FC Monmouth Gears up for Historic Double-header
Written by Chris Dailey
History beckons at Count Basie Park in Red Bank this Saturday. For the first time in club history, FC Monmouth will be hosting a double-header as both the men’s and women’s teams take center stage. The men’s team will kick off the historic day versus Kensington Soccer Club in The League for Clubs (TLFC) action at 4:30 PM. Shortly thereafter, the women’s team will take the field for a Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) match against the Delaware Ospreys at 7:30 PM.
FC Monmouth men’s are riding high off their fourth consecutive win to open up their inaugural TLFC campaign, having beaten longtime foes Atlantic City FC 2-1. Sitting atop the table, FC Monmouth have only allowed four goals compared to 13 they’ve put in the back of the net. Leading the charge for the Blue and Gold’s attack is Rutgers forward and captain of the team Lenny Aviles. The Puerto Rico Youth National Team member registered a hat-trick over Lighthouse Boys Club and Kesington and added to his collection with a dramatic game-winner in the dying embers of FC Monmouth’s away fixture at Atlantic City.
Aviles’ stellar play has been complemented by fellow captain Andrew Araya. Araya has scored two late game-winners. Since moving from a deeper role in the midfield to a more advanced position, Araya has consistently provided exceptional performances for the Blue and Gold.
“Personally, I’ve had a really good start to the season contributing with goals and an assist. Behind the scenes many people don’t see the amount of work I do so that I can have success on the field,” said Araya on his top-quality performances.
The team will need to channel their best version of themselves as they face a red-hot Kensington side that has rebounded since dropping its opening game to Kingston Stockade FC 5-1. Since then, Kensington have only allowed two goals, and they recently notched a big 3-1 win over a very talented NY Braveheart SC side.
“Although we’ve had a good start, as we look to the business end of the season, we’ll make sure we’re never complacent and focused solely on our next match, which will be another difficult challenge against the top team in the southern part of Northeast Conference,” stated head coach MacDonald. He continued, “We have good guys that are beginning to understand the concepts in and out of possession, we just hope to make the supporters and staff proud.”
Following their clash against Kensington, the men’s side are eager to stay around Count Basie Park and support the women’s team.
“We’re also excited to support Lou, Bryan, and the rest of the women’s team when our match is over. It will be another great day for our great club,” said MacDonald.
The women’s team will also be presented with a formidable challenge on Saturday night. The Delaware Ospreys currently sit second in the Colonial Division table. Through three games, they’ve garnered two wins and one draw.
However, FC Monmouth women’s will surely be confident after an impressive road win over SJEB FC on Tuesday night. The win was three days after SJEB FC got the better of FC Monmouth at Count Basie, taking down the Blue and Gold 3-0. FC Monmouth’s seven points places them on level terms with SJEB FC, the Ospreys, and Real Central NJ, however, between goal-differential, games played, and head-to-head, the club sits fourth in the table.
The team will also need to manage fatigue, as they travel to Fever SC tonight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM. Regardless, anticipation is high for Saturday night’s big game.
“We are extremely excited about the first ever men’s and women’s FC Monmouth double-header,” said head coach Lou Santa Cruz. “Hopefully the ladies and men come out and play good quality soccer in front of our home fans this Saturday night. Our staff and players are looking forward to a great evening.”
It’s safe to say FC Monmouth is eager for this Saturday’s double-header. Tickets for the momentous occasion day can be found at fcmonmouth.com/tickets. Make sure to follow along with all things FC Monmouth on social media, @wearemonmouth.