Palace Look For Improvement Against Visiting Bermuda

Published on April 23, 2009 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - After opening the season with a frustrating goalless draw at home to Pittsburgh last week, Palace welcome Bermuda to UMBC Stadium this Friday for the first fixture of the Hogges' 2009 campaign. Last year, Palace edged the three-game season series two to one, with Bermuda's lone victory coming on the road.

Changes to Baltimore's starting lineup are expected as they look to find their scoring touch, but they may have to do so without newly signed striker and former Hogge, John Barry Nusum. Nusum suffered a quadriceps injury shortly before arriving at Palace but has been on the mend and has not been ruled out for a second half appearance against his former teammates.

"It'll be fun... good to see a bunch of the guys again," remarked Nusum, "but we'll have to wait and see whether I can play." Asked about his experience so far with Palace, he responded: "Everyone's been good to me - it's a close-knit team, everyone's real humble, so, you know, everything's cool."

Midfield engine Bryan Harkin is making a speedier-than-expected recovery from what initially appeared to be a serious groin strain in the final pre-season match against Real Maryland two weeks ago. The Northern Irishman will be a game-time decision for the coaches as will former Thunder Bay Chill defender Olawale Adelusimi. The Nigerian rookie has been suffering a foot problem since joining the squad in February but is nearing 100% fitness.

At half-time of Friday's match, there will be an on-field ceremony to honor members of the Maryland Soccer Hall of Fame who will be in attendance.

Tickets are still available through the club's website - http://www.crystalpalaceusa.com - or by calling 410.933.TEAM(8326)

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 23, 2009


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