FC Monmouth Wraps Up Preseason
Written By: Chris Dailey
FC Monmouth downed Jersey Shore Boca in a preseason friendly on Saturday May 4 at Five Points Park in Colts Neck.
It was the second year running that FC Monmouth put together a preseason event in Colts Neck. Last year, the Blue and Gold squared off against USL League 2 club, Real Central Jersey, in front of a lively crowd.
Although the weather was gloomy, the play of FC Monmouth was bright. After a quick goal from BOCA to snag an early lead, Monmouth never looked back thanks to inspiring performances from returning star, Davide Caputo.
Caputo dished out several great passes throughout the course of the 90 minute scrimmage that left the audience with nothing to do but applause, however, it was his two goals that were the highlight of the day.
“It feels great to come out in the play in the summer, get fit, and get ready to go back in preseason with Rowan. I think I played alright. It was fun to be out here with my friends again and it was all natural to come out here and play like I always do,” said Caputo.
Caputo only stands at 5’7, yet his presence on the pitch is much bigger. The Brick native is entering his junior year with Rowan this coming fall where he’s tallied a career total of 7 goals and 8 assists.
Another highlight of the game were the two goals put away by Dylan Kotch.
Kotch is from Hamilton, NJ, and spent the last four years at Rider and is proving to be a great addition for the FC Monmouth squad.
FC Monmouth returners, Robbie Tapp and Johnny Troiano, also got on the scoresheet.
Another great feature from the game was the return of Jack Longo, who during the fall became injured and underwent surgery that left him out for the college season. This was Longo’s first competitive 90 minutes since the surgery.
Between the sticks was Max Dunphy, a Marlboro High School graduate who spent two years at Virginia Commonwealth University before recently transferring to St. Joe’s University. Dunphy appeared in the same game last season for FC Monmouth. Dunphy is now back for a full season and will be an integral piece to the club's success this year.
Head Coach, John Killick, was very pleased with his squad gelling so well together in such limited time.
“The first game is always tough with guys getting to know each other. Guys got here and didn’t know each other's name, but I was very happy with the way we started,” stated Killick.
Killick and his team now look ahead to their first game of the season this coming Saturday away from home against the Philadelphia Union DS.
Last season, FC Monmouth split the series one a piece against the Union, having won 1-0 at the Basie and falling 3-2 on the road.
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