Monarchs Hit the Road for Richmond and Pittsburgh

Published on June 22, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Real Maryland Monarchs News Release


Silver Spring, MD - Real Maryland FC will hit the road for two games this week as they take on the Richmond Kickers in the U.S. Open Cup Second Round tonight and then face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for regular season USL 2 League play on Saturday.

The Monarchs faced Reading United in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup last Tuesday in Reading and needed extra time to pull off a come-from-behind 2-1 victory. The Kickers found themselves in a similar situation where they were tied going into extra time against Crystal Palace Baltimore of the USSF Second Division. Like Real Maryland FC, Richmond was able to find the back of the net when necessary to put them into the Second Round of The Cup.

In their previous meetings this season during USL 2 League play, the Kickers have the edge over the Monarchs beating them twice and tying them once. On both sides, numerous players have been named to Team of the Week such as Mike Delicate, Edson Elcock and GK Ronnie Pascale for the Richmond Kickers and Gareth Evans, Ben Hunter and GK Brian Levey for the Monarchs.

The two teams sit in second and third place in the respective USL 2 League play with just four points separating them. Outside of tonight's Cup action, the two teams will not meet again until the last week of the season that is sure to have playoff implications.

On Saturday, July 26th Real Maryland FC (3-3-5 14 pts.) travels up to Pittsburgh (2-3-5 11 pts.) for regular United Soccer Leagues Second Division play. Just 3 points separate the two teams for third place. In the two team's previous meetings, both games were held to a 0-0 draw.

Both games were played at the Monarch's home field at Richard Montgomery High School and neither team had been able to break the deadlock. Perhaps the new venue this weekend at Edinboro University will inspire a different outcome.

In the two team's last encounter, both goalkeepers were on their game. Pittsburgh's Hunter Gilstrap seemed to be able to react to any offensive action the Monarchs could muster. Without the Monarch's defensive captain in the previous match, goalkeeper Brain Levey stepped up his game to help out his team to notch the shutout.

In what is set up to be a defensive match, it is anticipated that both teams are ready to explode with some offensive fire power this time. The two teams respect one another defensively so it will take some bold measures for someone to be broken down.

The Monarchs return home on Thursday, July 8th at 6:30 pm to take on the Harrisburg City Islanders. The Islanders started off slowly, but have started to come into their own in the last few matches.

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

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 22, 2010


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