Real Central draws to Delaware FC

July 1st, 2026

WEST WINDSOR, NJ – Real Central NJ earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw in brutal conditions against Delaware FC on Wednesday evening. Despite leading the contest for over an hour, the home side conceded an 81st minute goal that evened the USL2 contest for good.

It was a humid and oppressive 94 degrees at kickoff with little breeze to speak of. Because of the conditions, the game was stopped every 15 minutes for much-needed hydration breaks for the players.

Both teams seemed to be pacing themselves to the conditions early. The first 15 minutes saw each side staying in the lower gears to start the match. There was more jogging than running as each team tried to probe the other’s defense with long balls over the top.

It was clear after the first 15 minutes that there was space to be had on the field. It felt as if a goal was imminent and Real Central NJ bagged one a few minutes after the hydration break.

In the 19th minute, Real Central NJ’s Roan Harrington launched a beautifully weighted corner into the heart of the 6-yard box. The ball fell to the feet of Edward Peralta who settled it with a touch. Peralta then took an extremely high-percentage shot from two yards in front of goalkeeper Timothy Devine and banged it into the net to put the home club up 1-0.

Delaware Football Club responded to the goal with offensive aggression. Their efforts were nearly rewarded in the 27th minute with a glorious chance. Jordan Illian took a hard shot from the right of the penalty spot that was repelled by a jumping block by Real Central NJ defender Anthony Durling. Goalkeeper Tyler Sloan was also in position to swat the chance away as well.

Real Central NJ had an excellent chance of their own a minute later when Player of the Match Christopher Hines started the club upfield with an excellent ball to Roan Harrington. Harrington then made a central pass to Ethan Vanacore-Decker who took a few strides before laying the ball off to a charging Matthew Lynch. From just inside the 18-yard box Lynch one-timed a shot that was saved by Devine to keep the score 1-0.

Real Central NJ looked like they had a sure goal in the 45th minute when Roan Harrington took a wonderful pass from Andrew Kitch who made a strong run. Harrington turned to create space and fired. Goalkeeper Devine got just enough of the shot to slow it down for Delaware FC’s Oluwatobi Osoba to slide in and clear it off the line. It was a fantastic defensive play by Osoba that would loom large in the outcome.

The second half began with Real Central NJ playing aggressive and looking to close the game out. But Delaware FC proved up to the challenge and were able to stay one goal behind despite the pressure.

After the 52nd minute, Delaware FC were on the front foot and starting to create trouble. They had a fantastic chance in the 54th minute when Tyler Flowers took a low-bending free kick that was saved and rebounded to Tyler Dufraiche on the edge of the 6-yard box. However, Deufraiche’s volley missed the net and soared wide.

The breakthrough for Delaware FC came in the 80th minute when Ian Alicea was pulled down in the 18-yard box and a penalty was awarded. The resulting penalty shot, taken in the 81st minute by Tyler Flowers, was a no-doubter and the game was level at 1-1.

Both teams traded excellent chances near the end of the game. Real Central NJ had one in the 90th minute and Delaware FC had their own a minute later but neither found the net. Both teams worked hard on a hot and humid night to earn a point

Real Central NJ have two games remaining on their USL2 schedule. Next up they will play their final home game at Mercer Community College on Wednesday, July 8, against West Chester United SC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.