Real Maryland Monarchs
Encyclopedia
Real Maryland F.C., commonly known as the Real Maryland Monarchs, is an American soccer team based in Rockville, Maryland
, United States
. Founded in 2007, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
, in the South Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, having voluntarily self-relegated from the USL Second Division
at the end of 2010.
The team plays its home games at Roy Lester Stadium on the campus of Richard Montgomery High School
, where they have played since 2009. The team's colors are white, gold and black. The team's nickname, the Monarchs or "Los Monarcas", is intended to reflect the state of Maryland’s colonial roots under Lords Calvert and Baltimore.
In addition to the professional team, the club fields a team in the USL’s Super-20 League
, a league for players 17 to 20 years of age run under the United Soccer Leagues
umbrella. The club also fields four teams in the USL's Super Y-League
, with teams in the U14, U15, U16, and U17 divisions.
in 2008. The club's majority owner, Victor Moran, named the club Real Maryland because he intended "to create a REAL event, not just a soccer game", and hired former Northern Virginia Royals
head coach Silvino Gonzalo to lead his team in its inaugural campaign.
The Monarchs played their first official game on April 20, 2008, a 1-0 loss to the Western Mass Pioneers
, but secured their first ever victory the following week with a 2-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds
; the first goal in franchise history was scored by Bill Brindley
. Unfortunately, the Monarchs' first season in USL2 was a difficult one, despite the on-field presence of former Salvadoran internationals Dennis Alas
and Ronald Cerritos
. They secured two more victories in May, 3-2 over the Cleveland City Stars
and 2-1 over the Wilmington Hammerheads
, but after conceding a last minute goal to lose 2-1 at home to Cleveland on June 8, fell apart thereafter, and by mid-season were already adrift at the bottom of the standings. Head coach Gonzalo was replaced by Antonio Carlos Vieira in July, but he could do nothing to halt the slide. They suffered several embarrassing defeats towards the end of the regular season, losing 4-0 to the Harrisburg City Islanders
, 5-2 to the Wilmington Hammerheads
, 6-0 to the Richmond Kickers
, and 8-0 to the Charlotte Eagles
, their worst result of the season. A 1-1 tie with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds
on the last day of the regular season did little to brighten the mood at the Maryland Soccer Plex, as the Monarchs finished dead last in the division; to make matters worse, the team was then docked a point by the league for rules infringement, leaving them seven points adrift of their closest rivals, the Bermuda Hogges
. Nilson Perez was the team's top scorer in its debut season, with six goals.
In 2010, it was announced that the Monarchs would move from the USL Second Division to the USL Premier Development League (PDL).
This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the team in the Premier Development League, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.
Dennis Alas
David Bulow
Ronald Cerritos
Rod Dyachenko
Gareth Evans Rey Ángel Martínez
Nicki Paterson
Sean Rush
Israel Sesay
(2009–2010)
Rockville, Maryland
Rockville is the county seat of Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is a major incorporated city in the central part of Montgomery County and forms part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. The 2010 U.S...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 2007, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
American Soccer Pyramid
The United States soccer pyramid is a term used in soccer to describe the structure of the league system in the United States. The country's governing body for the sport, the United States Soccer Federation , oversees the system but does not operate any of its component leagues—with one temporary...
, in the South Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, having voluntarily self-relegated from the USL Second Division
USL Second Division
The United Soccer Leagues Second Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, part of the United Soccer Leagues league pyramid...
at the end of 2010.
The team plays its home games at Roy Lester Stadium on the campus of Richard Montgomery High School
Richard Montgomery High School
Richard Montgomery High School is a secondary public school located in Rockville, Maryland.Richard Montgomery High School is named for Richard Montgomery, an American General who died while attempting to capture the British-held city of Quebec...
, where they have played since 2009. The team's colors are white, gold and black. The team's nickname, the Monarchs or "Los Monarcas", is intended to reflect the state of Maryland’s colonial roots under Lords Calvert and Baltimore.
In addition to the professional team, the club fields a team in the USL’s Super-20 League
Super-20 League
The United Soccer Leagues Super-20 League is an American-Canadian soccer league for players 17 to 20 years of age. Introduced in 2006 it took the place of the U-19 age bracket in the Super Y-League....
, a league for players 17 to 20 years of age run under the United Soccer Leagues
United Soccer Leagues
The United Soccer Leagues is the organizer of several soccer leagues with teams in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It includes men's and women's leagues, both professional and amateur. Leagues currently organized are the USL Pro, the USL Premier Development League, the W-League, and...
umbrella. The club also fields four teams in the USL's Super Y-League
Super Y-League
The Super Y-League is the highest form of American and Canadian youth soccer. It consists of over 100 teams, many of which are operated by clubs from MLS to PDL.- Age groups :The Super Y-League has these following age groups:*U-12*U-13*U-14*U-15...
, with teams in the U14, U15, U16, and U17 divisions.
History
Real Maryland was launched in July 2007 as an expansion franchise joining the USL Second DivisionUSL Second Division
The United Soccer Leagues Second Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, part of the United Soccer Leagues league pyramid...
in 2008. The club's majority owner, Victor Moran, named the club Real Maryland because he intended "to create a REAL event, not just a soccer game", and hired former Northern Virginia Royals
Northern Virginia Royals
Northern Virginia Royals is an American soccer team based in Woodbridge, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1998, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the South Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its home...
head coach Silvino Gonzalo to lead his team in its inaugural campaign.
The Monarchs played their first official game on April 20, 2008, a 1-0 loss to the Western Mass Pioneers
Western Mass Pioneers
Western Mass Pioneers is an American soccer team based in Ludlow, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1998, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its home games...
, but secured their first ever victory the following week with a 2-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Pittsburgh Riverhounds is an American professional soccer team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1999, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
; the first goal in franchise history was scored by Bill Brindley
Bill Brindley
William "Bill" Brindley is an American soccer player, currently without a club.-College and Amateur:Brindley played college soccer at Palm Beach Atlantic University from 2003 to 2006...
. Unfortunately, the Monarchs' first season in USL2 was a difficult one, despite the on-field presence of former Salvadoran internationals Dennis Alas
Dennis Alas
Dennis Jonathan Alas Morales is a Salvadoran association football player, who plays as a midfielder for C.D. Luís Ángel Firpo.He is the older brother of Alianza F.C...
and Ronald Cerritos
Ronald Cerritos
Ronald Osvaldo Cerritos Flores is a former Salvadoran footballer, who played as a striker.Cerritos is the all-time goalscorer of the Major League Soccer team, the San Jose Earthquakes, with 61 goals and also holds the all-time assists with 47.-Club career:Cerritos has spent the bulk of his career...
. They secured two more victories in May, 3-2 over the Cleveland City Stars
Cleveland City Stars
Cleveland City Stars was an American professional soccer team based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Founded in 2006, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until 2009...
and 2-1 over the Wilmington Hammerheads
Wilmington Hammerheads
Wilmington Hammerheads is an American professional soccer team based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
, but after conceding a last minute goal to lose 2-1 at home to Cleveland on June 8, fell apart thereafter, and by mid-season were already adrift at the bottom of the standings. Head coach Gonzalo was replaced by Antonio Carlos Vieira in July, but he could do nothing to halt the slide. They suffered several embarrassing defeats towards the end of the regular season, losing 4-0 to the Harrisburg City Islanders
Harrisburg City Islanders
Harrisburg City Islanders is an American professional soccer team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 2004, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
, 5-2 to the Wilmington Hammerheads
Wilmington Hammerheads
Wilmington Hammerheads is an American professional soccer team based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
, 6-0 to the Richmond Kickers
Richmond Kickers
The Richmond Kickers are an American professional soccer club based in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid...
, and 8-0 to the Charlotte Eagles
Charlotte Eagles
Charlotte Eagles is an American professional soccer team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1991, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
, their worst result of the season. A 1-1 tie with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Pittsburgh Riverhounds is an American professional soccer team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1999, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
on the last day of the regular season did little to brighten the mood at the Maryland Soccer Plex, as the Monarchs finished dead last in the division; to make matters worse, the team was then docked a point by the league for rules infringement, leaving them seven points adrift of their closest rivals, the Bermuda Hogges
Bermuda Hogges
Bermuda Hogges is a Bermudian soccer team based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference....
. Nilson Perez was the team's top scorer in its debut season, with six goals.
In 2010, it was announced that the Monarchs would move from the USL Second Division to the USL Premier Development League (PDL).
Current roster
As of June 8, 2011.Notable former players
- See also: All-time Real Maryland F.C. roster
This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the team in the Premier Development League, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.
Dennis Alas
Dennis Alas
Dennis Jonathan Alas Morales is a Salvadoran association football player, who plays as a midfielder for C.D. Luís Ángel Firpo.He is the older brother of Alianza F.C...
David Bulow
David Bulow
David Bulow is an American soccer player who currently plays for Richmond Kickers in the USL Professional Division.-College and Amateur:...
Ronald Cerritos
Ronald Cerritos
Ronald Osvaldo Cerritos Flores is a former Salvadoran footballer, who played as a striker.Cerritos is the all-time goalscorer of the Major League Soccer team, the San Jose Earthquakes, with 61 goals and also holds the all-time assists with 47.-Club career:Cerritos has spent the bulk of his career...
Rod Dyachenko
Rod Dyachenko
Rodion Sergeyevich "Rod" Dyachenko is a Russian footballer who currently plays for Samut Songkhram in the Thai Premier League.-Youth and College:Dyachenko was born in the Russian SFSR in the Soviet Union prior to the breakup of the country in the early 1990s...
Gareth Evans Rey Ángel Martínez
Rey Ángel Martínez
Rey Ángel "Boom-Boom" Martínez is an Cuban soccer player who last played for Real Maryland Monarchs in the USL Second Division.-Professional:...
Nicki Paterson
Nicki Paterson
Nicholas Stephen "Nicki" Paterson is a Scottish footballer currently playing for Charleston Battery in the USL Professional Division.-Early career in Scotland:...
Sean Rush
Sean Rush
Sean Patrick Rush is an American soccer player who last played for Ribeirão in the Portuguese Second Division....
Israel Sesay
Israel Sesay
Israel Sesay is a Sierra Leone-born American soccer player who currently plays for Los Angeles Blues in the USL Professional Division.-Early Life and Amateur:...
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | USL Second Division | 10th | Did not qualify | 2nd Round |
| 2009 | 3 | USL Second Division | 5th | Quarter Finals | 2nd Round |
| 2010 | 3 | USL Second Division | 6th | Did not qualify | 2nd Round |
| 2011 | 4 | USL PDL | 3rd, South Atlantic | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
Head coaches
Silvino Gonzalo (2008, 2011–present) Antonio Carlos Vieira (2008) Anthony HudsonAnthony Hudson (soccer)
Anthony Patrick Hudson is a football manager and coach, having previously played as a professional.-Playing career:As a player, Hudson started in the youth system at Premier League club West Ham United, and later had a spell at Luton Town.In 2001 he moved to Dutch First Division team NEC Nijmegen...
(2009–2010)
Stadia
- Maryland SoccerPlexMaryland SoccerPlexMaryland Soccerplex is a sports complex in Germantown, Maryland, United States . There are nineteen natural grass fields, three artificial fields, and eight indoor courts...
; Germantown, Maryland (2008) - Roy Lester Stadium at Richard Montgomery High SchoolRichard Montgomery High SchoolRichard Montgomery High School is a secondary public school located in Rockville, Maryland.Richard Montgomery High School is named for Richard Montgomery, an American General who died while attempting to capture the British-held city of Quebec...
; Rockville, MarylandRockville, MarylandRockville is the county seat of Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is a major incorporated city in the central part of Montgomery County and forms part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. The 2010 U.S...
(2009–present)
Average attendance
Attendance stats are calculated by averaging each team's self-reported home attendances from the historical match archive at http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html.- 2010: 608