Last season, the Annapolis Blues drew a record-setting crowd for their home opener at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Now in a higher competition league, expectations were even greater for their first home game of 2025.
The Annapolis fans delivered.
An attendance mark of 12,853 set a record for the Blues and the pre-professional tier of the United Soccer League, which Annapolis joined after two years in the National Premier Soccer League. The Blues overcame a slow offensive start to defeat Christos FC, 2-0, on Saturday.
“Incredible how the communities embrace this team, it’s fantastic,” coach Colin Herriot said. “Super proud of the team, but also super proud of the fans as well.”
First-year striker Ryan Belal notched his first Blues goal nearly halfway through the second half when he drew out Christos goalkeeper Tanner Kennard before firing a low shot from just outside the goal area. Second-year striker Brady Geho added the other goal when he received a cross in front of the goal in the 89th minute.
Both goals sent the crowd into ecstasy — especially after a first half in which the Blues had chances to take command of the game, but shot erratically.
On Annapolis’ opening possession, Belal found space and cut toward the penalty area before firing a wide shot. The Parkville native had another early opportunity when he raced down the side of the pitch on a breakaway. Kennard fell down, but Belal’s shot sailed wide again.
“I was never concerned,” Herriot said. “I know a good player like [Belal], next chance he gets he’ll be efficient, that’s what we saw.”
Christos eventually found openings, largely through free and corner kicks. Blues goalkeeper Emigdio Tormo Lopez made several saves on shots inside the penalty area, though, keeping the game tied despite increased pressure on him as the half continued.
It was the Blues’ transition game that led to their best opportunities in the first 45 minutes.
Second-year midfielder Ben Madore juked a defender and pushed down the sideline before passing to fellow midfielder Albi Ndrenika open in the middle. Ndrenika, a University of Maryland player, fired a shot against a vulnerable Kennard as Annapolis’ crowd cheered at its loudest mark of the first half.
Annapolis Blues FC beat Christos FC in men’s home opener PHOTOS
But Ndrenika’s shot sailed high — cultivating a collective sigh from the crowd and keeping the game scoreless at halftime.
Annapolis’ swarming defense led to even more chances in the second half as the Blues dominated the possession battle. Christos’ defense looked arrhythmic under immense pressure, and Belal had a solid look within the first two minutes of the half.
“I think the distances in our press were a bit better,” Herriot said. “When you start to get rewarded for [press defense], you can tell the guys go with a little bit more intent, a little bit more energy.”
Belal found a solid look within the first two minutes of the second half, but his shot again sailed wide. In the 47th minute, the Blues had a header off a corner kick that came inches from crossing the goal line, but Kennard miraculously saved the shot.
Annapolis fans gasped in disappointment as their team’s best opportunity came and went. The Blues continued to keep the ball penetrated on Christos’ side of the pitch, though.
Then, Belal finally broke the scoreless drought. Geho added a late goal off a pass from Matthew Lenert to further support a dominant defensive performance, helping the Blues advance to 2-0 on the season.
Annapolis proved an ability to stay composed and adjust after a frustrating first half. Now playing in a tougher league, that’s a solid sign for the Blues’ chances at a deep run.
“It takes a lot of mental focus and strategy from us to keep playing our game and know the breakthrough will come,” Belal said. “And it did.”
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