Match Preview: Sláinte Athletic vs. Peru United
After months of building, testing, and proving, the time has come—Sláinte Athletic returns to MSSL Division II action this Sunday, opening the Spring 2025 campaign against a familiar and formidable opponent: Peru United.
This match marks the start of a new chapter for the club, not just on the pitch but from the sidelines. Aaron Burbridge—a club original—officially begins his tenure as manager, taking over the reins with a clear vision and sharp intent. Supporting him is Gavin Mooney, sidelined from play this spring due to surgery, but now stepping into a tactical role that gives Sláinte a unique edge from the dugout.
Aaron Burbridge, Sláinte Athletic Manager
The State of the League
Week 1 is already in the books for most clubs:
• Touch Kings sit top after a dominant 5-1 win over NPC Futbol.
• MSI Pro edged out Ittihad FC 4-3, joining them on 3 points.
• Peru United and Baltimore City FC battled to a 2-2 draw, placing both mid-table.
• Sláinte Athletic enters with a game in hand, meaning a win on Sunday can immediately propel us into the top half of the table with momentum.
Sláinte’s Form: The Build-Up
Confidence is high in the Sláinte camp, and for good reason.
Following a strong second-place finish in last fall’s MSSL campaign, the club impressed in its 2025 Morton Cup debut, going 4-1 and storming through the group stage with a perfect record. Wins over Baltimore City FC, Street Footie, and Starliners FC showed the team’s growing composure and depth. A semifinal loss to eventual champions ACFC provided harsh lessons—but also lit a fire.
A week later, Sláinte wrapped preseason with a 3-1 win over the historic Baltimore Kickers, a match that showcased not just talent—but identity.
Players to Watch
• BP Seivers – A revelation in midfield, already locking down a starting role and dictating the rhythm of play.
• Leland Brigham – Pacy, hard-working, and clinical. A new attacking threat with a point to prove.
• Danny Hallowell (C) – The captain is in prime form, having scored in both the Kickers match and Morton Cup group stage.
• Logan Funk – Leading the line with strength and killer instinct. A striker who knows how to change games.
• Andres Perez – Back from injury, and already back on the scoresheet. Technical, calm, and dangerous.
• Sam Dragunas – A young defender with bite and presence—expect him to be a key physical piece this season.
The Opponent: Peru United
A familiar face in the league, Peru United are coming off a 1-1 draw with Baltimore City FC last week. They’re physical, organized, and hard to break down—a tough opponent to open the season against.
Sláinte has faced Peru twice before, splitting the results—a 4-1 win in one, and a 2-0 loss in the other. Sunday offers the perfect opportunity to settle the score.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just Matchday One—it’s a tone-setter.
With Touch Kings and MSI Pro already at 3 points, a win here keeps Sláinte within striking distance and kickstarts the Burbridge era with authority. And with a game in hand, it’s a golden opportunity to rise quickly.
Sláinte Athletic vs. Peru United
Sunday, March 30 | 3:00 PM
Maryland Super Soccer League Division II
catch the game live via DMV Sports Media: https://www.youtube.com/live/fQt81yNbnus?si=clLsL-Poe_zMZeBo
The wait is over. The campaign begins now.
Let’s get to work.
