Palace aims to go 5-0

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The Crystal Palace USA defense is anxious to extend its 360-minute scoreless streak that has fueled an undefeated start in the United Soccer League Second Division.

“They’re pretty excited,” co-manager Jim Cherneski said. “They’re also pretty confident. We have to make sure that doesn’t turn into overconfidence. They’re certainly confident and very, very good. They’re very organized and all on the same page.”

Palace’s starting quartet of Paul Robson, Ibrahim Kante, Andrew Marshall and Shintaro Horada hasn’t allowed a goal in four games this season. The team hasn’t allowed a goal in 540 minutes dating to last season, which ended with Crystal Palace USA posting consecutive shutouts.

“Our back four is extremely organized and playing at an extremely high level,” Palace co-manager Pete Medd said. “No matter what goalkeeper we put in, we have one of the best goalkeepers in professional soccer.”

Palace looks to improve to 5-0 when it visits the Western Mass Pioneers on Saturday night at 7.

Crystal Palace is in second place with 12 points, one behind Charlotte (4-0-1).

Western Mass (2-2-1) has been outscored, 5-3, in five games, and defeated Richmond, 1-0, last weekend. The Pioneers center their attack around Brazilian midfielder Marcello and also are known for playing a very physical style of soccer. Palace is led by forward Gary Brooks’ three goals and an assist, as the team has outscored the opposition, 8-0, taking the pressure off goalies Brian Rowland and Matt Nelson.

“They play the ball along the ground most of the time,” Cherneski said. “They are very hard on tackles, so we’re expecting a pretty rough game. Last time we played them, they had two ejections because we were reacting to late tackles. We’re expecting more of that.”

swelsh@baltimoreexaminer.com

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