Annapolis (Map, News) - Since allowing eight goals in their first two games, Crystal Palace USA has righted the ship.

Following a 2-1 win over Bermuda Saturday at the Maryland SoccerPlex, Crystal Palace (3-4-2) is unbeaten in its last five league games and sits in fifth place in the 10-team USL-2 Division, rebounding from a 0-4 start goalkeeper Brian Rowland calls a learning curve.

“With a new team, you’re always going to find that you’re going to get off to a slow start,” said Rowland, whose defensive unit has allowed two goals to league opponents since May 12. “It just took time for guys to find the right spots and get chemistry with people.”

Crystal Palace co-coach Pete Medd is convinced the chemistry is finding its way. He’s just waiting for his offense to gain enough momentum so the defense can breathe easier.

Against Bermuda (0-5-1), the attack showed signs of life.

Charlie Sheringham found Matthew Mbuta cutting down the left side of the 18-yard box, and the midfielder drilled a 12-yard shot into the back of the net in the 47th minute.

In similar fashion, Sheringham found midfielder Josh Alcala in front of the Hogges’ net in the 62nd minute for a 2-0 lead.

“He does a great job of holding the ball for us and linking other players into the attack,” Medd said of Sheringham, who is tied with Mbuta for the team-lead with three assists.

“We had a spurt of concentration loss,” Bermuda coach Kyle Lightbourne said, “and they punished us.”

That’s exactly what Medd wants from his players.

While the offense has been anemic at times, scoring six times in its last seven league games, the defense is gaining a reputation for hard-nosed play and stinginess - giving up four goals in the same stretch, which has taken some pressure on the attack.

“If we’re not conceding goals, when we score, we’re going to win,” Sheringham said.

During its five-game run - in which the team is 3-0-2 - Crystal Palace has moved into playoff position for the first time this season and, effectively, in franchise history.

But Medd isn’t satisfied yet.

“We want to compete for a league title,” he said. “That was a goal this year, even as a first-year team. We think we’re coming into form to do that.”

Comments from Examiner Readers

7:15 AM MST on Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 re: "A new look at Palace"

Examiner Reader said:
Not after the two more games they play they will be in playoffs and be promoted to EPL!!! GO PALACE!!!

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6:12 AM MST on Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 re: "A new look at Palace"

Examiner Reader said:
Crystal Palace isn't in the EPL. They are in the League Championship, which is one level below.

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