Match Preview: FC Monmouth Host West Chester Predators Wednesday At 7:30PM
Written By Chris Dailey
FC Monmouth hosts their first home game of the season this Wednesday at Count Basie Park in Red Bank against the West Chester Predators. The match is set for 7:30 pm kickoff.
The Blue and Gold are aiming to rebound from a tough 3-0 loss away from home against Philly Union Developmental Squad on Saturday.
Although demoralizing, the loss is now a distant memory for John Killick’s men as they head into their home-opener in hopes of three points in what’s expected to be a rowdy crowd. Many youth clubs from around the area, in addition to FC Monmouth’s official supporter group, the 732, will be attending.
“I’m looking forward to the game against West Chester,” said Kilick, “Going to try to rebound after the loss against Union. I think 3-0 was unfair. We played quite well. We need to create a little bit more opportunity that should be a big difference on Wednesday.”
The loss against the Union marked the first game in two years where Rhys Cotter, now an assistant coach, wasn’t wearing the captains armband for FC Monmouth.
As Cotter has moved to the sidelines for this year, Tinton Falls native, Mason Martelloni, was the man picked best suited for the job, and deservingly so.
Martellonni, a midfielder at Rowan who usually finds home at center back for FC Monmouth, is ecstatic to represent the club in front of a home crowd.
“Ever since I first put on an FC monmouth jersey, I knew this club felt like home. Getting the honor to put on the captains armband and walk the team out this Wednesday in front of the home crowd has me super excited. Being a local kid and feeling the support from all the fans at Count Basie makes every home game feel so much more important. Hopefully we can go out there and get the job done securing all three points for everyone in attendance,” stated Martelloni.
Saturday’s game against the West Chester Predators marks the first of five home games FC Monmouth plays throughout the duration of the NPSL season.
The Predators, meanwhile, fell to Atlantic City FC, 3-1, in their first game of the year.
As both sides search for their first victory, the game will be sure to be a physical one that will be decided by efficiency in the attack.
FC Monmouth has the firepower to pull off the win, and if they can capitalize on what Killick has been drilling in at practice, it should make for an exciting game.
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