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Palace Baltimore To Play Red Bulls March 12 In Annapolis

February 4, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore is pleased to announce that they have scheduled an exhibition match against the MLS Championship finalist New York Red Bulls. The game will kick off at 7:00pm on Thursday March 12, 2009 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.

"We played our inaugural 2007 season at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium" Palace's Sporting Director and Co-Manager, Jim Cherneski pointed out. "It's a world-class venue, just perfect for this type of event. We have a lot of support in Annapolis so we're expecting a good crowd - tickets are already moving."

In July 2008, the Baltimore team upset the Red Bulls 2-0 in the 3rd round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, despite having a one-player disadvantage for most of the game after an early red card for Palace defender Ibrahim Kante.

Cherneski stated: "This is a game that we're excited to play in - we aim to go out and do well, like we did last summer. We feel we can win again. They're going to be preparing for their MLS season opener the following week, so we expect they'll be bringing many of their top players."

As for his own team's preparations for the upcoming USL season, Cherneski commented: "We start fitness training today, then our official pre-season practices begin in two weeks, so we're looking to be completely ready for March 12th."

Fellow Co-Manager and Club President, Pete Medd, added: "We're delighted to bring this game to the Baltimore-Annapolis region. It demonstrates the club's growth, as well as its commitment to deliver the highest level of soccer to the area. It's been such a pleasure working with a class organization like the Red Bull to put this event together."

During last year's US Open Cup loss, the Red Bulls coaching staff were impressed by the performance of Palace midfield star Matthew Mbuta. So much so that the MLS club bought out Mbuta's contract after the 2008 season, eventually assigning the speedy Cameroonian native to a senior roster spot.

"I'm really very excited to play against my former teammates," Mbuta stated with a smile. "I think we can win but it's going to be tough!"

"It's going to be fantastic day for Matthew," remarked Medd. "I imagine he'll get a lot of playing time. He's going to want to put on a show for the home-town fans. He had two great years with us, and he's going to be one of their most dynamic players." Referring to Mbuta's trademark goal-scoring celebration, Medd concluded: "I hope we don't see too many back-flips on the 12th!"

Tickets for this match are now available on the club's website - www.crystalpalaceusa.com - or by telephone at 410.933.TEAM(8326). Individual tickets are $16 - that price is discounted to $14 for groups of 10 or more. Children 4 years old and under are admitted free. Season tickets, which include this match, are also available now for $125. The club hopes to announce its regular season schedule very soon, pending final confirmation from the League.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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