Cleveland Bounces Back, Defeats Pittsburgh 3-0
Published on May 24, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
The Cleveland City Stars were able to maintain their 3-0 halftime lead and Hunter Gilstrap earned another CCS clean sheet for a convincing victory over the winless Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The rematch of the Cleveland City Stars home opener where the Stars also walked away with a full 3 points did not have the tension of the previous match but certainly equaled its off the charts excitement level.
Trying to bounce back from their first loss of the season last weekend to the upstart Real Maryland Monarchs, fans saw a few new faces in the starting 11 for the City Stars tonight. Ian Leibbrandt, who has contributed in every match so far and was the offensive player of the game, was on the center circle when the opening whistle blew along with Sallieu Bundu, the relative newcomer from Sierra Leon whose speed and footskills are expected to open up scoring opportunities frequently. Dana McGregor whose creativity and dominance in the air keeps defenders constantly off balance earned the start in the midfield along with Godfrey Tenoff, Brazilian Adriano Sella who made his debut tonight, and Floyd Franks. And of course everyone was relieved to see Jeremy Tolleson back anchoring the defense along with Mark Schulte after the teeth cracking elbow to the face Tolleson sustained during last week's match. Rounding out the impenetrable back line was defensive player of the game Anthony Stovall and Josh Westerman.
The City Stars began the match on fire with the first attempt on goal in the 2nd minute. After several close misses in the 13th, 14th and 15th minutes, the City Stars finally found the back of the net in the 23rd. Ian Leibbrandt couldn't quite connect with a ball lobbed in from Dana McGregor and seemed slow in chasing it down. The lull in the action drew the Riverhounds keeper off his line as he sought to clear the ball from his box. Quicker to the ball than the approaching netter, Leibbrandt turned and sent the ball looping over his head. Marfuggi dove backwards in a valiant effort to retrieve the ball but couldn't bring it under control before it crossed the line for a City goal.
Two minutes later, the Stars scored again when Dana McGregor served the ball across to a waiting Bundu. The Riverhounds net-man tracked the ball as it floated across but left the far post open and Bundu was quick to find the space. He blasted the ball into the side netting with a well-struck header.
In an effort to stay in the game Pittsburgh attempted a retaliatory in the 28th minute. Like his counterpart, Gilstrap was drawn off his line trying to keep up with the ricocheting passes in his box. Fortunately for the Stars, Anthony Stovall secured the goal line behind Gilstrap and found himself perfectly positioned to deflect the well-placed shot from Leon Brown. The follow shot curled harmlessly over the cross-bar, much to the relief of the Stars and their supporters.
The remainder of the first half was dominated by the Stars as they moved the ball, seemingly effortlessly, with players crisscrossing each other and the field, playing a very entertaining brand of soccer. The final score of the half came in the 44th minute when the ball traveled nearly the entire perimeter of the box on several passes and shots before landing at the feet of Dana McGregor. Not one to hesitate, Dana launched the ball in, sending the keeper diving. Marfuggi was able to make the initial save but did not control the ball and Ian Leibbrandt found himself in front of an empty net with a free ball. He had no choice but to push it across the line for his first credited goal of the night.
According to Star's Head Coach Martin Rennie, the week was spent continuing to work on ball movement, spacing and communication. "We have been improving in the attacking half of the field over the past three games. We really wanted to focus also on closing out a match. Once we have earned the lead we want to be able to shut down our opponents and not be forced to score more to get the win," explained the mild-mannered Scotsman.
The second 45 started with the ball again spending a lot of time in the south end of the stadium, but this time it was Pittsburgh keeping possession and working to create chances. Gilstrap, looking resplendent in his baby blue kit, was equal to the task until his teammates could regain their rhythm and bring in fresh legs. A rash of substitutions by the Stars gave the match a different feel with a majority of the players filling the midfield to carry out the defensive game plan while leaving a few stragglers to make mid to end runs and get off a few shots of their own. Gilstrap made a brilliant save in the 85th minute charging from far post to near to block a point blank shot from Leon Brown.
The clock seemed stuck in the 89th minute but the final whistle finally blew after two additional minutes of stoppage time. The Stars redeemed themselves after their disappointing unraveling the previous week. And of course it is always sweet to vanquish a rival in front of a record home crowd. The 1972 in attendance were treated to a gem of a match.
CCS currently sits in third behind Charlotte and Crystal Palace in the table, and already qualified for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the second year running. With that hurdle behind them and the hopes of a perfect season dashed after the heartbreaking loss to Maryland last weekend, the City Stars are now working to accomplish two of the other goals they set for themselves at the season's outset. Their next milestone will be working through the brackets of the Lamar Hunt Open Cup in pursuit of a chance to face off against an MLS team in a meaningful match. Their final challenge will be to bring home an ever-elusive championship to the City of Cleveland. Come and be a part of the action, on and off the field! Volunteers always welcome and single game tickets still available for most matches.
With the conclusion of tonight's match, fans can start uploading their favorite photos onto cleveland.com/citystars as part of the 2008 Fan of the Year competition. The best photos will be voted on at towards the end of the season and the winner will sit on the City Stars bench during the season finale on August 2nd.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 24, 2008
- Kickers edge Charlotte 1-0 - Richmond Kickers
- Cleveland Bounces Back, Defeats Pittsburgh 3-0 - Cleveland City Stars
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