Exciting Finish Gives City Stars 1-0 Victory Over Crystal Palace Baltimore
Published on July 12, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
After intermittent showers throughout the afternoon, the Cleveland City Stars defeated Crystal Palace Baltimore 1-0 under a beautiful sky Saturday at Krenzler Stadium during an important match-up at the top of the USL-2 table.
After nearly an entire match of scoreless play that featured missed opportunities on both sides, Floyd Franks sent a long ball to the feet of Sallieu Bundu in the 83rd minute. Bundu made a great run straight through the middle of the Crystal Palace defense and out-muscled Andrew Marshall en route to controlling the ball. As he fought off the defender, Bundu tapped a left footer past the drawn up Nelson for the 1-0 Cleveland lead.
The goal proved to be enough as Eric Reed and the defense stayed tough through five plus minutes of extra time to hold of the Crystal Palace Baltimore and stay unbeaten at Krenzler Stadium.
The 1st minute was reminiscent of last week as the opposition stormed into the front end immediately after the opening kick. After a Derek Potteiger penalty, the ball was lofted into the box and banged around until Godfrey Tenoff was able to corral the ball and clear it out of harm's way.
The first opportunity for Cleveland came in the 9th minute as Bundu knifed through the defense and connected on a left footed strike that sailed over the top of the net as CPB keeper Matt Nelson shouted instructions to his defense.
The City Stars strung together another opportunity in the 22nd minute as Musa Otieno showed for the first time as a member of the City Stars why he was able to score over 40 goals during his career with Santos of the South African Premier League. On a free kick set up by a Franks run up the middle, Derek Potteiger found the head of Otieno who soared over the defense and flicked the ball towards the right side of the goal but Nelson responded with a great diving save.
"If you want to win the league you have to win all of your home matches," said Otieno. "It is great to be here in Cleveland and see all the people come out to support the team. I'm here to give my best and to help teach. Tonight was my first time playing all 90 minutes with the team and it was a great start to get a win over a tough Crystal Palace club." In the 32nd minute Nelson came up with another nice save off a free kick from the City Stars. Ryan Stewart fainted the free kick with a run over as Bundu quickly followed with a strike around the CPB wall. The shot looked as though it had a chance before being smothered by Nelson in front of the goal.
Cleveland had its best chance of the half in the 42nd minute as Stewart raced to the top of the box and drilled a shot towards the left post. The ball hooked just wide as Nelson dove to the left to protect the net.
Stewart jump started the second half with another quick run-out. After beating the defense Stewart fired a strike from 20 yards out that sailed over the top of the cross bar.
Crystal Palace struggled to find an offensive rhythm without the normal standout play from its star striker Gary Brooks. Otieno, making his debut in the Cleveland starting line-up, was able to minimize Brooks and force CPB to find a new option on offense.
In the 71st minute Brooks finally found some free space and was rewarded with a chance on a header on the right side but the native of Jamaica was unable to take advantage as he pushed the ball right of the post.
With the victory Cleveland is now alone in second place with a record of 8-2-5 with 19 points. The City Stars take the road next week for a Saturday July 19th contest with the Richmond Kickers. Cleveland returns home Saturday July 26th for a 7 pm match with the Bermuda Hogges.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 12, 2008
- Herrera Scores Two in 4-3 Win at Wilmington - Charlotte Eagles
- Undefeated Atlanta Still Trouble for Lady Eagles - Charlotte Eagles
- Late goals good for Kickers 3-1 win over Pittsburgh - Richmond Kickers
- Exciting Finish Gives City Stars 1-0 Victory Over Crystal Palace Baltimore - Cleveland City Stars
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