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Silver Spring, MD - - The Real Maryland Monarchs open the 2010 Season this Saturday, April 17th at Richard Montgomery High School starting at 6:30 pm. The Monarchs will welcome back the Pittsburgh Riverhounds again this year after splitting their contests just one year ago.

The Riverhounds are coming off an undefeated 2010 pre-season where they were led by First Year Head Coach Justin Evans. Evans experience with US Men’s National Team, MLS, USL, and MISL as well as stints in the Polish First and Second Division has given a much needed lift to Pittsburgh. It remains to be seen if he can carry it into the regular season, which is far different from pre-season play.

On the other side of the Midline is Coach Anthony Hudson. In just his first year in 2009, he led the Monarchs to their first ever post-season play in only their second year of existence. Hudson is proving to be one of the bright young minds of the game and Saturday Night should be an interesting showdown between the two former players, now head coaches.

The Monarchs have a different look this year as they have solidified their defense along side of last year’s captain John Borrajo. Jonathan spent most of the off-season training in Europe beginning with Real Maryland FC’s partner club Real Sporting Gijon of La Liga. Borrajo will be joined by Gareth Evans, Mason Trafford and Kenneth Sola. The defense looks to lock down the back with extreme discipline making it difficult for teams to penetrate.

Again, there is a different look in the midfield as there is only one of the few remaining Monarchs from last year. Sean Rush, the lone returner on the flank is lined up with some special players in the central part of the field. Creating the play and setting the heartbeat, Nicki Paterson, Nate Baker, Ben Hunter and Sean Rush have the technical ability to play on both sides of the ball.

Two players also worth mentioning are budding stars Jose Bibiano and Ricardo Unda. These two players have been called up from the Real Maryland FC Super 20 Team proving that the USL and RMFC Pyramid works in player development. The two players will cause problems for teams in the both the center and on the side of the pitch.

“We are fortunate to have a system in place that can develop players for the Professional Team,” says Coach Hudson. “We hope to see the great work by our youth coaches continue.”

Lastly, running around up top creating headaches for the opposing team’s defenses is Hamed Diallo and Jamie Darville. Look for some other surprises with some new players that will be stepping on the pitch this year in each position.

Start your season off right by joining the pre-game festivities at Buffalo Wild Wings located in the Rockville Town Center just a walk away from the Stadium. Buffalo Wild Wings, The Rockville Chamber of Commerce and Real Maryland FC have set up pre-game festivities at Buffalo Wild Wings starting at 4 pm. The festivities will run from 4-6 pm where fans can enjoy free food with local soccer fans. Afterwards, everyone will make their way to Richard Montgomery High School and receive $5 off admission at the gate with a receipt from the pre-game gathering.

Real Maryland FC participates in the Second Division of the United Soccer Leagues. All 2010 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.