Written by: Kalin Hicks

As the Bobcats set out in another home game, they were unable to secure three points against their first west coast opponent of the season. Bay Cities FC came to the East with a small roster of 15 players and were able to gain a win that surprised many among the league. 

Notable changes among MBFC’s lineup were Felix Annan starting in goal, the return of Davey Mason, and the appearance of Elijah Amo listed among the substitutes. 

The start of the game proved to be a setback as the home team went down early. Yaya Fane missed the clearance and despite a great initial effort from Annan, the ball fell to Jimenez for the score. 

Maryland’s attack seemed to wake up after the early deficit. Christian Schneider crossed the ball into the box that landed at the feet of Joseph Boone after Bay Cities deflected it away. The striker’s shot went just wide of the goal. Another setback came Maryland’s way 23 minutes into the first half. Felix Annan suffered a leg injury that he initially tried to play through before eventually being subbed off for Christian Caulker. 

Shortly after coming on, Caulker made two saves to prevent the visitors from expanding their lead. The defense on both sides led to chances at more goals that fizzled out in the final third. 

After a collection of shots on goal, the Bobcats were able to find the back of the net with a back heel pass from Schneider that finds Davey Mason in space. He crossed the ball into the BCFC box for an awaiting Bernardo Majano who headed it home in the 33rd minute. 

While MBFC were able to tie the game, this would not last long as Bay Cities answered back. Edson Cardona capitalized on another Bobcat error and regained the lead for Bay Cities. As the final minutes of halftime came, Bay Cities placed themselves on the receiving end of yet another Bobcat error. This time deflection from a cross landed at the head of Josiah Romero and into the net for Bay Cities’ third goal on the night. 

The only halftime change for Maryland was Noah Wright coming on for Christian Schneider to add speed to the backline. While the fullback held his own, this did not prevent bay Cities from seeing additional opportunities to expand their lead. 

In the 49th minute, Maryland made another substitution. Andy Alvarado came on for Bernardo Majano to add fresh legs in midfield. Sam Solomon also came on for Mo Alewine in the 49th minute to add another attacking threat. Additionally, Elijah Amo made his return to action in the 59th minute.

Bay Cities were able to get a fourth goal in the 63rd minute when a Bobcat defender slipped going after the ball leading Edson Cardona in plenty of space to score his second on the night.  

While Maryland were unable to find the back of the net for the remainder of the match, the late changes were promising. Elijah Amo got behind the defense multiple times and even recorded a shot on goal late into the second half. 

The final whistle signaled an end to what was a challenging night for MBFC. The late substitutions brought something fans can hopefully look forward to in the future. As the team deals with more injuries, the two weeks until the squad’s next match may prove to be what is needed to turn the tide in this current run of form. 

The Bobcats will play their next game on June 4, 2022 against AC Syracuse Pulse at Lazer Stadium located at Onondaga Community College. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm EST. Fans can watch the game live on Eleven Sports. 

Match Details: 

Maryland Bobcats FC: Annan (GK) (Caulker 23’), Forka, Mason, Clegg, Fane; Alewine (Solomon 49’), Majano (Alvarado 49’), Gonzalez, Schneider (Wright 46’); Boone (Amo 59’)

Substitutes: Caulker (GK), Solomon, Wright, Amo, Quintanilla, Wivell, Alvarado, Akinkoye

Goals: Majano (33’)

Bookings: Mason (36’), Solomon (90’)

Bay Cities FC: Cruz-Gomez (GK), Shaheed (Penner 82’), Turgeon, Kwesele; Paoli, Cardona (Silvera 66’), Jimenez, Romero Jr., Jimenez; Trujillo, Romero

Substitutions: Lara, Penner, Silvera

Goals: Jimenez (6’), Cardona (35’, 63), Romero (85’)

Bookings: Romero (85’)