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Silver Spring, MD – The stage was set with the top two teams in the league fighting for early dominance of the standings a month ago where Real Maryland FC and the Charleston Battery sat tied in first place atop the USL Second Division. Since the Battery's 1-0 win, Charleston (6-1-1) 19 points has remained in first place while Real Maryland FC (2-3-3) 9 points has bounced around the middle of the table grinding it out week after week.

The Monarchs are coming off of a 0-0 tie at home last this past weekend against the Charlotte Eagles gaining only a point at a valuable home match. This Saturday, Real Maryland FC will make its first trip to Charleston’s famed Blackbaud Stadium where they will be looking to change their offensive ways.

After their initial meeting, Charleston looked like a runaway freight train winning every game until this past weekend. Looking for their first win on the season, the Harrisburg City Islanders decided to end both streaks for the two teams. The Islanders notched their first victory on the season by beating the Battery 2-1, ending their winning streak.

Real Maryland FC will look to capitalize on this stumble by the Battery while being led by this week’s USL’s Team of the Week player Gareth Evans. Defense has been the Monarchs strong suit in the first part of the season where Gareth Evans has led the defensive wall to only 7 goals against in 8 games.

Looking to bounce back after their trip up North, Charleston will no doubt look to Tommy Heinemann who has 7 points on the season and Pierre Rudolph Mayard who sits just behind with 6 points on the season. The Battery have 7 players in the USL’s top 20 points leaders with an accumulation of 16 goals. In comparison to the Monarchs 6 goals, the Battery have a double digit edge in the offensive department.

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