PREVIEW: FC Monmouth vs First State FC
Written by Chris Dailey
Fresh off a dominant 7-0 win over Kensington SC to open the 2026 campaign, the FC Monmouth men hit the road tonight for a 7 PM showdown with familiar foe First State FC. The match stream can be found at https://www.youtube.com/live/TDXyxAnpUho.
FC Monmouth boasts a 4-0-1 all-time record against First State, dating back to the Blue and Gold’s days as members of the Keystone Conference in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Like FC Monmouth, First State FC joined The League for Clubs during its inaugural season last year.
In the club’s first ever meeting as TLFC sides, FC Monmouth won 2-0 at Count Basie Park. The first goal of the game was scored in the 27th minute via a powerful header at the backpost from Eric Sadlocha. It was the first foal for Sadlocha, now the club’s captain and one of several scorers in FC Monmouth’s big win to start the 2026 season.
The second goal of the night came courtesy of the club’s two superstars, Davide Caputo and Lenny Aviles. Caputo slipped a beautiful ball into the 18 that Aviles ran onto and nicely slotted into the far side netting.
Last season, First State fielded a team with Japanese roots. Several players, such as Fuma Okawa and Ryudai Seki, hailed from Japan. This season, their roster is composed of both current and ex collegiate players.
FC Monmouth, meanwhile, is set to field a lineup similar to the one that started against Kensington. On the wings, Ronan Hogg and Aviles were brilliant. Patrick Shaw at forward was just as effective up top, registering a goal and providing exemplary hold-up play.
While FC Monmouth’s attackers stole the headlines in the offensive outburst, the heartbeat of the performance came in the midfield. Holmdel native and rising sophomore at Columbia Stepan Kapranov notched two assists and showed off his class throughout. His ability to connect phases of play and kickstart attacks was on wide display. One of the best players in recent Shore Conference history, Kapranov netted an otherworldly 53 goals and registered a total of 135 points in his three years at Holmdel.
For FC Monmouth to earn another convincing victory, Kapranov will play a crucial role. Alongside him in the midfield is club legend Caputo, who tonight can tie Jack Longo for the club’s all-time appearance record with 29.
Head coach Hugh MacDonald will be sure to have his team ready. After scoring 26 combined goals in 2023 and 2024, FC Monmouth exploded for 27 goals in 2025. If they keep on their current pace, they will hit at least 70 in 2026.
Seriously though, the offensive firepower of the Blue Gold is serious. The front-line has the makings to be one of the best units in the entire nation. A win over First State will only further that reputation and give the team great confidence as they face off against in-state rival Atlantic City FC on May 21st.
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