Launch Weekend Kicks Off Successfully
Published on April 13, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
A 1-0 defeat of the Cleveland City Stars by the Rochester Rhinos did not take away from the success of the Stars Preseason Kick-Off Tournament. The weekend involves premier youth teams from around northeast Ohio competing in a one day tournament and exhibition matches between the City Stars and the USL-1 Rochester Raging Rhinos and MLS Columbus Crew. Not even the weather could dampen the enthusiasm at the event because everyone knows soccer fans are crazy. So it is no surprise that the 30 person Rhinos' contingent who made the trip from Rochester were joined by hundreds of City Stars supporters to cheer on their respective teams tonight at Byers Field.
Video footage of tonight´s match will be available online sometime next week at www.clevelandcitystars.com so fans can get a taste of what it will be like to watch every touch on SportsTime Ohio this season. Each home game will be broadcast on STO after Indians games.
A scoreless first half showcased the exceptional talent of Hunter Gilstrap, the Stars keeper who last season had the lowest goals against average and helped the expansion franchise equal a USL record of fewest goals scored in a season. A lot of new faces peppered the pitch yet the City Stars looked as if they had played together a full season already. CCS head coach Martin Rennie also had a chance to take a look at several players that may be available on loan at some point.
The first goal was actually scored during halftime, when the finalists of the first annual Cleveland City Stars Junior Cup tournament faced off to determine a champion. U-12 teams from Ambassadors in Sport and Cleveland Internationals worked their way through the brackets earlier in the day and the competition was so close it came down to a tiebreaker which favored the teams who gave up the fewest goals. The Internationals head home with the hardware after scoring the only goal in their 2-0 victory.
Tomorrow night the U-10 finalists will provide the halftime excitement during the Columbus Crew match which kicks off at 5:00pm at Byers Field. Sunday's Gameday activities will also include a worship service beginning at 3:30pm with an inspirational message from CCS Executive Director Aaron Tredway and music by City Stars midfielder Dana McGregor. All are welcome to attend.
Earlier in the day Cleveland's press corps was invited to meet the City Stars, their title sponsors and Cleveland Browns football legend Greg Pruitt. Coach Rennie highlighted the successes of last season which earned the Stars several honors including Executive of the Year, New Franchise of the Year, Defender of the Year and Coach of the Year. Rennie and the rest of the management team also outlined goals for this season which focused on bringing a championship to Cleveland and taking on and besting an MLS team in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Off the field objectives included continued and expanded outreach programs to the inner city which began last season in conjunction with the Salvation Army.
Rochester's score came in the 59th minute of play when Hamed Diallo slid one past Gilstrap. The Stars defense converged on the Rhinos lone forward, but Diallo's outstretched leg proved to be the difference in the match. Cleveland had returned from the warmth of the locker rooms after halftime with what seemed to be a renewed energy but just couldn't get that final touch on the ball to convert all their hard work into a goal.
Although the weather is not expected to be much better tomorrow, the City Stars hope for their faithful to be out in force again for yet another rematch with the Columbus Crew. Despite several challenges, the first day of this grass roots event, which is meant to celebrate soccer at every level and to solidify the investment in the community made by so many great Cleveland organizations, the tournament and all the ancillary activities were a great success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to find out what soccer fans all over the world already know, soccer is a game that brings out the best even in the worst conditions.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 13, 2008
- Exciting Finish Leaves Stars And Columbus Crew Tied 2-2 - Cleveland City Stars
- Launch Weekend Kicks Off Successfully - Cleveland City Stars
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