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A Mark Schulte header in second half stoppage time sent Real Maryland crashing to its fifth defeat of the season, 2-1 at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

Following last night’s postponement due to inclement weather, the teams met back at the stadium this morning for a 10:00 AM showdown. Play resumed with a Cleveland free kick in front of the Real Maryland bench as last night’s action was called when lightning struck just as Real Maryland’s Marcos Chantel was whistled for a foul with 3:59 on the clock.

The pace of the match was slow, perhaps dictated by the extreme heat and humidity. One exception was Real Maryland captain Ronald Cerritos. The former MLS star was a livewire and the architect of Real Maryland’s goal.

In the 33rd minute, Cerritos won a free kick on the left wing. Dennis Alas quickly played the ball out to captain. Cerritos got to the end-line and squared the ball to Nilson Perez for an easy tap in.

Cleveland went in search for the equalizer, hitting the crossbar three times, but found the tying goal in the 85th minute thanks to some clever play from Sallieu Bundu. The City Stars won a free kick right on the edge of the box and Bundu caught the Monarchs off guard, quickly curling in his free kick while the defense and goalkeeper were still in the process of setting up their wall.

Cleveland completed the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time as Mark Schulte powered through the heart of the defense to head home a Luke Williams corner kick.

“We had the game,” Real Maryland coach Silvino Gonzalo lamented. “In five minutes we made two mistakes and gave it away.”

Real Maryland has a chance to get back on track Tuesday night when it takes on the NY Pancyprian Freedoms in the first round of the US Open Cup at 8:00 PM at the Maryland SoccerPlex.