LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Grounded FC is entering a new chapter after an undefeated championship season in Liga Primos, with the club looking to prove it belongs among the league’s top teams while providing opportunities for young players in Southern Maryland.
Sergio Moncivais Romero, one of Grounded FC’s coaches, told The BayNet that the team originally started as a way to promote his company through soccer but quickly developed into a competitive club. Romero said he also wanted to learn more about coaching because of his two sons and the family’s passion for soccer.
Grounded FC takes its name from Grounded Solar and Construction, a company Romero said began as a solar business before expanding into construction, roofing, landscaping and other services. The company aims to provide homeowners with multiple services through one business instead of requiring them to coordinate with several contractors.
The soccer team initially served as another way for the company to build its presence in the community, but Romero said it eventually became more than a marketing effort.
Grounded FC competes in Liga Primos, an adult competitive soccer league that Romero said began around 2023. The league has grown from approximately four or five teams to 16 and uses a promotion-and-relegation system similar to European soccer.
Grounded FC began in Division B and went undefeated before winning the division championship and earning promotion to Division A.
For the club, the championship represented more than a trophy.
Romero said Grounded FC wanted to demonstrate that it was a serious competitive team while bringing more attention to Liga Primos and soccer in Southern Maryland and the DMV. The championship also helped the club attract younger players looking for experience and exposure.
Among those players were Noah Kowalko and Tyler Steigman, members of Leonardtown High School’s 2025 Maryland state championship team, according to Romero. He also highlighted Great Mills players Renee Ramos and Alexander Azamar Leva, who have received recognition for their performances.
One of the biggest highlights of the championship run was seeing players from Leonardtown and Great Mills come together.
Romero said the players were able to put their high school rivalry aside and develop strong chemistry while competing against adults. He said the experience showed Grounded FC could become something meaningful for young players in the DMV.
Romero said Grounded FC records games and creates highlights to provide players with additional exposure as they pursue college opportunities. Competing against older and more experienced players can also help younger athletes prepare for the next level.
The team also faced adversity during its undefeated season. Although Grounded FC did not lose, Romero said several ties felt like losses to the players. The team responded by coming together, discussing what needed to improve and addressing those issues in practice.
Romero credited the success to a combination of coaching, chemistry and the players’ mindset. He shares coaching duties with Juan Gomez and said the right combination of players and coaching helped the team reach its potential.
Romero believes Liga Primos can become an important avenue for developing and showcasing soccer talent in the region. He hopes the league eventually attracts players from throughout Maryland and potentially larger clubs, giving Southern Maryland players more opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Now, Grounded FC faces its biggest challenge yet.
The club will begin its first Division A season against Frijolitos FC, which Romero identified as the previous Division A champion.
“It is going to be a tough match,” Romero said, but added that Grounded FC has earned the opportunity to compete at the higher level.
The goal this season is to prove Grounded FC belongs in Division A while continuing to grow its community and attract talented players. Romero said one of the club’s main goals is ultimately to compete for the Division A championship.
Grounded FC plays at Chancellor’s Run Park in the California, Maryland, area.
After an undefeated championship season in Division B, the club now has an opportunity to establish itself at the next level.
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