Real Maryland (3-10-0) will travel to foreign soil this week when it challenges Caribbean side the Bermuda Hogges (3-8-1) on Friday at 6PM at the National Stadium in USL-2 play.
The Monarchs remain in 9th place in the USL-2 standings after it fell 2-0 at home to Harrisburg last weekend. The Monarchs started out strongly against the Islanders but unfortunately conceded two first-half goals courtesy of Brett Wiesner and Ryan Heins. The home side managed to regroup for the second-half but was unable to find the back of the net.
?Mathematically we can still qualify for the finals,? remarks assistant first team and Super 20?s coach Roger Fernandez optimistically. ?The team has been training hard this week in the hopes of turning the season around. It all begins with a victory over Bermuda.?
Bermuda currently sits one spot above the Monarchs in 8th position. The Hogges will be aiming to restore its pride after being trounced 7-1 at home last weekend against Richmond. Substitute striker Aljame Zuill managed to salvage a consolation goal for the Caribbean side with his 78th minute penalty.
The Hogges will be turning to midfielder Damon Ming this Friday to lead the attack. The Bermudian has been influential for his side this season with his constant runs down the wing. The Monarchs? defenders will have to be at the top of their game to halt the player.
?This game will not be looked upon as a holiday for us,? firmly states Real Maryland defender Andy Kish. ?We are going there with the intention of winning.?
This will be Real Maryland?s first league game away from the Maryland SoccerPlex since it travelled to Harrisburg in mid-June. The Monarchs now take to the road for its next three fixtures before returning home later in the month to face Bermuda again.
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Fans are encouraged to visit the Monarchs? website to follow the team?s progress.
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