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Silver Spring, MD – Real Maryland FC completed their regular season series with Crystal Palace Baltimore on the road last night. The 1-0 win gives the Monarchs a clean sweep of the regular season series with their in-state rivals. The team took two out of the three matches on the road this season.

The first half saw, yet again, another new line-up because of various players being out with injuries and cards. The night did see the return of some faces that had been out for a long time and a new face as well. Mid-fielder Jeff Carroll made his return after being out for the past 6 weeks with a stress fracture in his foot. The game also saw a new face in the line-up for the Monarchs as Michael Holody, who is on loan from the Colorado Rapids, made his debut in the center back position.

In the second half, play was stepped up by both teams as the game came alive. Real Maryland FC scored the game’s lone goal from some magnificent midfield play with the forwards. Left flank runner, Ryan Cordeiro, while combining with some nice give and go play, beat the Palace right side to get the ball to Cecil Lewis. Lewis in the 54th minute of play calmly placed the ball into the back of Baltimore’s goal.

As the play continued on, the game began to look like it was going to slide in Baltimore’s favor. The Monarchs were blinded by numerous yellow cards from the center official. In what turned out to be the most bizarre card of the night, was when Ryan Cordeiro received his second yellow card of the match. While being assisted off the pitch by the Monarch’s trainer, the official gave a second yellow card to #22. The red card was RMFC’s second of the night leaving them to finish with 9 men on the pitch.

Despite the absence of center back Yendry Diaz, the Monarch defense held firm in denying the Palace equalizer. New comer Michael Holody stood tall and brought a strong, calming presence to the defense. Ashleigh Townsend made his return after being out for the past couple of matches and solidified the middle with Holody. Jonathan Borrajo and Joe Funicello held the flanks off well while the team was down two men.

In goal, #1 Justin Hughes recorded the shutout for Real Maryland FC. Hughes, who comes to the Monarchs from the Colorado Rapids originally, make the key stops necessary for the team to take home the “W”. Justin made two saves that were above the call of duty when he tipped a shot over the bar and when he stopped a point blank one-timer off a cross.

The Monarchs play next at home on July 11th versus the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The game will start at 6 pm at Richard Montgomery High School. Club Soccer Night will be featured at the game for all local youth soccer teams. The club that shows up with the most participants and most spirit will win a game against the Monarchs’ Professional Team!

Real Maryland FC participates in the Second Division of the United Soccer Leagues. All 2009 Regular Season Home Games will be played at Lester Stadium at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, MD. For more information or tickets, please visit realmaryland.us or contact General Manager David Noyes at (301) 933-6460.

Real Maryland FC Finds a Way to Win