The Bobcats secured three points with the lone goal of the game in their second away game of the season as they faced Flower City Union in Rochester, New York. 

Going into the match, the Bobcats had an extended stretch of days away from action as their last match which saw them come out victorious against another inaugural club, AC Syracuse Pulse, two weeks prior to this game. The lineup saw Michael Akinkoye and Joseph Boone start up top. Bryan Argueta made his long awaited return as he listed as a substitute for the first time in the 2022 season. Additionally, Felix Annan made a return as the starting goalkeeper in net for the Maryland side. 

Flower City after suffered a devastating loss at the Maryland Soccer Plex earlier in the month. Since the loss, the club made their appearance in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup against MLS club DC United suffering a 3-0 defeat. 

The extra rest immediately became evident as saw Joseph Boone took the first shot on target in the 4th minute of the game. The Bobcats were looking to open up their goal scoring account early once again. 

The game also proved to be a physical one as bookings came early and somewhat often. Davey Mason was the first one booked on a tackle to prevent a Flower City attacking opportunity. Shortly after, Robert Williamson picked up a yellow for the home side. Another yellow was also issued out to Bernardo Majano for making another tackle in the Bobcats half of the field. 

Bookings aside, the match saw plenty of goal scoring opportunities on both sides with defense being at its best to start the match. 

Midway through the first half we would get our first and only goal of the game as center back Brandon Clegg got his head to the ball off a MBFC corner kick and put it past the keeper to score his first professional goal and put the visiting side in the lead. 

As the first half come to an end the Bobcats defended well to hold the lead and maintained a dominating presence in the match. Goal keeper Felix Annan made an incredible save in the final minutes to keep the Bobcats on top. 

To start the second half Maryland brought on James “Pele” Sesay for Joseph Boone making this change the only halftime substitution. 

The Bobcats attack continued to look for a second goal coming up short on some prime opportunities. James Sesay and Darwin Espinal both had great chances on goal that would result in defensive deflections by Flower City. 

In the 60th minute, midfielder Andy Alvarado came on for Michel Akinkoye and also joined in on the attacking attempts with a shot on goal that was scooped up by the Flower City keeper. 

In the 70th minute, James Sesay came off for forward Elijah Amo who looked to increase his season goal tally. As the MBFC attack continued to look for a second goal, the physicality of the match remained evident as the fifth booking of the game was issued to Alvarado on a defensive tackle. 

Elijah Amo suffered a head injury shortly after as a Flower City defender high kicked in an attempt on the ball that hit Amo in the head. The Maryland forward came off for further evaluation before eventually being replaced by Andrew Wivell in the 85th minute. 

Defense was the key to Maryland’s win on the road as the back line and goalkeeping were showcased in this match. Felix Annan was solid in net and earned a clean sheet in an appearance that will be remembered for the remainder of the season. Center back Brandon Clegg saw his first professional goal in a crucial situation that kept Maryland in the lead and will see the side remain at the top of the East division. 

Next up, Maryland Bobcats FC return home to host Michigan Stars FC for the first time this season. Kickoff is at 7:00pm EST and gates will open at 6:00pm EST. Tickets can be purchased online at marylandbobcatsfc.seatedly.com. 

Match Details

Maryland Bobcats FC: Annan (GK), Forka, Fane, Clegg; Majano, Possian, Mason, Espinal, Gonzalez; Akinkoye (Alvarado 60’), Boone (Sesay 46’) (Amo 70’) (Wivell 85’)

Substitutes: Caulker (GK), Wright, Sesay, Argueta, Amo, Wivell, Alvarado 

Goals: Clegg (22’)

Bookings: Mason (9’), Majano (19’), Espinal (29’), Alvarado (73’), Gonzalez (90’) 

Flower City Union: Ortiz Ruiz (GK), Watson, Demydiv, Muller, Williamson; Yun Lee (Fernandes 70’), Saling (Ainscough 69’), Canas-Jarquin, Veerakone, Kranick (Carey 81’); Deas

Substitutes: Ainscough, Pregoni, Carey, Brickman, Fernandes, Micheletti, Curtis

Bookings: Williamson (14’), Karnick (57’), Demydiv (78’)