Match Preview: Sláinte Athletic vs. Touch Kings
The Spring 2025 campaign hits a major early checkpoint this Sunday as Sláinte Athletic faces off against first-place Touch Kings in a heavyweight clash with serious title implications.
Two games in, and the table is already taking shape. Sláinte enters the weekend 2-0 with a league-best +11 goal differential, while Touch Kings sit top at 3-0 with a +8 margin of their own. It’s a matchup between two sides in form, two squads with promotion ambitions, and two very different styles—each capable of making a statement.
This isn’t just another game. This is one that could help shape the title race.
The Task Ahead
The math is simple: win, and go top.
With one fewer game played, Sláinte has the chance to leapfrog the current leaders and take control of its own destiny. A result also sends a message to the rest of the league—that this squad isn’t just here to compete. It’s here to win everything.
But Touch Kings won’t make it easy. Undefeated through three, they’ve already knocked off NPC Fútbol and Baltimore City in convincing fashion, and just edged MSI Pro in a tight contest last weekend. They’re disciplined, confident, and physical—and they won’t back down.
Squad News
Sláinte enters Sunday with a few key pieces missing.
Adam Ramos, Francio Henry, Mark McDonough, and Aki Maja are all sidelined due to injury. But there’s good news: Evan Novian and Ryan Cummings return to the matchday roster, adding depth and familiarity across the back line and midfield.
The rest of the squad remains intact, with a front line in red-hot form and a midfield unit growing in cohesion under manager Aaron Burbridge’s guidance.
Sláinte Form Guide
Back-to-back wins. Twelve goals scored. One conceded.
Sláinte’s identity is starting to click—fluid in attack, sharp in transition, and defensively committed across every line.
Last Sunday’s 8-0 rout of NPC Fútbol was the club’s most complete performance to date:
Perez bagged a brace and pulled strings up top.
Hitt and Ngobu each found the net and caused chaos on the wings.
Burruss and Peters chipped in from the bench.
The back line remained organized and composed.
The squad rotated smartly, and the chemistry never dipped.
This group is confident. But more importantly, it’s focused.
The Opponent: Touch Kings
Touch Kings have been efficient, composed, and ruthless through three matchdays. They’ve yet to drop a point, and their attack has been consistent—scoring multiple goals in every outing while maintaining a strong defensive shape.
They’re no strangers to physical battles, and they’ve shown they can grind out results or run away with games when chances fall their way.
For Sláinte, it’s a test of maturity and mentality.
For Touch Kings, it’s a chance to defend the throne.
For the league, it’s a must-watch.
What’s at Stake
Two of the best teams in the league. One early-season showdown with potential promotion and silverware on the line.
If Sláinte wants to control its own path, this is the kind of match that matters. No lookahead. No letdown. Just a statement to be made— Against the league leaders.
This group knows what’s required.
Sláinte Athletic vs. Touch Kings
Sunday, April 13 | Milford Mill Academy Stadium | 1:00 PM
Maryland Super Soccer League Division II
Watch live via DMV Sports Media
Three points would send shockwaves.
Let’s keep the momentum rolling.
Two down. Eight to go. Stay sharp. Stay hungry.
