Head Coach: Alex Kao
Venue: Maryland SoccerPlex
2023 Regular Season: 11-3-10, 36 pts, finished 5th in NISA Table, 2023 NISA Playoffs: Lost in quarterfinals to ALBION San Diego
2023 Season Recap: The Maryland Bobcats FC improved last season with more wins and points than during the 2022 NISA season. The Bobcats got off to a good start, winning four out of their first five matches. Maryland also got a big win against the LA Force on May 31. The Bobcats did dip a bit in form from the middle of June, going on a four-match winless, but slowly began to turn their season around. The Bobcats won five out of their last six matches since late August as they closed the regular season. The Bobcats 2023 season would end heartbreakingly in the quarterfinals, losing to ALBION San Diego for the second consecutive time in the NISA Playoffs, going out 8-7 on penalties after a 0-0 draw after extra time.
Offseason Recap
The Bobcats made some roster changes during the offseason and brought back some familiar faces and some new players. They are building their culture and bringing in players who fit that. The Bobcats also brought in some young DMV local talent and notable NISA veterans. Alex Kao is returning for his second season as the Head coach, and with an improved roster, and fans buzzing about the Bobcats competing for a NISA championship trophy this season.
Key Departure
Goalkeeper Alex Sutton departed the club in the offseason and signed with MLS NEXT Pro side Carolina Core FC. He played in 23 matches across all competitions for the Bobcats and had eight clean sheets. Forward Malik Thom and right back Jimmy Filerman also departed during the offseason.
Key Returnee
Maryland’s leading goalscorer, Darwn Espinal, returns for his third season. He led the team with 11 goals last season. Josselin Possian, Filip Burnett, Drew Wivell, and Richard Forka, who are also part of the core, will be back. As he returns for his second season, Jacob Boyle will be Maryland’s new number-one keeper.
Key Arrivals
The Bobcats were busy this offseason, bringing in new pieces to their squad, such as Mutaya Mwappe, defender Luis Almeida, Jacob Campbell, and Travis Ward. The Bobcats also brought back some familiar faces, as Elijah Amo and Davey Mason returned to the club, bringing lots of excitement to fans at the Plex as well.
Player to Watch
Darwin Espinal’s versatility as a striker, ability to play at the wing, and being a goal-scoring threat for the Bobcats offense is someone to watch. He has scored 23 goals during his time with the Bobcats and added nine assists. With all the changes in Maryland bringing back Amo and Mason and adding key pieces on defense and the wing, expect the Bobcats to be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference, especially at the Plex. It may take some time for these new players to gel, but with the core of Espinal, Possian, Forka, and Wivell, the Bobcats should be one of the top teams in the East, and I expect this team to go far into the playoffs, and contend for a NISA championship.
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