FC Monmouth Set To Make Its League For Clubs Debut Against Lighthouse Boys Club
May 10 2025
Written By Chris Dailey
It’s May, which means it’s officially that time of year once again. The time of year when the weather is warm, the vibes are high, and FC Monmouth is back on the pitch. The Blue and Gold will make their long-awaited return to play today at 5:30 p.m. in an away fixture against the Lighthouse Boys Club of Kensington. The game marks FC Monmouth’s first in The League For Clubs (TLFC), and the first for new head coach Hugh MacDonald.
MacDonald is the current associate head coach of Monmouth University, where he has firmly solidified himself as a legend within the local soccer scene. As a player, MacDonald was captain for the Hawks and two-time Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year. After a brief stint with the New York Red Bulls, MacDonald joined the coaching ranks with Monmouth and garnered great success in both the MAAC and CAA. He is set to bring a high-tempo, technical playstyle to the club. MacDonald will be joined by his assistant, Evan Unger — a former Monmouth player and coach, now serving as the director of sales and marketing for EDP.
FC Monmouth’s lineup will feature a backline of NJIT trio Luan Lazoja, Eric Sadlocha, and Grayson Parks. The trio helped lead the Highlanders to a stellar season, which included a hard-fought loss to eventual national champions University of Vermont.
They’ll be joined by former NJIT teammate, Andrew Araya. This year is Araya’s second with the club. He proved to be an anchor from the center-defensive midfield position in his debut season, and carried his terrific form into a fantastic freshman campaign with the Highlanders. Araya was awarded a spot on the America East All-Rookie team. After the collegiate season, he announced he will be transferring to Fairleigh Dickinson to continue his collegiate career.
The Blue and Gold’s attack will be led by several exciting new attackers, as well as those of old. Davide Caputo has become one of the best players in club history through his first two years with FC Monmouth. Following a second-consecutive All-NJAC first team selection, he is showing no signs of slowing down. Caputo will be joined in the final third by several FC Monmouth newcomers, including Rutgers players Lenny Aviles and Eddie Krupski. Aviles and Krupski both at Rutgers, have shown promise in preseason for FC Monmouth’s attack.
Aviles spent time in the Puerto Rico youth national team setup, where he delivered 5 goals and 5 assists in 3 games during CONCACAF qualifiers just a few years ago. In his U19 MLS Next season with PDA, he scored 32 goals in 31 games. Krupski, meanwhile, scored an outstanding 30 goals in his senior year of high school soccer at Seton Hall Prep.
With a mix of experienced returners and flashy newcomers, there is a lot to be excited for this season with the Blue and Gold. To stream the game, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/GYDETuLovOU. To stay up to date with all things FC Monmouth, follow us on social media @wearemonmouth.
ICYMI: FC Monmouth is hosting community pickup soccer nights in collaboration with our wonderful partner, Home Turf! Join us every Friday night in May through July at 8 PM - 10 p.m.