FC Monmouth Gears Up For Matchday One Battle With Philadelphia Union DS
Written By Chris Dailey
FC Monmouth open up their season on Saturday, May 11, at 12:30 as they travel away from home to square off against the Philadelphia Union Developmental Squad.
The Blue and Gold have a heated history with the Union DS, having bitterly lost 3-2 last season in the away fixture and garnering 3 points in the reverse home fixture.
FC Monmouth is bringing in a large chunk of returning players mixed in with fresh faces that are sure to impress. Rowan starlets, Mason Martelloni, Davide Caputo, and Johnny Troiano highlight the group of returners, whilst Andrew Araya and Dylan Kotch are notable additions.
FC Monmouth is coming into the game with high spirits having won their lone preseason game against Jersey Shore Boca. Caputo and Kotch both scored a brace in an eventful matchup.
All eyes are now on Killick’s men for the start of the club's 7th year in the NPSL.
“Excited to get going. We have had two weeks of practice, this week was especially good to get to know the players. We just want to get out there and get the job done. We have a great squad, it should be a great game,” stated Killick.
The Union DS opened up their season on May 4th against the Jackson Lions, losing 2-1. Their organization is now rapturous to get going on their home turf and seek three points.
Killick is planning around the Union’s anxious feeling to get their first win.
“I am sure Philly will be ready after losing their opening game. Either way, it’s just a great feeling to start the season again,” said Killick.
FC Monmouth’s biggest key to the games will be the defensive structure centered around their vocal leader, Mason Martelloni, and controlling the middle of the park after longtime captain Rhys Cotter has reduced his playing role for this season.
Caputo, who is quickly climbing the all-time assists leaderboard for the club, will likely play alongside Araya in the midfield.
Araya is a former Chile youth international and star on the MLS Next scene. Araya has experience with Orlando City and PDA on the youth scene. The Ocean Township native has also had trial opportunities in Germany, but VISA issues delayed his European dreams. Araya is now enrolled at NJIT where he will be playing his first season this upcoming fall.
Goalkeeper Max Dunphy, meanwhile, had to leave FC Monmouth early in the season last year but is back for a full 2024 season. Dunphy, from Marlboro, is now at St. John’s University after two years at VCU.
On paper, this is the strongest roster FC Monmouth has had to date and should prove to be a successful year,
Whether or not that dream will come to fruition will start this Saturday as their 2024 official begins.
For information on FC Monmouth tickets, visit fcmonmouth.com
To follow along with FC Monmouth news on social media, follow @wearemonmouth