City Stars Win Championship With 2-1 Victory Over Charlotte Eagles
Published on August 23, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
On a smoldering summer night downtown, it was indeed "Our Turn" as Cleveland finally realized their dream of a championship when the Cleveland City Stars defeated the Charlotte Eagles in a thrilling 2-1 victory over the tournament's number one seed. Charlotte finished the regular season at the top of the table for the second consecutive season, this year sharing it with Richmond who the Stars dispatched with last week in a 1-0 overtime win to earn an invitation to tonight's championship game.
From coach to player to fan the word of the night was excitement. Brian Irvine, the City Stars assistant coach, who once scored the match winning goal in an FA Cup Final, admitted it is just as exciting being a part of a championship on the sideline as on the pitch. "Games like this bring out the best in players and teams, and this club has taken it to a whole new level from last year, so it should be very exciting tonight."
One of the players that would definitely have to step it up tonight is the Charlotte Keeper, Kevin Trapp. Trapp earned the start when regular Goaltender Terry Boss received a red card ejection in the Eagles' semi-final match with Crystal Palace Baltimore. "He's a top-notch keeper," said Anthony Stovall, knowingly. "I've played against him before and he is tough." But perhaps not as tough as Boss who Martin Rennie, CCS Head Coach, felt made several key saves to keep Charlotte in the game last time these two teams met. "The goalie situation puts more pressure on Charlotte than us, and in fact gives us a slight psychological edge."
Apparently it wasn't just psychological as the Stars buried two goals in the first half which proved to be enough to stave off the two-time champion Eagles. At the other end of the park, Eric Reed and his defense came up big on several crucial occasions. The Eagles played an aggressive, hard-pressing first half and as a result had a couple of very strong opportunities off set plays but just couldn't get it across the line.
The first of City's goals came in the 15th minute when the Stars won a throw-in just inside the corner flag. From that position Schulte's throw came in like a corner kick, and he was able to find the head of 6'4" Musa Otieno hovering over the crowd. With a flick of his head Otieno put the Stars on the board as he bounced the ball past the Eagle's surprised keeper.
Just over 15 minutes later #4 Jeremy Tolleson maintained possession on a tremendous individual effort along the sideline and sent a curving ball up to #27 Jason Hotchkin. Hotchkin rounded the corner and sent a low ball across the box where a sliding Godfrey Tenoff sent the ball on to Otieno who finished it into the back of the net. But as the fans were cheering the efforts of their heroes the ref waved the goal off indicating offsides.
Play resumed and in the 39th minute the City Stars put the 2 back on the scoreboard, officially this time. The ball was being rebounded around the mouth of the City Stars goal without much luck when Anthony Stovall interceded and sent a long clearing ball that hugged the line until Charlotte attempted to move the ball into space. Sallieu Bundu intercepted the errant ball and blasted past his only defender. He dribbled the ball into the box himself and taking time to set up his shot drew the keeper off his line. Bundu then curled the ball into the side netting just under the crossbar.
The frustration continued for the Eagles in the second half. Jonah Long, one of Charlotte's mids had an open lane to the goal and tried to muscle one past Reed, but the sure-handed net man for City laid out and stopped the shot cold. The Eagles couldn't capitalize on multiple opportunities in a jam-packed box either. At one point Reed was off his feet diving for a redirected ball which Charlotte was almost able to clean up for a score. But once again the defense held their position and protected the end-line clearing the ball and maintaining the clean sheet.
The Eagles frustration seemed to escalate to desperation as they gave away two free kicks in the span of two minutes and then the cards started to fly. First #4 Brady Bryant for the Eagles was booked followed by Cleveland's Mark Schulte for delay of game. The Eagles tried valiantly to put one in the back of the net, missing narrowly with headers on three consecutive attempts.
In the 80th minute the City Stars got everyone out of their seats again when Adam Ruud, recently subbed in for Sallieu Bundu, brought the ball across the half line and all the way to the box. On the breakaway challenge Trapp came out to defend the shot and Ruud's strike was saved but not controlled. Potteiger received the rebound and moved the ball around the congregating defense. As he was knocked off the ball he rolled it in toward the open net. The crowd collectively held their breath waiting to see if the ball had enough on it to cross the line. The ball slid harmlessly past the post as the 2016 on hand groaned.
It wasn't until the 87th minute that Charlotte was finally able to convert one of their own chances. #13 Joe Kabwe battled through to finish for the Eagles. Less than a minute later Derek Potteiger once again found himself facing off against the Charlotte keeper but couldn't find the seam. In fact, the courageous play of Charlotte's goalie is what kept them in the match and prevented a complete routing by the Stars. What could easily have been a five or six to nil match will go into the record books as a much closer game.
Regardless, the City of Cleveland can finally celebrate a long awaited and passionately pursued championship. What the City Stars accomplished in their short two year existence is unprecedented and they now have reached a pinnacle that will be hard to surpass. In fact, the only unrealized goal from this season is a victory over an MLS team. But I guess that is what next year is for!
As a side note, the Charlotte Eagles and the Cleveland City Stars, even though they are fierce competitors on the field, have a tremendous bond off the field. These two clubs have worked together on numerous occasions to advance the sport of soccer, and more importantly hosting outreach and charitable programs to enrich the lives of others. The speeches by the team captains in the post-game award ceremony reflected the respect and admiration these two clubs have for one another. Congratulations to everyone who witnessed and was involved in this tremendous victory for Cleveland.
Saturday's championship match was an exciting climax to an unbelievable second season for the City Stars. The team and organization is thankful for the great fan support and is already looking forward to defending the championship in 2009.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 23, 2008
- City Stars Win Championship With 2-1 Victory Over Charlotte Eagles - Cleveland City Stars
- Cleveland Wins USL-2 - Charlotte Eagles
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