Real Maryland Monarchs News Release - www.realmaryland.us

Thursday, July 3, 2008

GERMANTOWN, MD -- Real Maryland (3-8-0) continues its Independence Day weekend fixtures when it faces 2007 USL-2 champions the Harrisburg City Islanders (4-1-7) this Sunday at 4PM at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

Harrisburg arrives to the Maryland SoccerPlex in 6th position after its 1-1 draw with Wilmington last weekend. The Islanders were a goal down at half-time but managed to secure a point after midfielder Nate Baker was able to convert his 66th minute penalty.

The two sides are no strangers to each other after having already gone head-to-head twice this season. It was the Pennsylvania side who emerged victorious in both encounters, beating the Monarchs 3-0 and 4-0 respectively.

“It will be a big challenge playing Harrisburg,” assistant first team and Super 20’s coach Roger Fernandez firmly states. “Real Maryland has to come up with a win against them. 0 from 3 will simply be unacceptable.”

Real Maryland’s game against the City Islanders will be its second of the weekend. The Monarchs begin its Independence Day weekend on Friday against the Richmond Kickers and know that both fixtures may make or break its inaugural season.