FC Monmouth vs NY Braveheart SC Preview
Written by Chris Dailey
FC Monmouth is set to play host to NY Braveheart SC at Count Basie Park tonight. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM.
Sitting atop the Northeast Conference table, the Blue and Gold have gotten off to a fierce start in The League for Clubs. With their fine form, FC Monmouth is ranked as one of the top teams in the nation, above the likes of Tulsa Athletic, FC Dallas u23s, and Kingston Stockade. The club is eager to expand upon their early successes, especially after a heated home affair last Sunday against Stockade.
The flat first half was contrasted by a back-and-forth second half. Aidan Tisony registered the game's first goal of the game. However, FC Monmouth’s lead was short lived. Stockade equalized, and with players feeling fatigue as the final minutes approached, the game seemed to be over.
However, Lenny Aviles had other ideas. Stockade’s goalie couldn’t keep control of Aviles’ hardly-hit shot, as the ball fell into the feet of Davide Caputo. The crafty midfielder from Rowan was quickly tripped, resulting in a penalty kick.
Captain Andrew Araya buried the ball into the top left corner as the Monmouth faithful celebrated.
Fresh off a hard-fought victory, FC Monmouth now seek to turn their attention to a Braveheart side that is hungry for revenge after a disappointing 4-2 result against Met Oval Academy. Although Braveheart had several good passages of play, Met Oval’s potent attack netted 4 goals. Braveheart scored off an own goal by Met Oval in addition to a finish from star forward Harry Cooke.
Cooke is anticipated to be one of TLFC’s best forwards this summer. The Englishman was awarded a spot on the D2 CCA All-American list. He ranked first in the nation in game-winning goals, second in points and goals, and tied for fourth in assists. His natural ability in front of the net will pose a tough challenge for FC Monmouth’s defense.
The Blue and Gold’s defense will also be without center back Luan Lazoja on Saturday. Lazoja was one of FC Monmouth’s most visible players on the pitch against Stockade, making several good plays including a brilliant slide tackle in the second half. However, FC Monmouth’s roster construction has made for a very deep team, and the club is comfortable with whoever is on the pitch.
Head coach Hugh MacDonald is aiming for FC Monmouth to fully mesh now three games into the year.
“We’re still learning each other a bit. It’s still super early in the season. We have a lot to learn in and out of possession and in transitions. More importantly, we just have to get more comfortable and learn each other as a team,” stated MacDonald.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or visit fcmonmouth.com/tickets. To stay in tune with live updates on social media, follow @wearemonmouth.