Stars draw 1-1 with Richmond but host USL-2 playoffs
August 11, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
RICHMOND, VA The Cleveland City Stars arrived in Richmond knowing they had to win in order to regain first place in the standings. With a win and a loss against Richmond this season including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match, the Stars knew it could go either way. Richmond only needed a tie to secure the top spot and that is exactly what they got. The 1-1 draw with Richmond was not a lethal blow however.
The Cleveland City Stars had already clinched a playoff berth and with anything other than a win from Harrisburg tonight, the Stars would be playing their semi-final match at home at Krenzler Field. The City Islanders obliged, losing a tight one to Crystal Palace 1-0 that went right down to the wire. As it turns out, next week's game will be a rematch of Cleveland's final home game since they will be hosting Harrisburg in the first round of the playoffs.
The next stop in their bid for a Division Championship will be Saturday August 18th at 7:00pm. For playoff ticket information log on to the official website at www.clevelandcitystars.com If Cleveland wins next weekend they will play the winner of the Charlotte/Richmond match.
In the meantime, everyone is invited to an end of season Celebration Party to share in the success of the Cleveland City Stars in their inaugural year. Come meet the team in an informal setting, eat some good food and bid on exciting auction items including several great opportunities with individual players. Check out the website for details or to reserve your seat.
Tonight's match had another unique element. It was the first game that CCS fans' could watch on the internet with streaming generously provided by MyOpenHands.com. More than 120 fans joined in the viewing and added their own text commentary as well. It was just one more way for Cleveland City Star fans to get involved and hopefully will become a regular feature of away game matches.
The Richmond Kickers took the lead in the competition tonight on a Sacha Gores goal in the 16th minute. Mike Burke got the assist. The Cleveland City Stars equalized in the 28th minute on a tremendous goal from midfielder Adam Moffat, the Cleveland City Stars leading scorer, off a ball from #3 Jack Cummings. Both teams had several other opportunities in the half but keepers at both ends kept the ball in play and out of the net.
Although no substitutions were made at the half, the City Stars clearly had a different strategy for the last 45 minutes. They came out fast and strong and started moving the ball through the middle rather than up the wings. But Richmond only needed a draw and made sure their defense was impenetrable in order to get the desired result. Several times the Stars moved the ball into the offensive third of the field but could not find a way past the solid wall of Kicker's defenders. Perhaps their best opportunity for a go ahead goal came in the 76th minute when good ball movement opened up a narrow lane for Luke Williams who smoked a ball that required full body effort from the goalie to save.
Time ran out on the Stars as they relentlessly tried to earn the win. But it was not to be tonight. Twice the City Stars have traveled to Richmond, and twice they have come up short. Perhaps three will be a charm if both the Kickers and Stars advance. Only time will tell. The championship is still within reach. And you can be there to witness it! Get your playoff tickets today. And come out and celebrate tomorrow.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 11, 2007
- Stars draw 1-1 with Richmond but host USL-2 playoffs - Cleveland City Stars
- Phantoms Round Out Season with 3-1 Loss to Cincinnati Kings - New Hampshire Phantoms
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