Maryland was just looking to close out the game. However, Charlotte maintained its composure and mounted a furious attack on the Real Maryland defense. Charlotte defender Greg Dalby received a pass unmarked by any Real Maryland defender, and put his shot past Visser as time was about to expire.

Real Maryland finishes its 2010 regular season with a trip to face the Richmond Kickers on August 14th where they will look to continue to develop optimism for next season. Charlotte closes out its regular season with a match against the Charleston Batter on August 14h.

For more information on Real Maryland FC or its Future Monarch Programs, please visit www.realmaryland.us.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 8, 2010


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