On Tuesday, April 2nd, the Kickers will host a second round US Open Cup match against the Maryland Bobcats of the National Independent Soccer Association. This will be the second match of the tournament for both clubs; the Kickers defeated Christos FC, also from Maryland, 1-0 via an Adrian Billhardt first half goal while Maryland beat West Chester United 2-0 through a pair of goals from Darwin Espinal.
So who are our next opponents? We reached out to the Maryland Bobcats for background on the history of the club and information about this year's team. The interview was conducted via email, and the answers below have only been edited for slight grammar fixes and formatting.
Club History
R93: How was the club founded and what was some of the inspiration behind it?
MBFC: The club was founded to give opportunity to the local talent that was forgotten.
R93: Who are some players who have played for the Maryland Bobcats that have contributed to the club's success?
MBFC: Josselin Possian, Richard Forka, Jake Dengler, Davey Mason, Darwin Espinal, Manuel Gonzalez
R93: This started as an amateur club recently transitioning to a pro club in 2019. What were some of the highs and lows of that journey and what has it meant to the community to have a professional club in the Maryland Area?
MBFC: It has been an incredible journey. I believe winning the UPSL as an amateur club and announcing our move to the professional ranks were good moments for the club. The first year as a pro club was probably the toughest time of the process so far. We had to learn to deal with a different set of expectations and pressure. It is almost unbelievable that we are already in our 4th year as a pro club.
R93: On the path to NISA, this club has played in UPSL and NPSL. How have those various leagues helped the club as a stepping stent to being pro?
MBFC: These leagues were helpful. I think both of them do a great job at preparing talent for the next level.
R93: Also, the club has had some success in those leagues winning trophies. What were some of those successes? What are some of the biggest moments in the club career?
MBFC: Winning UPSL in Florida was a key success. I think it was the first time we faced teams that were further than the ones in our market. Also winning vs Chattanooga FC at their home before officially joining NISA was a big deal and advocated for us being ready for the next level.
Current team
R93: Being a NISA club that is in the third division of US Soccer, does the team have a unique way of recruiting players? Do you have an area that you stick in or focus on? Do you favor up-and-coming college stars or veteran pro players from various leagues?
MBFC: We are very fortunate to be in a very good market with a lot of local talented players. That helps us stay true to the original reason why the club was created. We always tend to have a mixture of young and experienced players.
R93: Last year the club made it to the second round of the US Open Cup, but ultimately lost to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. How is the squad shaping up to compete this year? How does that experience from last year shape you all now?
MBFC: Last year's experience was a great one for the players but mostly also for the staff. Pittsburgh was a great opponent who ended up making an historical run both in the cup and also in their league play. I believe these moments help an organization like ours to get more used to the pressure that will come with these types of games. The squad is getting well prepared to face Richmond Kickers next Tuesday and as an organization we are excited about the opportunity to play in a well known stadium against a very good opponent.
R93: What does the club's future look like going forward?
MBFC: Hopefully a bright future. We have done a tremendous amount of work within the community this off-season to make sure we attract as many community leaders as possible. Our goal is to have the best season in terms of results on the field and for the future. We believe many great things will follow from that
R93: How do you look to play usually, and how are you preparing yourself and your club for these cup games? What is the Club's identity?
MBFC: Being brave on the ball and off the ball. That is our identity. We prepared this game as we would every other one of them with a lot of intensity in the training group and just focusing on being the best team we can be. Cup games are special, on any given night, anyone could beat anyone. The team that is the most prepared and sacrifices the most on that day will have the most chance to win. We will look to build out and maintain possession as we always do. We will look to stay compact and make things difficult for our opponent in possession.
R93: Who are some of the players that fans should keep an eye out for?
MBFC: Darwin Espinal, Elijah Amoh, Tyler Gabarra, Mutaya Mwape
(editor's note: we'll be very happy to see Mutaya back at City Stadium!)
We hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about the Bobcats. We hope that we'll see everyone reading this out at City Stadium on Tuesday night. Personally, I think the Open Cup games are always the most fun ones of the year; come see if I'm right!
