City Stars Back To Winning With 2-0 Trouncing Of Bermuda
July 6, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
Although the Cleveland City Stars have only one loss this season they hadn't had a win since June 9th coming into tonight's game. Bermuda, another of the USL-2 expansion teams, has only one win so far this season which they earned just last week. Although not imperative at this juncture of the season, the 3 points from a win were greatly desired by both sides.
Bermuda came out fast and hard maintaining possession from the start and taking an early shot that was saved by Stars Keeper, #00 Caleb Patterson. From that point on, however, the Stars took control of the game, earning possessions, creating opportunities and finishing early. In the 2nd minute Jack Cummings brought the ball up the right side quickly on a counterattack, sending it up to John DeVae who found a crease into the middle and a waiting Nigel Codrington. Codrington didn't hesitate, sending the ball screaming into the back of the net past a diving Bermuda keeper.
Aggressive play from Hogges #9 Stephen Astwood and patience kept Bermuda in the game throughout most of the first half, but they were unable to find any holes in the solid Stars defense. With the exception of two good opportunities of corner kicks they didn't cause too many problems for Patterson and the CCS backline.
At the other end of the pitch, however, the City Stars were wreaking havoc with creative, fluid touches and hard won possessions. The front five proved very dangerous giving the home fans a lot to cheer about with exciting attempts on goal and a second finish in the 38th minute when Schulte switched fields from the half and sent newcomer Ben Hunter into the corner. Hunter, on loan from the MLS Columbus Crew, fought his way past two defenders and sent a bullet across the face of the goal into the side netting.
For the third time this season the Stars entered the locker room holding a 2-0 advantage. But unlike their earlier matches, they held on for the victory maintaining the two goal margin and a clean sheet for Caleb Patterson. Bermuda worked valiantly throughout the second half but just couldn't find the key. They won several consecutive corners mid way through the second half which proved to be their best opportunity of the game but came away empty handed when #10 Derek Potteiger finally cleared the ball to gain possession for the home boys.
"We needed this win tonight, not just for the 3 points but for the team's morale. Draws just won't get it done and we had to get back to winning tonight," stated Head Coach Martin Rennie matter-of-factly after the game.
With curling passes and well timed runs, instinctive touches and good communication the City Stars looked like a team tonight. The addition of Ben Hunter and the return of Glen Duerr gave the fans a glimpse of just how deep this roster goes, and with fresh legs from Skelly Kellar, Chris Lemons, and Gerardo Alvarez late in the second half, the Stars nearly added a late goal before the final whistle. With only one day of rest in between, the Cleveland City Stars look ahead to their next game scheduled for this Sunday July 8th, 2007. The second match of the weekend will begin at 5:00pm two hours earlier than their other home games, so there is no excuse for not joining the team in their quest for a fourth victory over their rivals, the Cincinnati Kings.
Come out and see what the excitement is all about. It is tremendous for the players to have the stands full of screaming fans. And you can enjoy a great evening of entertainment for the whole family. See you Sunday -- you won't be disappointed!
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 6, 2007
- City Stars Back To Winning With 2-0 Trouncing Of Bermuda - Cleveland City Stars
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