Hello everyone! Happy almost weekend! It has been another fantastic week of soccer in the DMV and so here are my three DMV Soccer-Related Thoughts!

A quick note before we get to the three thoughts. Last week, while I was covering the Maryland Bobcats-New York Cosmos match, I had the chance to snag the following photo of the Bobcats taking a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

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Having worked in soccer journalism for the past ten years I have had the chance to be a part of some pretty amazing moments. But watching the teams participating in the NISA Mid-Atlantic Cup taking a knee before each match is by far the most important. I’m very fortunate to have snagged this photo as well as multiple other pre-match shots of the Bobcats, FC Baltimore Christos, New York Cosmos, and New Amsterdam FC. Soccer is a great game but at the end of the day there are more important things than soccer. Black Lives Matter.

DMV Soccer-Related Thought #1: FC Baltimore Get A Big Win In The NISA Mid-Atlantic Cup…

FC Baltimore Christos continued their excellent run in the NISA Mid-Atlantic Cup, pulling off the 3-0 win over New Amsterdam FC. Alex Lee and Tunde Akinlosotu scored in the first half for Baltimore while Kyle Saunderson added a third just before the end of regulation. The win puts them firmly at the top of the NISA Mid-Atlantic Cup standings (1-1-0, 4 points) just ahead of the Bobcats (0-2-0, 2 points). As of today, NISA hasn’t announced a make-up date for Wednesday’s washout against the New York Cosmos.

In terms of style, what is interesting about Baltimore is how well-organized their midfield is. During Sunday’s match they were able to string together multiple long series of possessions, making attacking runs that almost always caught Amsterdam off-guard. Midfielder Alex Lee in particular has really stepped up during this tournament, creating a dynamic 1-2 partnership with Tunde Akinlosotu. It will be interesting to see how they continue to develop as they go deeper into this tournament and in their league campaign.

DMV Soccer-Related Thought #2: Let’s talk about that Bobcats-Cosmos match

After Baltimore Christos tore the house down with an incredible attacking display, the question really was: How can the Maryland Bobcats top it? While things were certainly rocky in the beginning the club found a way to earn a result, pulling off the 1-1 draw against the New York Cosmos.

First, let’s get through the controversy: In the ninth minute of the match Bobcats goalkeeper Richard Caulker was sent off for a foul outside of the box. Going down a man in just the ninth minute of the match (Really, who gives a red card to a goalkeeper versus attacker challenge) and having subbed off midfielder Levi Houapeu in the the sixth minute really threw the Bobcats organization off. The Cosmos seized on that disorganization with a cracking strike in the 19th minute.

What was interesting was the resolve that the Bobcats showed in the second half. The side went with a wide midfield formation, using their speed and quick passing to force the Cosmos to chase them for the better part of 45 minutes. Watching it as a spectator it almost felt like the Cosmos were the team down a man and not the Bobcats. Bobcats forward Richard Forka, who is a McDaniel College alum (where yours truly also went. He is much younger than me), scored the equalizer to make it 1-1.

Much like with Baltimore there is a lot to like from the Bobcats first two results. In both games they proved their mettle, coming back to earn late draws. The question is now: How can they play with their dynamic for the full 90 minutes?

DMV Soccer-Related Thought #3: There needs to be a greater focus on developing professional/semi-professional women’s teams and leagues here in the DMV.

One of the things that I have really enjoyed over the last few years is seeing the growth of men’s professional club soccer here in the DMV. It seems like everyday there are new clubs popping up with quality players, strong sponsorship backing, and better league organization and structure. Getting back on the field the last two weeks has cemented those feelings and it feels like things are moving in the right direction.

And yet…something still feels like it is missing. While DMV professional soccer outside of the top divisions is seemingly getting stronger and stronger it is disappointing to see so few women’s professional and semi-professional teams here in the DMV. By my estimation, it doesn’t seem like there are actually any outside of the Washington Spirit, which is a sad statement for DMV Soccer.

One quick note on the Spirit: While this Spirit certainly have a role in developing women’s soccer here in the DMV they are just one club. It should be the responsibility of all of us who work in or are passionate about soccer to promote and develop the women’s game.

The question is: Why? It is certainly not for a lack of talent available. The DMV annually develops hundreds of players for some of the top college programs locally and across the country. Economics may play a role but as our own Megan Cleary pointed out the National Women’s Soccer League recent deals with Budweiser, Verizon, and Secret there are certainly businesses looking to support women’s soccer.

What’s great about soccer here in the DMV is that the individuals involved whether it is players, coaches, league officials, or just fans want to make the game open for everyone. However, making the game open for everyone doesn’t just involve uniforms, tickets, or creating supporters groups. It involves creating a women’s team when you announce a new men’s team, working with other clubs to establish leagues, and promoting and developing female coaches.