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Silver Spring, MD ? The Monarchs picked up a valuable point this weekend in order to stay in the hunt for a USL 2 playoff spot.? Going into the weekend, Real Maryland FC found themselves sitting in fifth place with four games left in the regular season.?

After going toe to toe with two of the top teams in the USL Second Division this weekend, the Monarchs still sit in the last playoff spot with 23 points.? Despite not scoring a goal the entire weekend, the team managed to put both Harrisburg and Richmond on their heels with tremendous defensive effort and team unity.

Leading the way this weekend was netminder David Kern.? Kern stepped up his play this weekend with a commanding presence in the back both Saturday and Sunday.? Over the winter, Kern won an indoor championship with the Baltimore Blast.? As the games have gotten more intense with nearing the playoffs, Kern?s experience has begun to shine solidifying the Monarch?s back line.?

In the fourth minute of stoppage time, the Monarchs looked to have found the answer to their scoring woes as #22 Ryan Cordeiro and #16 Cameron Chastain streaked down the far sideline of Harrisburg?s defensive third.? To the home crowd?s dismay, they were denied by the cat-like reflexes of Chase Harrington who kept the sheet clean for the Islanders.? On a quick counter, the Monarchs found themselves chasing Harrisburg down to try and end the game.? A man up, the Islanders managed to get one last cross in where it was struck for a one-time volley.? Again, David Kern rose to the challenge making an acrobatic save to preserve the shutout.

The lone point from the weekend keeps Real Maryland FC in the final playoff spot just one point ahead of Crystal Palace Baltimore.? The Monarchs next game will see them at home when they welcome back the Bermuda Hogges.? The teams have split their previous two meetings this year.?

The game will be played on Saturday, August 8th at Richard Montgomery High School with a start time of 6 pm.? Any referee who wishes to attend the match will receive $5 off of their admission price.? After the match, the officials for that night?s professional game will be available for a Q & A Session immediately following. ?The ?Referee Game Night? is set up in an effort by Real Maryland FC, the United Soccer Leagues and the United State Soccer Federation to help continue the education and development of top quality referees in the United States.

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, please visit realmaryland.us or contact General Manager David Noyes at (301) 933-6460.