Real Maryland Monarchs News Release - www.realmaryland.us

Saturday, June 14, 2008

HARRISBURG, PA -- The Monarchs dropped a 4-0 contest in Harrisburg in a game that the City Islanders controlled from the opening whistle. Fatigue was clearly an issue for many Real Maryland players after an overtime game last night in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Harrisburg opened the scoring in the second minute when defender Anthony Calvano turned in Yu Hoshide’s corner with his head after some poor marking by Maryland’s defense.

Maryland continued to endure heavy pressure for the next 15 minutes before settling into the game. Just as it seemed that they were getting back to even keel with the City Islanders, the Harrisburg side earned a penalty when Maryland defender Philippe Bissohang was forced to bring down Ryan Heins in the box.

Mo Odour coolly converted the penalty for Harrisburg to double their lead in the 36th minute.

Another mistake by Maryland led to Harrisburg’s third goal in first half stoppage time as Mo Odour sent Heins through on goal where he slotted past Maryland keeper Emilio Zelaya.

Coming out of halftime, little changed in the flow of the game as Harrisburg went right back to work. Brian Ombiji received a nice pass from Hoshide, and beat Zelaya for the City Islanders’ fourth goal.

Maryland eventually found control of the game, but their fatigue still clearly showed as the struggled for possession. A flashpoint came in the 82nd minute when Maryland’s Teodoro Ramirez and Harrisburg’s Almir Barbosa were sent off for an altercation away from the ball.

For the remaining time, Maryland played well and created several chances though Dennis Alas free kicks, but they failed to finish and the game ended 4-0.