Written by: Edwin Pintor

October 21, 2021 (Boyds, MD) – After a winless month for the Bobcats, the win finally came last Saturday against Chicago House AC, and this Saturday, the Bobcats will seek another win at SeatGeek Stadium, home of the House. It is a crucial match for both teams as they aim to finish in the highest position possible, a must-win for both teams. 

The House bounced back from their loss to the Bobcats last Saturday, winning against Chattanooga FC on Wednesday 1-0. With the result earned, the House climbed back up to 7th place with 14 points. This Saturday, a win at home against the Bobcats can see them put a clear distance between them and the bottom three. However, a loss could be detrimental for the House. 

After a critical 2-1 win against Chicago House AC, the Bobcats look to build on another win against the same team, this time at their home. It is a difficult task for Maryland, as they have four losses, two draws, and only one win when they visit other venues. However, an important takeaway of Saturday’s win was the brilliant performance by the Bobcat midfield. The midfield played a vital part defensively, with the House only getting three shots at goal and assisted on the offensive side as well.

One goal the team set for themselves is to be the team that takes points away from teams that are positioned higher on the table than them. “We know winning the league is now impossible, but finishing in second is still a possibility, and that is where we desire to end. If taking points away from Cal United and LA Force means that Detroit runs away with the league title, so be it; we only care about one thing, and that is winning and climbing up the table.” Everyone in Maryland knows their goal to finish in the top four positions is still doable, and on Saturday against Chicago, it’s do or die for the team. 

Forward Tunde Akinlosotu knows the importance of helping each other. Akinlosotu had some words on Saturday’s game and what to expect for the remainder of the season: “I think those two goals scored last week were crucial to the entire season. In many previous games, we were not getting goals, but we were playing well. Our morale improves vastly when we score early, which helps us control the game knowing we are up. The team can win next Saturday against Chicago. We will have the same mentality that we came out with last week, and with one goal in our heads; get all the remaining points left in the season.”

Personally, Akinlosotu is looking for his first professional goal, but the goal stays the same; to win. “For me to come into the team, I knew that I had to earn my spot in the team. Early on, I was not receiving playtime, but my opportunity came due to some injuries the team has gone through. If I want to continue playing, I will have to play well and help the team win. These upcoming games serve as an opportunity to show we can compete with any team in this league. With 2nd and 3rd place teams coming to our home in the final games of the season, we know that winning those two teams can help us prove to the entire league that we are here to compete next season.” 

The first encounter between both teams had the Bobcats coming out with the win at home. This Saturday, the House seeks to even the series.  

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm CST/8:30 pm EST. The match can be streamed via Eleven Sports or follow the minute-by-minute action live on Twitter via @MDBobcatsFC.

About Maryland Bobcats FC
The Maryland Bobcats Football Club was founded in 2009. Based in Montgomery County in Maryland, it is a fully minority-owned club and Maryland’s only outdoor professional soccer team. MBFC has a “one family” mentality. From the youngest player to the most experienced youth teams to First Team, players support, push and encourage each other to play the right way. Beyond soccer, Bobcats FC helps, inspires, gives back, and supports the local community, comes to games, and cheers them on. For more information about Maryland Bobcats FC, visit marylandbobcatsfc.com or contact at evan@marylandbobcatsfc.com. Follow MBFC on Twitter @MDBobcatsFC and Instagram @mdbobcatsfc.
 
About NISA
The National Independent Soccer Association was founded in 2017 to bring professional soccer to every city in the United States. A pro league member of U.S. Soccer, NISA focuses on a model based on meritocracy, independent clubs controlling their league, clubs owning their intellectual property, all without the barrier of territorial rights. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, NISA also runs the mid-summer Independent Cup, open to independent professional and amateur clubs. For more information about NISA, visit NISAOfficial.com or contact info@nisasoccer.com. Follow NISA on Twitter @NISALeague and Instagram @nisasoccer.