City Stars Battle Richmond Kickers To Nil-Nil Draw
Published on June 28, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
Facing its biggest match in team history in just three days, the Cleveland City Stars first had to focus on league play before turning towards the U.S. Open Cup. The Richmond Kickers came to Krenzler Stadium on Saturday and the City Stars played them to a nil-nil draw. It was Cleveland's second straight scoreless draw at home.
The two teams played to a familiar pace after drawing twice in 2007. The first chance came for Cleveland in the 36th minute. Making his first start for the City Stars, Ryan Stewart made a crafty move to free himself for a shot across the defense to an open back left corner but was knocked out by the Richmond defense on a nice dive. The ensuing corner kick by Neil Hlavaty was placed perfectly to Randolph Jerome but the Guiana national team member could only get a flick on the ball as the header rolled out of bounds.
Richmond responded quickly with a first chance of its own in the 38th minute as Stanley Nyazamba snuck passed the Cleveland defense and deposited the ball into the right corner as he was being whistled for an off sides penalty.
The two teams continued with the stalemate thanks to a great 45th minute save by Cleveland keeper Eric Reed. On the play, Richmond Defenseman Sascha Gorres trailed the action and fired a laser off a drop back pass into Reed from 30 yards out. Reed responded with a leaping punch save that bounced the ball over the net and out of the stadium.
The second half featured more give and take on both ends. Differing from Cleveland's previous home match that resulted in a nil-nil draw with Wilmington, both clubs stayed aggressive and created chances.
Reed followed up his first half-ending save with another spectacular stop in the 50th minute. Nyazamba tested the former UCLA Bruin and Reed showed his quickness while diving to his left and controlling the ball.
The next great chance came for Cleveland in the 72nd minute when Adriano Sella drilled a ball from the top of the box. The shot was not placed wide enough as Ronnie Pascale made a great save while slapping the ball out of bounds to the left of the post.
Cleveland countered in the 89th minute off a corner kick. Hlavaty found the newly entered Kwame Sarkodie who put foot to ball while spinning to the ground. The shot missed the target and flew harmlessly wide right.
Richmond had one last run in them. In stoppage time the Kickers tested captain Mark Schulte on a long ball and the Brecksville native was up to the challenge, forcing a tough shot that Reed handled with little trouble.
In what turned out to be the last chance for either team, Adam Ruud forced his way through the Richmond defense and fired on the left corner of the goal. Pascale saved the game with another great stop as he jumped to his left and forced the ball wide of the post.
"We know that we have a big game ahead of us on Tuesday but we just had to stay focused on league play with tonight's match," said Reed. "Tonight was a strong performance from our club. We came up with some good chances and unfortunately just couldn't get them into the net. We played together and communicated well on defense and that's how we were able to get the shutout. It would have been nice to get the win but now we can look forward to traveling with our fans on Tuesday to the U.S. Open Cup in Chicago."
With the draw the City Stars stand at 6-2-5 and remain unbeaten in their history at Krenzler Stadium. After taking the road Tuesday for the U.S. Open Cup third round at Toyota Park against the Chicago Fire, the City Stars return home on the fourth of July for a 3 pm contest with the Western Mass Pioneers.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 28, 2008
- Bryant Saves Charlotte with Late Goal in 1-1 Tie at Bermuda - Charlotte Eagles
- City Stars Battle Richmond Kickers To Nil-Nil Draw - Cleveland City Stars
- Stars Align For 0-0 Tie In Cleveland - Richmond Kickers
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