Old Foes Meet Again: FC Monmouth vs. Atlantic City FC Preview
Written by Chris Dailey
FC Monmouth’s attack has been unstoppable to open the 2026 campaign, scoring seven goals in each of its first two matches. Now, the Blue and Gold face their toughest test yet as they travel to Atlantic City FC tomorrow night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Stockton University with streaming accessible on YouTube.
The club’s terrific start to the season has been a collective effort. Seven different players have scored a goal, while ten players have registered at least one point. Lenny Aviles and Jack Guerin lead the way with three goals each. Stepan Kapranov has emerged as the key with a team-high four assists.
The Blue and Gold’s big-time contributors will seek to continue their fine form as FC Monmouth steps in front of the team that ended their season in Northeast Conference semifinals one year ago. It’s worth noting FC Monmouth beat Atlantic City FC in the regular season 2-1. Aviles scored the game-winning goal.
2025 was just one chapter in these two clubs long-standing rivalry. Both clubs first season was in 2018 as members of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). In the season, Atlantic City’s first win was over FC Monmouth. In 2019, the Blue and Gold got its revenge with a 1-0 win as current NJIT assistant Anthony Rovito netted a beautiful finish. The game is more widely-remembered for featuring a three hour weather delay with only 20 minutes left to play.
Fast forward to 2026, and both clubs are now members of The League for Clubs and established staples within the league.
FC Monmouth head coach Hugh MacDonald expects another strong battle Thursday night against a familiar foe.
“Atlantic City are always a tough test with their no-nonsense approach. We respect greatly their ability to make each game they’re in difficult for their opponent, and their ability to punish teams that don’t come in with a strong mentality,” said MacDonald. “What we’ve been focusing on is becoming the best version of who we can become, and focusing more internally on getting better as a team each time out.”
For MacDonald, he’s of course looking to rely upon his core contributors in Aviles, Guerin and Kapranov – all of whom have become dominant forces in the forward line and midfield. But even with their immense production, he’s been no less impressed by FC Monmouth’s defensive stalwarts.
“Julian Ramirez has quietly done a really fine job at left back. Eric Sadlocha has been playing like one of the best centerbacks in the country,” said MacDonald.
Sadlocha scored a goal against Kensington Soccer Club in FC Monmouth’s 7-0 season-opener before heading in a corner from Jake Homowitz in the team’s 7-2 away win over First State FC.
FC Monmouth’s six points have them sitting atop of the Northeast Conference table. Atlantic City has yet to play a game.
For more updates on the live stream link and all things FC Monmouth, follow the club on instagram @wearemonmouth
