Its slogan is “English Tradition – American Turf.” It’s not a reference to Crystal Palace USA‘s unique, synthetic playing surface at University Maryland Baltimore County Stadium, but Sportexe Momentum Turf does present a significant change from the natural grass the English club calls home.
“Its good because it’s a flat surface. It bodes well for our style of play,” Palace president Pete Medd said. “We’re used to it. It’s not ideal, but we’re used to it. It’s a fast surface.”
Palace (5-0) played last year on the natural grass surface at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Only four United Soccer Leagues Second Division teams – Palace, Charlotte, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh – have artificial home surfaces.
Palace has yet to lose at home this season, and last year, went 0-1-1 on non-grass playing fields. Palace players praise UMBC Stadium for its true bounces.
“It’s quicker. It’s different, but it’s obviously a nice playing surface. You can’t complain about this field,” Palace defender Mike Lookingland said. “Some of the fields are pretty bad in this league, and this is definitely one of the best fields. Considering its Field Turf, most of them have football lines on them, and this one doesn’t have a whole lot of lines, so it looks [cleaner].”
Sportexe Momentum Turf is the same surface used by the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium – which has been considered for hosting professional friendlies, but passed over because event planners consider the surface a drawback.
“I like the consistency, but it takes a toll on your body, especially because we play on it every day,” Palace defender Andrew Marshall said. “Your knees, your ankles. We’re used to it.”
Englishman Paul Robson has played on Field Turf before, but not very often in actual game play.
“We had these for training when there was terrible weather outside,” Robson said. “Its good, but players like to play on grass.”
But all players would agree – Field Turf is better than AstroTurf.
“This is miles better. I played on AstroTurf in England and its horrendous,” Robson said. “This is miles better.”
NOTE: Palace will visit the Los Angeles Legends, a United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League club, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the opening round of the U.S. Open Cup.
PALACE VS. CHARLOTTE EAGLES
» Kickoff: Tonight, 7
» Where: UMBC Stadium
» Tickets: $16, Children 5 & under are free; call 410-933-TEAM
