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Silver Spring, MD – Looking to get three points back from Richmond this weekend, the team will travel down to hostile territory in Central Virginia. The Kickers have lost only 1 game at home since the 2006 season. This may be favorable to Real Maryland FC since the loss came within the last two weeks.

Last week at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville Maryland, the Monarchs (1-2-1) let an important 3 home points slip away to Richmond (1-1-2) 1-0. Both teams sit in the middle of the table with Richmond above Real Maryland by just 1 point.

“Every game is going to be close and every game is important,” says Head Coach Anthony Hudson. “Every team you face will be a tough opponent.”

Real Maryland has let in only two goals this season due in part to solid defensive work and some good saves from the goalkeeper. The goal difference is what has them sitting in the middle of the table as opposed to the top because they have only scored 2 goals in four tries.

Captain, Gareth Evans, who was named to the USL Team of the Week in Week 2, has had a strong start to the season at center back. The former Wrexham FC defender has been solid for the Monarchs helping the team in conceding only two goals. So too has Mason Trafford, who plays alongside him on the left. Mason is in his first season at Real Maryland after joining the club from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Mason brings experience and quality to the Real back four and will look to continue with a strong performance tomorrow night.

Former Ivory Coast National Team player Hamed Diallo will be looking for his first goal tomorrow after a piece of magic on the edge of the box and splintering the post against Richmond last week. In his first game last week the striker showed some moments of brilliance and will be a definite danger to Richmond, who have conceded four goals so far in this campaign.

Another who hit the woodwork was Midfielder Nicki Paterson, also a former USL 2 Player of the Week, will also be looking to get on the score sheet Saturday night. The attacking midfielder has come close in every game, hitting the post and crossbar and also setting up his teammates for opportunities on goal. Nicki was one of the strongest midfielders in the league last year and no doubt will be a real presence again this season.

Real Maryland return home next week on Thursday, May 13th for a game against Harrisburg City Islanders and then continue the home stand that weekend by matching up with Richmond again on Sunday, May 16th at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD.

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