Palace and Real to Square off for DeOrsey Maryland Cup

Published on March 31, 2009 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore is pleased to announce that the second, annual DeOrsey Maryland Cup will take place on Friday April 10, 2009 at 7:30pm at UMBC Stadium. Each year, the DeOrsey Cup pits local USL rivals Real Maryland and Crystal Palace Baltimore against one another to determine the "Champion of Maryland". The DeOrsey Maryland Cup was founded in 2008 in honor of the late Matt DeOrsey. Palace Baltimore President and Co-Manager Pete Medd was a teammate and close friend of DeOrsey's at Middletown High School and at Towson University.

"We look forward to going out and competing to retain the title we won last year," stated Medd. "We are trying to create enthusiasm within our respective fan bases for what is, and should be, a fantastic rivalry between these two clubs. We would like to thank Real Maryland for their generosity and cooperation in order to make this event happen in honor of a great Maryland soccer player and person in Matt DeOrsey."

Last year, the inaugural Cup was claimed by Palace after the Baltimore side topped Real over the two-game, regular season series by an aggregate score of 5-3. This season, however, both teams have agreed to make it a one match competition with the winner retaining the Cup for one year. If the game is tied after the regulation 90 minutes, the winner will be decided by a standard FIFA competition penalty shootout.

"We're obviously very much looking forward to the game," remarked Real Maryland head coach, Anthony Hudson. "It's extra special playing Palace for such a great cause and we're glad to be a part of it."

Tickets are $10 in advance or at the gate. This year, all proceeds from the match will benefit [Abilities Network]. Last year, nearly $3,000 in gate receipts and additional donations were collected to benefit DeOrsey's family. Matt deOrsey's wife and stepson will be attending this year's event.

The DeOrsey Cup match is Palace's final pre-season contest before they embark on their 2009 USL2 campaign the following Friday against the visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

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