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Real Maryland (3-13-1) travel to Virginia’s capital to compete against the high-flying Richmond Kickers (10-4-2) this Saturday at 7PM at the University of Richmond Stadium.

The Monarchs currently sit in last place in the USL-2 table after losing 2-1 to the Bermuda Hogges at home. John Barry Nusum’s strike in the third minute opened up proceedings for the visitors in a game marred by numerous weather delays. Real Maryland regrouped and found the equalizer through Nilson Perez in the 40th minute, but Kevin Richards struck back with the match winner for the Hogges in the 71st minute.

The game was concluded in the 76th minute due to safety reasons.

Richmond currently sits second in the standings after downing Cleveland City 3-1 at home on the weekend. In-form striker David Bulow gave the Kickers the lead in the 18th minute after his well-timed shot found the back of the City net. The American doubled the score in the 70th minute through a converted penalty kick after a Cleveland defender was deemed to have handled the ball inside the box. Richmond was 3-0 up after the visitors scored an own goal but City managed to salvage a goal back on the brink of fulltime.

Bulow is currently USL-2’s second leading goal scorer having put the ball in the net 8 times from 16 appearances this season. One defender intent on halting the striker’s good run of form is Real Maryland defender Daryl Ferguson.

“We will have to man mark Bulow and provide him with no space,” affirms the Barbados international. “Limiting his movement and creativity is the key.

“We are going to Richmond to try and get a result,” Ferguson continues. “The team has been playing really well recently and we want to end the season on a good note.”

The two teams first met previously at the Maryland SoccerPlex back in July. Richmond left the ground 3-0 victors that day after Adrian Bumbut, Freddie Smith and Mike Burke all found the net. The Monarchs are out to prevent this score from occurring again.

This will be the first away game for new Real Maryland head coach Carlos Vieira and the Brazilian has already started making some positive impressions on the players.

“I believe the coach knows what he’s talking about,” remarks Real Maryland midfielder Victor Ramirez. “The game against Richmond will be his second in charge of the team and he is already settling in with players.”

Fans are urged to make the short trip down to Virginia’s capital and cheer their Monarchs on!