Offense Awakens in 4-0 Defeat of Real Maryland
Published on May 10, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
The sun made its first appearance of the season at Krenzler Stadium as expansion Real Maryland made its first ever trip to Cleveland. It was a tale of two halves in this match as the teams played an even first half before the City Stars were able to find their offensive rhythm in the second.
Cleveland coach Martin Rennie worked on offensive spacing during the week in an attempt to open up the offense but it did not pay off until the 48th minute when Cleveland found Sallieu Bundu alone on the left wing. Bundu found Adam Ruud on the cross and the midfielder found the net through Real Maryland defender Daryl Ferguson for a 1-0 Cleveland lead.
The excitement was not over for the home fans. In the 50th minute, Neil Hlavaty rewarded Bundu for his assist as he found the Sierra Leone native on a beautiful deep ball over the top of the defense. Bundu responded in the open field with a strike to the back right corner for a 2-0 Cleveland lead.
The City Stars continued the second half dominance in the 63rd minute on a great play. Derek Potteiger danced through the defense and found the head of the 6'3" Mark Schulte on a lengthy cross into the box. Instead of forcing the shot, the unselfish Schulte set up Ruud for an open net header for a 3-0 Cleveland lead.
As the second half ticked away, both coaches emptied their benches. Not looking to get left out of the excitement, Cleveland subs Dana McGregor and Ian Leibbrandt hooked up for the fourth goal in the 84th minute. McGregor found Leibbrandt on a great cross for Leibbrandt's second goal of the season. Both of Leibbrandt's goals have come after entering as a late sub.
The match did not get off to such an exciting beginning. The City Stars came out aggressive with multiple runs in the opening 15 minutes but were unable to find the consistency that Rennie was looking for.
The City Stars were able to find some chances as the offensive began to show signs of life. Floyd Franks had a clean shot on goal from 18 yards out but Real Maryland keeper Emilio Zelaya made the quick save.
The offensive chemistry began to show again in the 32nd minute as Anthony Stovall dropped a perfect ball between the back two defenders right at the feet of Luke Williams but the outstretched Williams just missed skipping the ball over the drawn out Zelaya.
The City Stars momentarily celebrated what was thought to be a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute as Williams found the back of the net from a Bundu ball, but just as the home team began to celebrate Williams was whistled for being off sides.
Because of an injury to Godfrey Tenoff, Josh Westermann made his first appearance for the City Stars at the center back position, forcing Schulte over to right back. Real Maryland had its first real chance in the 39th minute as Bill Brindley fired a shot on goal that was handled routinely by Hunter Gilstrap.
The City Stars countered with a run in the 42nd minute that saw Hlavaty get taken down in the open field. With the sun directly in the eyes of Zalaya, Hlavaty fired a shot on goal on the ensuing free kick but the ball sailed over the net.
The four goal explosion was a welcome sight to the 1,631 in attendance as Cleveland only had three goals in the season's three previous matches. The City Stars remain undefeated at 2-0-2 and will look to build upon Saturday's offensive showing next Saturday May 17th at Real Maryland. The win also berths the team to participate in the 2008 US Lamar Hunt Open Cup.
Cleveland's next home match will be held on Saturday, May 24th as the Stars face their rivals, the Pittsburg Riverhounds at 7pm. The first 200 fans will receive free 2008 City Stars posters and Dick's Sporting Goods water bottles and there will be an open autograph session following the match.
May 24th is also Business Leaders night which will feature Cleveland City Stars Executive Director Aaron Tredway as the keynote speaker and a free buffet for all involved. The Stars will also honor and recognize their new advisory board and founding committee.
Call 216-916-6586 or visit clevelandcitystars.com to get your tickets for the action packed night.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 10, 2008
- Offense Awakens in 4-0 Defeat of Real Maryland - Cleveland City Stars
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