City Stars and Harrisburg Play to Draw Through Another Storm
Published on May 2, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
The Cleveland City Stars and the Harrisburg City Islanders played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday night. It was the second draw in two weeks, and the third in five career matchups for the two teams. Cleveland and Harrisburg are no stranger to playing close matches with each other as the two teams now have a 1-1-3 record against each other with each team scoring 4 goals a piece.
After the last two weeks, the two rivals are now also accustomed to playing through severe thunderstorms and weather delays. Just seven days ago in Harrisburg the two teams saw their match come to an abrupt end in the 42nd minute before resuming play a day later. This time around the players barely had a chance to warm up, as the referees pulled the players off the pitch in the 2nd minute because of lightning.
Prior to the lightning delay, the City Stars nearly jumped out to an early lead after Harrisburg goalkeeper Danny Cepero misplayed a goal kick. The ball rolled directly into the path of Randolph Jerome who connected on a bullet that just missed over the net.
The restart featured a battle between Cleveland's Jerome and Harrisburg's Almir Barbosa as both team's were looking to feature the players on the offensive attack. Jerome has his most active half as a member of the City Stars. In addition to the early shot on goal, the native of Guyana was out in front multiple occasions, narrowly drawing three off sides calls. The calls did not stop the Stars from looking for Jerome as in the 40th minute the striker had another solid look before being tackled inside the penalty box on a questionable no-call.
Harrisburg consistently looked for Barbosa on the end of the deep ball early in the half but failed to mount a strong offensive threat. The wind and rain was a factor as Harrisburg had to adjust their strategy to more of a short passing game.
The second half featured more of the Stars forcing the ball into Jerome. In a flurry of activity in the 56th minute, Jerome was narrowly off sides again before regaining control after the free kick. Jerome knifed through the Harrisburg back line for a left footed shot on goal. The angled shot was knocked down and controlled by Cepero.
"It felt good to get out and attack," said Jerome. "My teammates were looking for me tonight and we had some good chances but unfortunately we just didn't score. We still feel good about tonight's game and we gave the fans something to cheer about. I especially want to thank our loyal fans who have stuck with us the past two weeks through some horrible weather. Even with the storms they've been right there cheering us on and its a good feeling to look into the stands and see the Green Army supporting you."
The match continued the pattern of the previous four matchups between the clubs as it was an intense, hard-fought defensive battle. They style of play fit in perfectly with City Stars' captain and USL-2 defender of the year Mark Schulte as the 6'3" native of Brecksville, OH began to impose his will on the game throughout the second half with strong defensive play in the box.
The Stars were able to mount one last ditch offensive attack while keeping the pressure on Harrisburg into the 90th minute as Salleiu Bundu subbed into the lineup. Bundu, Adam Ruud and Derek Potteiger all attempted shots on goal but Cepero was up to the challenge.
The City Stars remain unbeaten on the season, now standing at 1-0-2 with Real Maryland coming to Krenzler Stadium next Saturday May 10th for a 7pm kick off.
Replays of tonight's match will be shown on SportsTime Ohio on Sunday May 4th at 1pm, Monday May 5th in primetime at 7pm and Tuesday May 6th at noon.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 2, 2008
- City Stars and Harrisburg Play to Draw Through Another Storm - Cleveland City Stars
- Kickers Announce Free Youth Night May 31 - Richmond Kickers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
