The FC Monmouth women’s soccer team opens their home season with back-to-back games at Count Basie Field Saturday and Sunday.
The semipro club launched last year and this year joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
Here’s more info from a team press release:
The FC Monmouth women’s team is set to make history this weekend as they
host their first-ever WPSL home match on Saturday night at 7 PM. The Blue and Gold will
square off against SJEB FC.They will then return to action less than 24 hours later as they host
Fever SC on Sunday night at 5:30 PM. Both matches will be played at Count Basie Park in Red
Bank.
After drawing in their opening game of the season to the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals
Liberty 3-3 on the road, FC Monmouth is eager to excite the home crowd and pick up their first
three points of the season.
Head coach Lou Santa Cruz has repeatedly emphasized building chemistry among the squad.
Santa Cruz saw flashes of his team coming together against the Nationals and he aims to build
on that momentum.
“We have not been together long and haven’t had the opportunity to train a whole lot,” noted
Santa Cruz. “Continuous improvement is what we’re focusing on – every half. We did that in the
first game. In the first half, we came out slow. Players didn’t really know each other as well. As
we got to know each other a little better, the second half looked much better. We want to
continue on that and get better each half.”
With the games being played less than 24 hours apart, FC Monmouth will utilize their depth to
give themselves their best chance at attaining six points.
“I think you’ll definitely see some different players Saturday and Sunday. It’s based on
availability. I think part of the trick is trying to keep the core group together as much as we
possibly can, but unfortunately, kids are working – trying to make money for school, and taking
vacations with family. We’ll figure out who is on the roster for both days, see what their
availability is, and go from there,” said Santa Cruz.
Regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, the team is ecstatic for the opportunity to play in an
official league game at home. The FC Monmouth women’s team had several home fixtures in
2024, but they were technically only friendly matches.“Everyone is super excited for the opportunity to play at home in front of our fans and be a part
of this league. We are extremely excited about it. We are looking forward to the competition this
weekend,” stated Santa Cruz.
FC Monmouth is a semi-professional soccer club located in Monmouth County. The men’s team
competes in The League for Clubs. The women’s team competes in the biggest women’s soccer
league in the world, the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). USWNT players such as
Kristine Lilly, Alex Morgan, and Julie Foudy have all played in the WPSL. Both of FC
Monmouth’s teams consist of high-level collegiate soccer players. FC Monmouth provides a
professional, immersive experience to these players in their off-season, allowing them to stay
sharp for the collegiate season.
Both games will be streamed on YouTube. Tickets can be purchased by visiting
fcmonmouth.com/tickets.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
