Baltimore MD - Crystal Palace were already facing a crowded early June schedule with three matches in an eight day period. But the recent draw of the US Open Cup first round has added a fourth match and 5,000 miles of travel to that stretch.

And it could have been worse. If it weren’t for today’s rescheduling of the home fixture against Bermuda from June 15th to August 6th (at Bermuda’s request), it would have meant six games in twelve days.

Palace kick off their hectic timetable with a return to Ludlow Massachusetts to face the Western Mass Pioneers on Friday June 6th at 7:30pm. Palace then turn right around and head back to Baltimore for their first encounter with the reigning USL2 championHarrisburg City Islanders on Sunday June 8th at 5:30pm.

Just two weeks ago, Palace played the Pioneers in Ludlow a man down for the final half hour and staged a dramatic stoppage-time victory. The visitors will be hoping for a similar result, but perhaps with a little less drama this time. “We all know it’s going to be a very difficult game - they’ve been waiting to get their revenge,” said Palace captain Val Teixeira.

“Traveling to Western Mass then playing the defending champions two days later is a tough order” added Palace President and Co-Manager Pete Medd. “Lusitano stadium is probably one of the most difficult places to play. The Pioneers are a very physical team - they’re consistently among the leaders in fouls and cards every year - so we know what kind of game it’s going to be.”

Last time, a rock was thrown at the Palace bus as it left the stadium, smashing one of the windows. Portuguese native Teixeira commented on the famously hostile environment generated by the Pioneers supporters at Lusitano stadium: “We’re not going to be worried about the fans. Our job is to win games, not to be distracted.” He even has a soft spot for the place: “I spent a lot of time in this part of the world. Playing at Lusitano, which is one of my favorite fields, reminds me of Portugal, and a lot of my friends will be in the stand, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Palace’s Sporting Director and Co-Manager Jim Cherneski commented on concerns about the physical demands of the upcoming schedule on the Palace squad: “That’s why we signed a lot of very good players - we’re comfortable using all of them. The intention is to win every game, so we’re not going to hold back to save legs or anything like that.”

“To travel all day in-between these two matches will be hard. But all teams in this league have travel schedules like this at some point during the season, so it all evens out eventually.” Medd added. “We’re looking for six points, but we’d settle for four.”

Last season, Harrisburg was the team that ended Palace’s chances of reaching the playoffs, winning 2-0 at Navy-Marine Memorial Stadium. But Palace gained a measure of revenge when they beat the Islanders in Harrisburg on the final day of the regular season. “We know they’re a decent team even though they’ve had a lot of draws this season. We know they’ll be challenging at the end of the season.” Cherneski warned. “Despite their roster changes, we’ve gotten reports that they’re playing a similar style to last year, so we know what to expect.”

Colombian attacking midfielder Harold Urquijo sprained an ankle this week, so won’t be in the squad for the weekend’s fixtures. Nor will defensive midfielder Alex Ughiovhe as he continues to nurse his knee and quad injuries. On the positive side, Larry Mark is fit again after being out since the end of pre-season with a leg injury and will travel to New England.

Following the Friday and Sunday matches, Palace travels to California on Tuesday to play the PDL team the Los Angeles Legends in the first round of the US Open Cup. They return to Baltimore for an important clash on Friday June 13th with the Cleveland City Stars, who currently sit second in the league, level on points with Palace.