Real Maryland celebrate Mother's Day with 2-0 win over local rivals

Real Maryland FC celebrated Mother\'s Day Weekend by earning 3 points in their derby match Saturday against Crystal Palace Baltimore. The Monarchs, who now sit in the upper half the table with 6 points, earned a 2-0 victory with a pair of second half goals.

Real Maryland FC opened up strong but couldn\'t convert on a couple of attempts by Gary Brooks. The striker was denied by Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper after receiving some nice through-balls from the mid-field. The first half was composed mostly of possession as neither team was able to convert on limited opportunities.

The second half proved to be a different story as the level of play stepped up a notch. Almost immediately after the whistle, Gary Brooks netted a rocket volley off a Ryan Cordeiro corner kick, putting the Monarchs up 1-0. As the intensity of the match began to rise, both teams saw more physical play in almost every opportunity. Ultimately, Real Maryland FC benefitted from the surge of energy as they continued to create scoring chances.

In the 60th minute, Ryan Cordeiro set the stage for the final blow.  As the Monarch’s kept the pressure on the Palace goal, a ball came loose at the top of the penalty box.  Victor Ramirez pounced on it and blasted home his first goal of the season into the upper corner of the far post giving the Monarchs a 2-0 lead. Baltimore would make a push in the final minutes, but Yendry Diaz and the Monarch’s defense proved to be too strong and held the shutout in tact.

The Monarchs play next Saturday, May 16th at 6 pm at home against the Western Mass Pioneers.  The team looks to continue their strong play at Richard Montgomery High School’s Lester Stadium.