Late Franks PK Gives City Stars 1-0 Victory Over Charlotte
Published on August 2, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
A victory tonight at Krenzler would ensure home turf for the Stars in their first playoff game and would bring them ever closer to the top of the table and maybe even a first round bye. A penalty kick in the 89th minute of regulation made the difference as the City Stars topped the first place Charlotte Eagles 1-0. Coincidentally every match these two teams have played has ended 1-0. Fortunately, this one went to the City Stars.
As it happens, this is the City Stars first meeting with Charlotte all season and is one of the biggest impact games yet. Coming in to the match Charlotte sits at the top of the table 8 points ahead of Cleveland. But the win tonight means Cleveland maintains an unblemished home record, never losing at Krenzler during their two-year tenure here and are one step closer to earning that first round bye. Thanks to the fans for their support and contribution to that astounding feat.
From Coach Rennie's perspective, playing the big games just before the playoffs is exactly where he wants to be. By his estimation, the Stars are just starting to peak and after demolishing Bermuda in their 5-1 win last week, they should be in the right mindset for a fight to the finish with Charlotte. Tonight's victory sets up an explosive rematch next Friday in Charlotte which will be followed by a season finale in Wilmington.
The City Stars defense were the Stars of tonight's game. Defender Anthony Stovall laid out the game plan before the match stating, "We of course want a shut out. For that to happen the back four need to be cohesive and we need to keep possession. If we can get comfortable then the outside backs will be able to attack and contribute." That is precisely the way it worked with both Stovall and Jeremy Tolleson having multiple opportunities to make runs and create chances.
Tonight's City Stars keeper, Eric Reed, also bought into the defense's motto of "Safe and Solid". Reed only had to work intermittently for his clean sheet, but he did have to come up big on several occasions most importantly in extra time after the second half of play when he made a diving save to secure the ball after it ricocheted off captain Mark Schulte who was guarding the near post. He was solid all night, keeping the net safe.
At the other end of the pitch, #00 Kevin Trapp for the Eagle's played a courageous and nearly flawless game as well. With the exception of the penalty kick he handled everything that came his way, many times coming off his line to intercept balls served across the box that otherwise may have developed into viable opportunities for the Stars.
Even though Charlotte had the first legitimate chance in the 5th minute, it was really the City Stars who controlled the pace of the game. The Stars worked hard to manufacture a goal, time and again working the ball into the box or earning free kicks as they battled for possession. Their first real opportunity came in the 44th minute when Sallieu Bundu received the ball in traffic, albeit mostly friendly, turned on it arcing the ball just over the crossbar.
Eleven minutes later the Stars were once again counter attacking when #17 Ryan Stewart from Trinidad eagerly tried to take advantage of the open space on the far post. Unfortunately he pushed the ball just wide. In the 69th minute, the Stars were able to put several passes together, moving the ball fluidly until Derek Potteiger lost possession. But by his own great individual effort he recovered the ball working it out of the corner and clear of his defender to set up the shot.
It wasn't a 5 goal game tonight, and the numerous opportunities that went unrealized throughout both halves kept the 1871 fans on the edge of their bleacher seats. Nonetheless, after the battle, both teams came together to worship and share their personal testimonies which is just another reminder that victories are earned both on and off the field for these players.
The City Stars look forward to their final road trip and eagerly await their playoff run. Get your tickets today for the season finale and be a part of the Stars run for a championship. They fell one goal short last year. Anything is possible this year. Help Cleveland bring home a championship.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 2, 2008
- Cleveland Defeats Eagles with Late Penalty Kick - Charlotte Eagles
- Kickers clinch bye to the semifinals with 3-2 win - Richmond Kickers
- Palace set sights on third place - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Late Franks PK Gives City Stars 1-0 Victory Over Charlotte - Cleveland City Stars
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