City Stars End Winless Streak, Defeat Minnesota 1-0
Published on August 22, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland City Stars ended a 13-match winless streak Saturday with a 1-0 victory over the visiting Minnesota Thunder. Rookie forward Teteh Bangura scored his first goal of the season for the City Stars and goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap anchored the defensive effort with three saves in recording the shutout.
The City Stars (3-15-7) broke through early with a magnificent goal in the 23rd minute. Jason Hotchkin, who has played very well as of late and scored earlier this week against Montreal, sent a perfect cross from the left sideline into the center of the box. Bangura received the pass and expertly chipped the ball high over the defense and over the top of Nic Platter and into the far corner of the net for the 1-0 Cleveland lead.
Minnesota (4-11-8) made an attempt at an equalizer in the 40th minute when former City Stars defender Andrew Peterson sent a cross from the end line into the six-yard box towards the far post where Melvin Terley was waiting. Before Tarley could get a head on the ball, Gilstrap was able to get an outstretched hand on the ball to knock it out of the box.
A minute later Warren Kanu had a great attempt at adding to the lead for the City Stars in the 41st minute with a firecracker of a shot but the laser bounced off the cross bar after first appearing to be on target.
The Thunder created the first scoring chance in the second half in the 53rd minute as Rich Costanzo crossed into Jeremiah Bass but Bass' header was too high and flew over the cross bar.
The City Stars put a scare into the Thunder in rapid fire succession during the 62nd minute. Within 10 seconds, Pato Aguilera had two shots deflected, one by Platter and one by a wall of Thunder defenders. After the second attempt the ball rolled into the path of Alioune Gueye who fired a shot but Platter was again able to get the save.
Cleveland had another chance in the 66th minute when Bangura made a great turn in the middle of the pitch and led Hotchkin on a run down the left sideline. Hotchkin was able to turn the corner as he entered the box and he sent a cross into the six-yard box where Kolby LaCrone was able to get a flick on the ball with a header but the attempt was wide right.
Minnesota came close to equalizing in the 71st minute Rod Dyachenko controlled inside the box and fired towards the far post on a short angle but Gilstrap extended and made a great diving save to push the ball wide of the net.
The Thunder threatened in the 89th minute when Tarley dropped a cross to the feet of Lionel Saint-Preux but the Haitian forward's quick strike sliced wide right without putting Gilstrap in danger.
In extra time Ricardo Sanchez sent a free kick into the box with Platter pushed up and making an attempt but the recently inserted Anthony Peters was able to extend his 6-5 frame to get a head on the ball and clear it out of the box and preserve the victory for the City Stars.
The City Stars travel to Blaine, MN next week for a rematch with the Thunder on Thursday August 27th at 8:05 p.m.
Cleveland returns home Saturday September 5th at 2 p.m. for fan appreciation day during the final home match of the season. Tickets are available through clevelandcitystars.com or by calling 330-425-2003.
USL First Division Stories from August 22, 2009
- Thunder Drops Road Match to Cleveland City Stars 1-0 - Minnesota Thunder
- City Stars End Winless Streak, Defeat Minnesota 1-0 - Cleveland City Stars
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