City Stars Tie Defending Champions 1-1 After Resuming Storm-Shortened Match
Published on April 27, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
After severe storms and thunder interrupted Saturday's 0-0 match during the 41st minute, the Cleveland City Stars and the Harrisburg City Islanders resumed play earlier this afternoon.
The two teams picked up right where they left off a day earlier as the offensive attacks struggled to find any openings.
The Stars finally were able to break through in the 58th minute off a header from former Islander #10 Derek Potteiger. It was a big game for Potteiger as the graduate of Penn State was able to play in front of friends and family.
The play was executed perfectly as Neil Hlavaty found Potteiger on a set play off a free kick. Starting near the sideline, Hlavaty swung the ball in near the goal with Mark Schulte and Potteiger waiting to make a play.
"It was a set play that we work on a lot," said Hlavaty. "I was looking toward the goal and Derek was able to get up and get a good flick on it. It's good to see something that we work on in training come through for us in the game."
The score stayed 1-0 until the 68th minute when Harrisburg's Nate Baker connected on a penalty kick just over the outstretched arms of Cleveland goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap.
The final twenty minutes of the contest resembled the first half as the Stars were unable to capitalize on the offensive opportunities they created. Not helping matters for the Stars, Ian Leibbrandt received a red card (Ejection) in the 89th minute after an intense tackle.
Cleveland, still undefeated, returns home 1-0-1 for next Friday's rematch with Harrisburg. This weekend's trip featured a successful outing for the Green Army. The die hard CCS fans that made the trip did not let the severe storms and delayed game get in the way of having a great time. The entire Green Army fan club stayed overnight togehter with the players and supported the Stars through Sunday's make-up match.
"It was a disappointing outcome for us as we felt we had the much better team on the field. Never the less, we look forward to next Friday's rematch," said Cleveland General Manager Mark Geissbauer. "It was an away game but it felt like we were at home with all the support we got from the Green Army. We're excited to return home next weekend to have the benefit of our full crowd on hand."
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 27, 2008
- City Stars Tie Defending Champions 1-1 After Resuming Storm-Shortened Match - Cleveland City Stars
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.
