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Silver Spring, MD – The Monarchs let 3 points slip away again at home Saturday night with a 1-0 loss to Richmond. Richmond (1-1-1) notched their first win on the season against Real Maryland FC (1-2-1). Both teams now sit in the middle of the standings with the kickers sitting in second and the Monarchs third.

Coming off a a formidable opponent Charleston earlier in the week, the Monarchs were looking to bounce back and get their first win at home in the 2010 Season. Real Maryland FC started off with a fast pace and found themselves in Richmond’s end of the field for a good part of the first 10 minutes. Richmond was able to withhold the pressure and countered finding themselves with several good scoring chances early.

In the 15th minute, the Monarchs keeper, Brian Levey, was tested with a flurry of chances by the kickers who got in behind the Real Maryland’s defense. Levey found himself against a #21 Johnny Villenueva shot that he managed to deflect with a great reactionary save. The point blank save off of a corner kick was left for an easy Kicker clean up, but Levey came up big again against #7 Matt Delicate who was hanging out in the six yard box. The saves managed to keep the Monarchs in the game.

Play ensued back and forth for the majority of the first half until #11 Jamie Darvill managed to get a shot off in Richmond’s 18-yard box, but it was deflected wide. The two teams headed into the locker room at half-time 0-0.

In the second half, Real Maryland seemed to rally its play early on creating a couple of chances in the 61st and 64th minute. Early signing, but late arrival Hamed Diallo made his first appearance of the season. As a second half substitution, #10 Diallo caused problems for the Kicker defense and in the 61st minute knocked a rocket off of the post.

Determined to put one away, the Monarchs continued the smothering pressure. Three minutes later, in the 64th minute, #7 Ben Hunter knocked a sure to be goal off the post and Real Maryland FC was denied again.

After throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Richmond, the kickers bounced back and made their way into the offensive zone to apply pressure of their own. In quick fashion, with a give and go, #7 Matthew Delicate delivered the game winning blow from a #17 David Hertel assist.

The goal seem to deflate the Monarchs, but they were able to pump some life and go back on the attach testing veteran Kicker keeper Ronny Pascale. Unfortunately, Real Maryland FC could not muster up enough to beat the keeper or the post, which was hit again, making it four posts in less than a week.

Richmond continued their travels up to Pittsburgh for a back-to-back game on Sunday and will travel home to face Real Maryland FC again next Saturday back in Richmond.

Real Maryland FC will look to regroup after two home losses on the only two goals they have allowed in the young season. The Monarchs will travel to Richmond next Saturday, May 8th for a quick rematch and then will return home for a three game home stand starting on Thursday, May 13th.

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