Monmouth FC defeats First State FC 3-1 in Matchweek 2

Wilmington, DE – First State FC scored their first goal of the season but conceded two 2nd half goals as

FC Monmouth won 3-1 at Abessinio Stadium. The Keystone East Conference match-up stayed close

early on, but quick counter attacks from Monmouth and a few key mistakes from the Midnight Riders

made the difference in the final scoreline.

The game started with both teams testing the opposing defensive lines with balls over the top and

several offside calls. Neither made a breakthrough early on, and as the teams approached the 30 th

minute, a First State FC interception led to a deep ball that landed at the feet of Marcus Hedemann; he

failed to get a shot away. Soon after, FC Monmouth grew into the game, and started several counter

attacks from turnovers by the home team. Monmouth’s Davide Caputo, after a pass was slotted

through to him between the First State center backs, chipped into the net in the 39th minute to open

the scoring.

At the start of the second half, First State FC made two changes and adjusted formation slightly to try to

keep more possession and get the crowd engaged. The first few minutes were promising for the home

side, but FC Monmouth kept a ball in play just inside First State’s box. As the defense tried to keep

shape, a low pass on the ground gave Monmouth a clear sight at the goal from 6 yards out. Even after

one save from First State goalkeeper Valentin Kneis, Monmouth directed a second shot in to increase

their lead to 2-0.

Immediately after the second goal, the Midnight Riders came to life in the game, and started pressuring

the FC Monmouth defense. First State Substitute Deshawn Bernard received a great lobbed pass into

the box, switched the ball from his left to his right foot, and buried the home team’s first goal of the

NPSL season in the 73rd minute. It looked like First State could press on for an equalizer, but only four

minutes later, Kneis came far outside his goal to try to get to a deflected clearance. He didn’t get there

in time, and FC Monmouth scored around him to restore their two-goal lead.

Fouls and stoppages slowed the flow of the game in the final stages as both teams visibly tired on the

pitch. The Midnight Riders forced several corners but never threatened to score again before the game

ended 3-1. First State FC’s Head Coach Dan Frick said after the game that “we looked better in the 2nd

half of the game, but we need to stop giving the other side a two-goal cushion before we start to look

dangerous.”

First State FC is sponsored by local Delaware businesses Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists (DOS),

IncNow, Gonser and Gonser Law, and Elite PT. The Midnight Riders next home game is May 28th against

the Philadelphia Union Development Squad. Tickets for the game are available at

tickets.firststatefc.com.