Cleveland City Stars win their first game 2-1 in Cincinnati
April 28, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
The Cleveland City Stars couldn't have planned their first ever professional match better if they had tried. With a tremendous team effort and great individual performances from Ian Leibbrandt, John DeVae and Hunter Gilstrap, among others, the Stars served the Cincinnati Kings their second loss of the season with a brilliant 2-1 victory. Winning goal scorer Derek Potteiger commented afterwards, "It was a truly great first performance, not just because of the result, but because of the team effort and the way we played together."
After a tenuous start, the game opened up and each team had several opportunities in the first half, but neither team was able to finish. In the 35th minute, Luke Williams hit the post off a cross from John DeVae. Likewise, the Kings had a similar challenge in the 41st minute, but also hit the post. Despite this, Mark Schulte, the team captain, commanded the back field throughout the game, and limited the Kings to only one other real opportunity in the first half which Goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap handled easily.
After a scoreless first half, the Stars came out on fire nearly converting on another beautiful cross from John DeVae. The Kings keeper intercepted the ball with a perfectly timed jump to keep the score even. The Stars again threatened in the 55th minute on a DeVae breakaway. The Kings keeper again made a tremendous save going one on one with DeVae. In the 68th minute Dana McGregor, the most recent addition to the roster, sent the ball into the box which Luke Williams got a foot on. The keeper was able to punch the ball away, but not far enough. Chris Lemons then sent in a blistering shot that went just over the bar.
Ian Leibbrandt, who gave the Stars a superior effort tonight, set up the first ever Cleveland City Stars goal in the 62nd minute, when he flew by two defenders in the box and was fouled from behind in desperation. Jack Cummings, a former Cincinnati Kings player, had the honor of scoring the first goal in Cleveland City Stars history against his former teammates on the penalty.
The Kings rallied four minutes later when Rainy Flourent crossed in to Romain Cherulin, who leveled the score at one a piece. The Stars were not to be denied, however, and continued to create chances of their own. With perhaps one of the most brilliant goals ever scored, the Stars regained the lead in the 77th minute when Dana McGregor sent a ball in from the eighteen. The ball was headed out and Derek Potteiger took the second chance shot from about ten yards outside of the box. The goalie had no chance. With pinpoint accuracy, Potteiger exploded the ball into the side netting, just below the crossbar.
The official attendance of the match was 1,598, however, when the Stars supporters erupted after Potteiger's blast, it sounded like many more. With the backing of boisterous fans, the Stars continued to press the Cincinnati defense. Ian Leibbrandt's creativity and ability to move the ball, despite double coverage most of the game, led to two more chances, both saved.
With the exception of one yellow card for the Stars late in the second half of play, Cleveland played a clean game. The Kings received four bookings including one red card. Nevertheless the competition was good and the teams matched up well. The Stars couldn't have asked for a better first effort. Thanks to all of the supporters who made the trek south to witness this historic event. "We can't wait to play in front of the home crowd," said Aaron Tredway, CCS Executive Director. "As exciting as this first win is, it will be even more exciting when we do it at home." Come join the team for the Home Opener on Saturday May 19th at the Krenzler Stadium in Downtown Cleveland. It is guaranteed to be a "can't miss" Event.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 28, 2007
- Cleveland City Stars win their first game 2-1 in Cincinnati - Cleveland City Stars
- Cleveland City Stars Win Their First Game 2-1 In Cincinnati - Cleveland City Stars
- Kickers continue winning ways - Richmond Kickers
- Cincinnati Kings Lose Home Opener to Expansion Cleveland - Cincinnati Kings
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