The Battle of Central Jersey: FC Monmouth Vs. Jackson Lions Preview
Written By Chris Dailey
A battle between two of Central Jersey’s biggest clubs, FC Monmouth and Jackson Lions, will commence at Count Basie Park this Saturday at 6 PM. The Blue and Gold sit third in the Keystone East table after a rough 4-0 defeat at the hands of table-toppers FC Motown this past Saturday.
Monmouth’s play up the game against Motown was stellar and they were quietly putting the rest of the league on notice. With a chance to snatch three points from familiar foes in Jackson, Monmouth understands they need to play to the occasion.
“Playing against the Lions is always a tough matchup, but I’m super excited to take the field against them once again,” said FC Monmouth captain, Mason Martelloni, “My first ever game for the club was against them and I was quick to experience what the rivalry felt like. This game means so much more to not just the players, but the fans and everyone else involved in the club.”
Martelloni has been preaching this message the past week to the rest of the squad.
As for the Lions, they have a new-look squad from previous years and are slowly starting to get back into their groove. They were able to manage a 2-2 draw against Motown but are also coming off of a 4 goal defeat, having lost 5-1 to Atlantic City.
Star player from the 2023 season, Daniel Russo, is now in the professional ranks while their top caliber fullback and Manasquan native, Tommy Johnson, is recovering from an injury.
The Lions are now fronted by Rutgers forward, Ian Abbey. Abbey has experience in MLS Next Pro with Philadelphia Union II and has scored 4 goals on the year for Jackson. Abbey however, received a red card in their previous match in the 87th minute. Leading him to be suspended for this clash.
Abbey is often paired with Walter Calderon, a familiar face at Count Basie Park. Calderon is the all-time leading scorer in FC Monmouth’s history. Most of Calderon’s goals came as part of the season in which the Lions and Monmouth had a partnership that saw several of the Lions top players compete in the NPSL for FC Monmouth. This partnership helped Jackson Lions gauge the league prior to entering as an expansion side.
FC Monmouth will need a combination of hard-nosed defense and their potent attack to re-ignite in order to get by a strong Lions side filled with professional experience. Martelloni and Flynn in the back have been very strong and goalkeeper, Max Dunphy, is coming off of an amazing game against Motown. Dunphy made a save off of a penalty kick and despite the scoreline was the 732 Supporters Club Man of the Match.
Davide Caputo in the midfield has been brilliant for Blue and Gold and will provide a big boost upon his arrival after missing the game against Motown. Caputo will be sure to pair up again with his Rowan University teammate, Johnny Troiano. The two both scored and assisted one anothers goals in the last home match against the WC Predators.
The match is going to be a dogfight from beginning to end and will most likely come down to who’s more prepared. Coach Killick, Martelloni, and the rest of the squad have been working tirelessly throughout the week to right their wrongs and start the weekend of FC Monmouth off with a huge three points.
For ticket information, visit fcmonmouth.com/tickets and make sure to also check out FC Monmouth’s inaugural women's team game on 6/2
To follow along on social media follow @wearemonmouth