Maryland Majors Week 9 Preview

Division 1

La Dolce Vita at Academy FC (11/3/19 Latrobe Park 1:00 PM) - Academy FC continues to fight out of the bottom of the table. La Dolce Vita is their next challenge. LDV is looking to make up points to ensure they stay in D1 and to turn around their loss from last week. Academy is looking to add to their win last week. LDV's high attack style will look to thread passes but Academy's possession style will look to keep the ball at their feet.

All Star United at World Class Premier (11/3/19 Latrobe Park 3:00 PM) - The partners face off. This may be one of the last opportunities these two teams will be able to face off. This is WCP’s last season in the MMSL. All Star United will be their partner in the league next season. Both teams look to make the playoffs and let's see who walks away with points? 

Steel Pulse FC at Columbia FC (11/3/19 Milford Mill Academy 4:00 PM) - The defending champions look to stand in the way of Columbia's survival. This is the first of two of Columbia's biggest games. Columbia are looking to find their identity again, they once were a possession-based team but recently have looked for the threaded pass or the long ball. Steel Pulse love the pass over the defense and will punish any slow back line with their speed. It will be interesting to see which style Coach Carlos will use this week against Coach Mike and his boys.

Maryland International at Christos FC (11/3/19 Latrobe Park 5:00 PM) - The counter style of Inter MD will face off with Christos FC's high attack style. Christos loves to find passes in high traffic with quick touches, they expose holes in their opponent’s defense. MD Inter's physicality and speed are their tools. This will make for an exciting match if MD Inter can defend well enough and not expose their gaps when countering. 

Division 2

North Matches:

AFC DOBES at Blue Side FC (11/3/19 Milford Mill Academy 2:00 PM)

JA Raiders FC at Baltimore Kickers (11/3/19 Spring Grove Hospital Athletic Field 6:30 PM)

Robbie's FC at IFK Maryland (Automatic forfeit Points go to IFK)

Key Match: JA Raiders FC vs Baltimore Kickers. JA has recently found a great form recently. They have won two of their three last matches. Tie the third with 2nd place AFC. They are to face off with undefeated Baltimore Kickers. This will be an exciting match. Two very fast paced teams to face off.

South Matches:

Colombia FC at Meade United Football Club (11/3/19 Milford Mill Academy 12:00 PM)

Rockville SC at Limitless FC (11/3/19 Laytonia Recreational Park 6:00 PM)

Motorik FC at Dream Team FC (11/3/19 Laytonia Recreational Park 8:00 PM) 

Key Match: Motorik FC vs Dream Team FC. Motorik looking to keep their prefect forming going. They will head to face Dream Team FC. The new league leaders want to make it a five-game winning streak and add more distance between them and the rest of the table. Dream Team may have something to say about this. Having lost the 9-goal match last week and dropping to third place, they will be playing for everything.

-Geovanny Monterroso

Head over to league website to learn more: https://marylandmajorsoccer.com

Maryland Majors Week 8 Recap

Top Matches of Week 8

Division 1: There was no one match that stood out but the over all weekend was full of drama for division one. Both bottom teams faced off and Academy FC came out with all three points. Christos and Steel Pulse keep high flighting forms.

Division 2: Colombia FC vs Dream Team FC: The 9-goal thriller! This was a match I highlighted on last week’s preview, and did it deliver! These two high possession teams found plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net.

Week 8 Results

Division 1

Christos FC 3 – 0 All Stars United

Academy FC 1 – 0 Columbia FC

Steel Pulse FC 4 – 0 La Dolce Vita

World Class Premier 2 – 0 Maryland International

Division 2

North

Baltimore Kickers 5 – 0 Blue Side FC

JA Raiders FC 1 – 0 Robbie’s FC

AFC Dobes 3 – 1 IFK Maryland

South

Colombia FC 5 – 4 Dream Team FC

Motorik FC ALX 1 – 0 Limitless FC

Meade United 2 – 2 Rockville SC

Effect on the tables:

D1 Group A: No Movement, defending champions still lead the pack.

D1 Group B: Christos FC continue with their undefeated run, WCP back in second. That leaves La Dolce Vita and Columbia FC in 3rd and 4th respectively.

D2 North: The Kickers keep form and stay in 1st place. With the results, no changes to the table, aside from JA Raiders taking 3rd and Blue Side dropping to 4th.

D2 South: The three-horse race sees some changes again. Motorik is now on top, for the first time this season. Colombia having played one game more, with a tie giving them 2nd place, leaving Dream Team in 3rd with one game more to be played. The rest of the table, with no movement.

Division 1 Standings

Group A

1.Steel Pulse FC 4-0-3

2.All Stars United 3-2-3

3.MD Inter 2-4-2

4.Academy FC 2-5-1

Group B

Christos FC 6-0-0

World Class 3-3-1

La Dolce Vita 3-5-0

Columbia FC 1-5-2

Division 2 Standings

North

Kickers 6-0-2

AFC Dobes 4-0-4

JA Raiders 4-2-2

Blue Side FC 4-4-0

IFK Maryland 2-6-0

Robbie’s FC 0-8-0

South

Motorik FC 5-3-0

Colombia FC 4-3-1

Dream Team 4-3-0

Meade United 2-2-4

Rockville SC 2-2-3

Limitless FC 1-5-2

-Geovanny Monterroso

Head over to league website to learn more: https://marylandmajorsoccer.com

Maryland Majors Update

Week 7 Recap

Week seven was full of surprises, action, and breath-taking moments, but that’s the magic of Maryland soccer. This past weekend we saw a lot of shifts in the table. We saw Motorik FC, La Dolce Vita, Steel Pulse FC, and Dream Team FC pick up some crucial points. Columbia FC currently find themselves in a tough run, in the last five games they have had 3 loses and 2 ties. Robbie’s FC have yet to add points to their debut run.

Top matches of week 7:

Division 1: Steel Pulse FC vs Academy FC. This was a high-level match. The strong physicality of Steel Pulse FC proves to be overwhelming for the struggling Academy. With their position-based tactics they did find the net twice, but it was not enough. These three points did not just count to towards the Majors but also the Maryland’s Champions League. Giving Steel Pulse leadership of the group.

Division 2: Ja Raiders FC vs IFK Maryland. This match was an all-out boxing match. It was end-to-end action. With the high attacking and high position style of IFK, facing off with the quick counter attacking style of JA Raider, ending with a 7-goal fight for the three points

Week 7 Results:

D1

Steel Pulse FC 4 – 2 Academy FC

Maryland International 3 – 0 All Stars United

La Dolce Vita 4 – 2 Columbia FC

Christos FC Postponed World Class Premier

D2

North

Baltimore Kickers 1 – 1 AFC Dobes

Blueside FC 6 – 0 Robbie’s FC

JA Raiders FC 4 – 3 IFK Maryland

South

Motorik FC Alexandra 4 – 2 Colombia FC

Dream Team FC 2 – 0 Rockville SC

Meade United 2 – 2 Limitless FC

Effect on the tables:

D1 Group A: Steel Pulse FC moving into the top of the Group A table, dropping the All Stars United into second. Third and Fourth stay the same.

D1 Group B: Christos FC are still on top without dropping any points. La Dolce Vita crucial win over Columbia FC, brings them to second. Dropping WCP to third place. Columbia still struggle to find a way out the bottle of the table.

D2 North: No movement.

D2 South: There is a new leader, Dream Team FC, moving one spot to the summit of the south. Motorik FC still keep pacing, moving from third to second. Colombia FC dropping two spots from first to third, just goes to show you how tight this race is. Meade United and Rockville SC switching places, respectively

Week 8 Preview

D1:

Christos FC at All Stars United (Sunday, 12:00pm EDT Milford Mill Academy) Christos to return to Maryland Major action. All Stars United is looking to get back on top but Christos wants to keep their perfect record. This will be the first time these two sides meet. Who will take the first three points of this history?

Columbia FC at Academy FC (Sunday, 1:00pm EDT Latrobe Park) Columbia FC and Academy FC will both coming out playing with everything they got. Both teams have not had the best season, but they will bot be looking to turn it around. This game could have relegation related consequent on the line, just goes to show how much this game means.

Steel Pulse FC at La Dolce Vita (Sunday, 4:00pm EDT Milford Mill Academy) The current leaders of group A, Steel Pulse FC will face La Dolce Vita. LDV’s last win has reenergizes the team. Giving them hopes for the playoffs. Will that be enough, or will Steel Pulse show them why they are the defending champs?

World Class Premier at Maryland International (Sunday, 7:00pm EDT Latrobe Park) WCP looking to get back to a playoff position. MD inter, just having earn three points look to keep adding. Both teams need these three points for the possibility of earning a playoff spot.

D2:

North Matches:

Baltimore Kickers at Blue Side FC (10/27/19 2:00pm EDT Milford Mill Academy)

JA Raiders FC at Robbie's FC (10/27/19 3:00pm EDT Latrobe Park)

IFK Maryland at AFC DOBES (10/27/19 5:00pm EDT Latrobe Park)

Key Match: Baltimore Kickers at Blue Side FC. North division leaders, Baltimore Kicker, take on Blueside FC. Having just won 6 – 0 in their last game, they are looking to bring in the high energy to take some points or even a win. Will the kickers remain undefeated? The kickers have the top goal score in the north on their side. Will Hakeem Osumah add 11th goal and walk away with three points?

South Matches:

Colombia FC at Dream Team FC (10/27/19 2:00pm EDT Cedar Lane Park)

Meade United Football Club at Rockville SC (10/27/19 4:00pm EDT Cedar Land Park)

Limitless FC at Motorik FC ALX (10/27/19 8:00pm EDT West Potomac High School)

Key Match: Colombia FC at Dream Team FC. Dream Team coming off a win and becoming leaders of the south will face third place, Colombia FC. After a lost week, Colombia FC, will look to get back on top of the south and earn some much need points.

Current Standings:

Division 1

Group A

Steel Pulse FC 3-0-3

All Stars United 3-0-3

MD Inter 2-3-2

Academy FC 1-5-1

Group B

Christos 5-0-0

La Dulce Vita 3-4-0

World Class 2-3-1

Columbia FC 1-4-2

Division 2 - North

Kickers 5-0-2

AFC Dobes 3-0-4

Blue Side 4-3-0

JA Raiders 3-2-2

IFK Maryland 2-5-0

Robbie’s FC 0-7-0

Division 2 - South

Dream Team 4-2-0

Motorik FC 4-3-0

Colombia FC 3-3-1

Meade United 2-2-3

Rockville SC 2-2-2

Limitless FC 1-4-2

-Geovanny Monterroso

Head over to league website to learn more: https://marylandmajorsoccer.com

Play the Right Way: World Class Premier's move to the NPSL

“Play The Right Way” are the words for which World Class Premier was born from and lives by. We all know the story of how the club was formed; if you don’t, make sure you check out the Spotlight on the club that ran on April 29, 2019. But this story is less about where there club has been but instead on where the club is going.

On September 26, World Class Premier announced that the club would be joining the National Premier Soccer League for the 2020 season. This is a huge step in the club’s journey, especially if you consider that they only just joined United Premier Soccer League earlier this year. After a full Spring and Fall Season in the UPSL, World Class Premier considers their club ready for the next step and I, for one, applaud the move.

Conversation with World Class Premier

I got a chance to speak with Babajide (Jide) Saba, one of the owners of World Class Premier, and he had a lot to share about this move. Let’s start with the basics: he was super excited with what the future holds for the Club.

What inspired the move to the NPSL?

“The NPSL has always been a goal of ours. The move opens many doors for the club and shows just how much we have grown. To most people this is just a move, but to us and the communities that support us, this is 10 years in the making. But not only that, this always has been for the players, this provides the players with top level competition and more exposure for their playing career.”

Does that mean you will be playing the spring and fall or just the summer?

“For the 2020 year we will only be playing summer, but with the goal to eventually play all year round. Now, if this will be for the year 2021 or later, we will have to see.”

How has the reaction from the community been? How do you plan to engage them to grow support?

“As you know, we have close ties to the Montgomery County Community College. Both first team’s coaches are coach soccer there. We also have established close ties with our community, especially the minorities here in our area. Being that most of our team and staff are from Africa or of African decent so these groups in our community truly hits home. But as far as how we are engaging them, we plan to host more community events and camps for our youth teams. Strengthen ties and grow future players.”

Those are all great ways to strengthen ties. Speaking of ties, what will happen with the leagues WCP have played in, will you still be playing in the Maryland Major Soccer League and the UPSL?

“The UPSL, definitely this is where the second team will be playing. This will give us a chance and a place to have some of the younger guys a chance to play and be exposed to top level competition. As far as MMSL, the only downside to this move is that this will be the last season (Fall 2019) we will be in.”

What does this mean for the leagues they are in or will be in?

First, it’s important to point out that fact that the NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference will now feature three teams from Maryland. We have yet to hear how much this will affect the season, however, on pure assumption, it will only add two games to everyone’s schedule. We will keep an eye out for schedules to see what actually happens. But what does this mean for the other two leagues, MMSL and UPSL?

The partnership with All Star United should pay off for both clubs.

As I mentioned in the conversation with Jide, UPSL will be the platform World Class Premier will use to grow future players. As far as the Majors, in the same conversation with Jide, he wanted us to be the first to announce that they will be partnering with another Maryland Major team, All Star United. WCP will step away from the Majors but will still put all their resources into helping their grassroot soccer side. The goal is to move players from regional leagues to the competitive stage of a national league. And they got their chance.

There is a lot of changing to come for the club, but the future is bright. The leadership at World Class Premier should be extremely proud of what they have done. This is a huge step for the club, now they have the eyes of the NPSL, UPSL, MMSL, and Maryland watching.

-Geovanny Monterroso

Maryland Majors Week 7 Preview

Division 1

Group A:

Steel Pulse FC at Academy FC (10/20/19 Kickoff at 4:00 PM) Steel Pulse looking to keep their undefeated run this weekend, sitting with 2 wins and 3 ties and one game in hand. Academy is looking to get some crucial points against the defending league champions.

All Stars United at Maryland International Athletic FC (10/20/19 Kickoff at 5:00 PM) All Star United is the leader of group A, with an undefeated record of 3 wins and 3 ties. This match will put both division 1 freshman up against each other. Which team’s score leaders William Joe (MD Inter) or Cherno Baldeh (All Star) will lead their teams to a win and add to their tallies?

Group B:

Christos FC at World Class Premier (10/20/19 Kickoff at 2:00 PM) This is the match of the week, if it isn’t postponed, due to Open Cup qualifiers. Hopefully we get the chance to watch the two NPSL reserve sides face off. Last time they met earlier this season, Christos walked a way with a 4-1 win. These two are the biggest names in Maryland, any time they met it is a must watch.

Columbia FC at La Dolce Vita (10/20/19) Kickoff at 3:00 PM) Columbia FC is looking to get a few points closer to their ticket to stay in D1 and a chance for a playoff stop this weekend. With a win they will be on their way. On the other hand, La Dolce Vita is in the same boat. This may be the very game which determines who stays and who goes in group B.

Current Standings in Division 1:

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Division 2

North must watch match:

AFC Dobes at Baltimore Kickers (10/20/19 Kickoff at 8:30 PM) The 2019 Spring season semifinalist take on the historic Kickers. This fall season the Kickers are back in great form. With 5 wins and 1 tie they lead the north division and are looking to return to D1. Division leading goal scorer Hakeem Osumah is looking to add to his 8 goals and get the Kickers another three points.

Rest of the North:

Robbie’s FC vs Blue Side FC (10/20/19 Kickoff at 12:00 PM)

JA Raiders FC vs IFK Maryland (10/20/19 Kickoff at 6:30 PM)

South must watch match:

Colombia FC at Motorik FC ALX (10/20/19 Kickoff at 5:45 PM) Motorik FC just shy one point from the top of the south table. In great form, they are looking to qualify for the playoffs and the result of this match could get them one step closer, plus leading the pack is a bonus. Colombia FC is new to the league and came to show they can play.

Rest of the South:

Meade United vs Limitless FC (10/20/19 Kickoff at 6:00 PM)

Dream Team FC vs Rockville SC (10/20/19 Kickoff at 8:00 PM)

Current Standings in Division 2:

- Geovanny Monterroso

The New MMSL Division One

Fall 2019 is setting up to be a huge season for Maryland’s elite soccer league, Maryland Major Soccer League. In the off season, MMSL (Maryland Major Soccer League) announced that they would be expanding the first division from 6 teams to 8 teams. This is not a huge difference in size but in principle this is big news. It’s a sure indicator that the MMSL is healthy and looking to grow, which is great news for Maryland soccer. The league also followed up the expansion news with an increase in the cash prize for the winners of Division One. The eight teams will be competing for a prize of $2,500.00 and the crown of Maryland. For all the league teams, this is something legit to play for.

Since the league announced the change and update to Division One, the teams have also been confirmed. In the fall 2019 season, the following teams will compete: Academy FC, All Star United, Columbia FC, Christos FC, Izee Autobody FC, Maryland International FC, Steel Pulse FC, and World Class Premier. What a season this will be! For those of you who don’t know who these teams are, this is a great chance for you to get to know them.

Academy FC: Joined the MSSL back in the spring of 2015. Since then, they have had solid runs and never been relegated to Division Two. Back in 2017, the Academy took in a good number of players from the now dissolved Catonsville FC, which only helped to improve their level of play. Having finished in the middle of the table for most of their seasons, will the fall of 2019 be the season they win it all? Have they done enough for them to be the next kings of Maryland?

All Star United: The team is mostly made up of Super Delegate players and coaching staff. The spilt of Super Delegate lead to the birth of All Star Untied. A season after their MMSL debut, they have found themselves competing in Division One of Maryland Majors. All Star ended their debut season with a regular season record of 8 wins, 1 loss, 1 tie, and earning their spot in the promotion playoffs as the top seed in the South Division Two. Their season would end with a pk shoot out against Columbia FC. But due to their stellar performance, they earned their promotion ticket when MMSL expanded their top division.

Columbia FC: The Howard County power house - Columbia FC (CFCMD)’s home is the city of Columbia. They are truly proud of this, they make sure to be involved with the community in their city and work with business in their city to grow the awareness and soccer of Columbia. They joined MMSL back in the spring of 2018, making the playoffs each season but coming just a bit short of their promotion. However, with the expansion of Division One, CFCMD was one of two clubs to earn this promotion. We will see CFCMD fight for the crown of MMSL.

Christos FC: The empire of Maryland. The Cinderella run of Maryland. They are returning to the MMSL after losing the spring 2019 championship to Steel Pulse FC. They will be returning hungry for a title, having won the MMSL title 8 times since joining the league. We saw their first team, FC Baltimore Christos, lose to the NY Cosmos in the NPSL regional semifinals, just weeks after losing to Steel Pulse FC in the MMSL finals. Christos FC have taken serious steps to prepare for their season after the latest heartbreak. From adding new talent to the team to having a close scrimmage with one of Europe’s elite club, SL Benfica. You can expect Christos to be one of the main challengers for the crown.

Izee Autobody FC: Also known as Baltimore United, Izee Autobody FC is the reserve side for the UPSL side, Baltimore United, who made their debut in the UPSL this past spring season. They joined the league back in 2015 and won the league in spring 2017. Since then they have been chasing that same feeling. Now focused on winning the title and developing talent for their first team, will this season be different for Izee Autobody FC?

Maryland International FC: The new kids on the block. Having no links to any previous clubs in the MMSL and joining the league this spring 2019. Still in their full freshman year, they look to take on the big names in the Division One. Good luck to the 2019 spring Division Two champions.

Steel Pulse FC: Returning to fall 2019 as the spring 2019 Division One champions, Steel Pulse will defend their title, with the hopes of claiming back to back titles. Having joined MMSL in the start of 2018, Steele Pulse has already been Division Two champions before winning Division One the following season. Steel Pulse has quickly become a force in the MMSL. Will they become the first ever spring and fall champions?

World Class Premier (2): 2019 was a big year for WCP, winning the UPSL Mid-Atlantic division on their debut season. They are used to setting a high bar. Winning the MMSL title in the Spring of 2018, then joining the UPSL before becoming champs yet again. In the same 2019 spring season, WCP entered their reserve side. Now we will see WCP 2 play their second full season in the MMSL. They have spent a busy summer adding talent to both side of the club. However, WCP is not your typical side. They are a huge community team, they are holding their first ever invitational World Class Premier Cup Community Shield. They put this tournament together to help support the up and coming teams of the MMSL, it is their way of giving back to the community they are thankful for.

This fall will be an extremely tight race for the crown of the MMSL. Did you pick your side? Hope you are ready for the league to return in September 2019!

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- Hector Monterroso

Maryland Majors Soccer League Announces Preseason Tournament

Maryland Major Soccer League is set to announce a pre-season league tournament. It will feature four MMSL teams. The confirmed teams are Columbia FC, Kickers FC, All Star United, and MD International. The winner of this tournament will earn a prize of $2,500 and the runner up will earn $1,000. The tournament is set to take place on August 24th at Latrobe Park. This will be a full day tournament from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. It will be a great opportunity for these clubs to bring in some extra funds and a good chance for these clubs to get in some extra preparation for the fall season.

In a time where many are shifting focus to club over league, this is a league doing it the right way. This tournament is yet another example of the great work MMSL is doing to help their teams survive and find financial stability. Other leagues should pay attention to what is going on in the Maryland Majors Soccer League. There is much speculation around what the league has planned, but they all point to two things. One is the growth of the league and the other is the fortification of its clubs.

Another announcement that is going to be made is that current MMSL club, World Class Premier, is going to co-host the tournament. This is huge for the club. It shows how financially stable this club has become. 2019 has been a great year for WPS. They joined UPSL for spring 2019, then went on to win their division, but unfortunately they lost in the quarterfinals in UPSL’s National Playoff. Now they are taking all their success and giving back to both the league and state that helped them get where they are.

When speaking to WCP leadership about the tournament, they made it clear their focus was on sustaining local soccer. “We know there are some teams that need help and we will continue to be a helping hand for them. We are blessed, and we are not about just talking about building a community that is inclusive. We are all about action and we hope this is the first of many to come in the future”.

WCP is a class act and setting their own path and always living by their motto, “Play the right way”.

The Kings of Columbia

Sometime around noon on Monday, July 22, 2019 Columbia FC broke the news that they had been promoted. In the Fall of 2019, we will see Columbia FC play in Maryland Majors Division 1. The feeling of joy and pride could be felt on every post on the #CFCMD social media pages.

This promotion come to a side who has consistently been a top performer and a contender in all three of their seasons. Columbia FC joined the league in the Spring of 2018. Since then, they have qualified for the Division 2 promotion playoffs each season. In the spring of 2018, they lost in the semifinals against Super Delegates FC. In the Fall of 2018 they lost against Steel Pulse FC. Then, in the Spring of 2019, they lost against Maryland International. Columbia FC has never finished below the top three. With that sort of consistent excellence, it was only a matter of time until the promotion of the Howard County powerhouse would come to fruition.

Coach Tolentino has been massively successful with Columbia FC.

Under Head Coach Carlos Tolentino, Columbia FC has an impressive MMSL all-time record of 23-9-4. Their best season was the Fall of 2018 when they would end the season with a mighty 10-2-0 record. However, a new challenge awaits coach Carlos and his boys: Division 1 of the Maryland Majors.

When speaking to Coach Carlos about his promotion, I could see the joy and feel the passion in the words he spoke, and now there is a new focus for Columbia FC. In a brief interview, Coach Tolentino shared his insight on the new promotion:

How does this promotion change the team’s offseason? What is the new goal for the team?

“The offseason changes because now we need to focus on bringing up the level, we don’t just want to be in D1, we want to win the title. There are so many great teams in D1 and it will take a lot of work but with the talent we have, and the new talent set to join us in the offseason; we know we can do it.”

What message do you want to send to the players?

“The message is that we have to work harder. We need to remind everyone and show everyone why we earned this promotion. The part of the message that doesn’t change is we are here to win titles. We fight and never give up.”

How are the players taking the promotion?

“The players are super pumped. They understand the importance of this achievement. They know all the work it took to get here. Now we are ready to go all out. That’s the only way we know how to”.

Tolentino’s passion for progress comes through in every word. The team is united and ready to take on whatever is heading their way. One thing is for sure, the team and staff are full behind Coach Carlos and for good reason.

We also got a chance to speak to 1st Captain Jose Rech Origaen, a former Catonsville F.C. player. He has had experience playing in D1 of the MMSL. Jose knows what it takes to succeed, but he can speak for himself on that subject:

What does this promotion mean to you personal and as the team Captain?

“It literally means everything. I was originally in D1 with Catonsville F.C with a few other teammates. we merged with an Academy and it didn’t work out. So, the majority of the team left and sought out a new Club that was forming. Which was Columbia F.C. Since we knew each other for a few years now that core became the core of Columbia and since then we’ve grown exponentially. In the year and a half of competing, we’ve reached 1 semifinal lost against the champion and then reached two finals back to back. So, we’re an established team. What we were lacking was luck. Couldn’t get those opportunities in. We matched every single team head to head. Being in D1 as a Captain now I have to commit 1000% as I have to represent our colors. I’m so happy to be back on top of MMSL”.

What message do you want to deliver to your teammates?

“My message to our teammates is to know that you worked your butts off for this. Playing in cold rainy finals, 100-degree heat against players that were faster and stronger than us. we know what it’s like to endure! We’re always the underdog and there is nothing better than knowing how to get back up and that’s what we did after each and every lesson we’ve had to learn”.

Another of Columbia’s captains is Christian Garrido. He is the 2nd captain for Columbia FC, here is what he had to say:

How does this promotion change the fall season for you and the team?

“It will change in all ways. Players and staff are even more motivated to reach our new goals. Now is our moment to show what's is Columbia fc ready for. We will face great teams like Christos and Steele Pulse. So, our commitment is to be there in the top in this coming season”.

What does this promotion mean to you personally?

“Wow. It means a lot. All the hard work and training. From the beginning our goals is to be in D1. We work for it, we fought for it and now we are in it. It Makes me feel proud of my teammates and staff. Because every game we fought with all and this is the result of our hard work”.

Both captains are ready and excited to lead their team in the upcoming D1 fall season. We are expecting a good show Columbia FC.

– Hector Monterroso

Maryland Majors to Announce Expansion

This past Sunday was full of mixed emotions for Maryland soccer. As FC Baltimore Christos was losing to NY Cosmos, the new teams of the division one Maryland Majors were finding out about their promotion. MMSL will be making the official announcement of their expansion to an 8 team first division later this week. For many this may not seem like a big deal, but to the grassroots soccer fans and advocates of promotion/relegation this is a huge deal. In a state league that is pushing to grow and has pro/rel in its core, this is a really huge deal.

Last season the MMSL played with a first division made up of only six teams. The teams who played in D1 were Christos FC, Izee Auto FC, World Class Premier reserves, Super Delegates FC, Academy FC, and, the winners of the spring 2019 season, Steel Pulse FC. However, the inclusion of two other teams would bring some interesting changes to the first division.

There is so much left to learn about this expansion. One thing is for sure, two teams aside from Maryland International will be promoted. In a conversation with deputy commissioner Nigel Fullerton, he explained that “the two teams that are being promoted from division two will be Columbia FC and All Star United.” Personally, adding teams straight into the first division would have been an injustice to the teams who have been in the second division and have been preforming season after season. This was the best decision for the league to take. Promoting the top performer from last season to D1 and add teams to the lower divisions will do two things: one, it will make sure that the level of competition is maintained and two, the league stays true to the teams who have been/still are members.

Though this is an expansion for division one, this is also good new for Division Two. This opens the possibility to add teams to both North and South Division Two. Now, there is no confirmation as to what will happen to D2, but it is fun to speculate about the possibilities. It would be great to see MMSL add more teams from Virginia or even expand into Delaware. If MMSL chooses to stay in Maryland there are plenty of teams to add from the DC-Baltimore region. Other areas that would offer some great additions are Annapolis or Anne Arundel County. There is plenty of talent left to be discovered in Maryland’s counties.

The other change that will be announced is the amount of games that will be played in the new 8 team D1. At first glance, one assumes that they will increase the game count from 10 to 14. This would allow the league to keep to the home/away matches. Also giving the teams more playing time to prepare for the tournaments that come right after the fall season.

However, in the conversation with Fullerton, he would go into detail on how the new D1 would be set up. When asked how the D1 would look like he responded, “the eight teams would be spilt into two conferences with a total of ten games to be played. Six games in-conference and four games out of conference.” This is still a very viable system as it will allow for teams to travel less and still have some exposure to teams in other zones of the MMSL.

The 8 teams confirmed for D1 are Christos FC, Izee Autobody FC, World Class Premier, Steel Pulse FC, Maryland International, Columbia FC, All Star United, and Academy FC. Let’s speculate on the potential setup of D1:

South: Columbia FC, All Star United, Christos FC, and World Class Premier

North: Izee Autobody FC, Steel Pulse FC, Maryland International, and Academy FC

This is assuming these conferences are set up based on location. If this is true, the conference which would be based off the southern region would be considered the group of death. Regardless of the conferences and the team that make them up, D1 of the MMSL is going to be a league to watch this fall. With matches such as a Christos FC vs Steel Pulse FC rematch or a Columbia FC vs Maryland International rematch or a All Star United vs World Class Premier match, D1 will be on another level this coming season!

Who do you have winning the Championship?

- Hector Monterroso

Maryland Majors: Christos Qualify for Championship Match and the D2 Playoffs Continue

Division One

Last week, we saw Christos FC handed their first loss of the season by Academy FC. However, with another win yesterday, Christos takes the top seed. They will be heading to the Championship game for the title.

Steel Pulse FC claim second place and Academy FC are safe at the middle of the table. These two teams take seed 2 and 3 respectively. They will face off to see who takes on Christos in the title game.

Super Delegates are out of the bottom two spots of the table. The World Class Premier, the reserve side of the almighty UPSL side, came close to earning “auto-relegation” to D2. But WCP are not safe yet, we will see them face off in a playoff to keep their spot in the top division next season. They will play against the finalist who doesn’t win the final round of the D2 playoffs.

Izee Auto FC, with a 3-0 Loss against Christos FC, have sealed their fate. They are now set to return next season to D2. Despite a hard fought performance against Super Delegates FC last week, they only walked away with one point. Though as well as they played, a win was not too far from reality. They followed up that game with a loss to Christos FC. We will see them try to earn their way back to division one next season.

Full Table Standings:

Christos FC 8-1-0 (Championship Final)

Steel Pulse 6-2-1 (Playoffs to Championship)

Academy FC 3-4-3 (Playoffs to Championship)

Super Delegates FC 3-5-2

World Class Premier 3-6-1 (Playoff match)

Izee Auto FC 2-7-1 (Auto Relegated)

Division 2

Last Sunday was a magically day for Maryland Soccer. We saw some upsets, a PK shootout, and some dominate performances. It was something you had to see with your own eyes. Here are the break downs of the games:

FC NIM 3 vs 4 Maryland International

The match of the new comers - FC NIM were the favorites to win the match but would go down to Maryland International. The winning team pulled a magical result out of their “futbol-hat.” This was a boxing match! Both teams would answer a goal with another goal. We would see counter-attacking soccer vs transitional soccer. A 4-3 victory would see MD International advance to the next round.

Sure Sport 0 vs 3 AFC 16

This match would see a former ASL side vs the MD Majors New Comers face off. The second upset of the playoffs, just days after AFC 16 earned their playoff spot on a 4-2 victory over FC NIM. AFC 16’s high seemed to continue, which would lead them to win 3-0 against the former ASL side, Sure Sports.

La Dolce Vita 0 (PK4) vs (PK5) 0 Columbia FC

The historical side vs the Howard county powerhouse. This was the match to watch. With two high attacking teams facing off, the game went the way that we expected. Both teams fought for possession, they attacked, and the ball movement was there. However, they could not find the back of the net. The game would end nil-nil. Then came the penalty shootout. La Dolce Vita would start off on the wrong foot, missing the first PK. Columbia FC would take advantage of that, making two back to back before missing their third PK. La Dolce Vita would make four consecutively and would miss their sixth PK. Columbia FC would not - they made 5 out of 6 - earning the win to move on to the next round.

All Stars Utd 6 vs 1 Blue Side FC

The match between the former delegates vs the Mason-Dixon SL champs. The All Stars put on a dominant performance, putting away six goals on the former champs. It is not to say that Blue Side did not fight, because they did. They put on a show with a few chances but only took advantage of one goal. Aside from that is was a United show. They showed everyone that they are All Stars and no longer delegates. United advances to the next round.

Image courtesy of Blue Side FC.

Here is what the semifinals of the playoffs will look like:

AFC 16 Dobes vs Maryland International Athletics FC

Columbia FC vs All Stars United

- Hector Monterroso