Stars pull out OT win
Published on June 24, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
The Cleveland City Stars put on an impressive performance from beginning to end Tuesday night against one of the top teams from the USL first division. Cleveland battled the Minnesota Thunder from the opening kick and controlled the ball for much of the match in the 2-0 contest that was not decided until overtime.
After 90 minutes of scoreless play and nearly the entire first overtime, Floyd Franks finally broke through for the Stars in the 105th minute. On a play that was started by Anthony Stovall, Franks cut through the Minnesota defense as Stovall placed a perfect ball at his feet. Franks handled the ball and chipped it in over Minnesota keeper Nicolas Platter for a 1-0 Cleveland lead.
Floyd FranksFollowing the Franks goal, Cleveland stayed aggressive while trying to put away the Thunder. In the 119th minute, Ian Leibbrandt broke away from the Minnesota defense and was taken down by Platter in the box. The keeper was whistled for a penalty, setting up a golden opportunity for the Stars to seal the game. Coach Martin Rennie called Franks' number and the former Chicago Fire responded with a laser to the left corner for a commanding 2-0 Cleveland lead.
"Ian did a great job of getting out in front. When he got taken down I knew it was our chance to get the extra goal so we could ride them out for the last three minutes," said Franks. "I feel awesome right now. Everybody is so tired after such a tough game but deep down I think they all feel the same way. This is a big moment for our team in only the second year. I'm really happy for this team and our fans."
Prior to Frank's heroics, the City Stars controlled the match with its defense. Making return trips to Minnesota were former Thunder members Mark Schulte and Godfrey Tenoff. Both veterans were instrumental in leading the Cleveland defense in the shutout.
Cleveland keeper Eric Reed also played his part. Reed, fresh of being named to the USL team of the week, came up huge in the second half with numerous saves to preserve the tie and force overtime.
It was an all around performance for Cleveland as the City Stars played great defense, created chances all night and capitalized when it mattered most.
"We always knew we had a great team and tonight we really showed what we can do," said Rennie. "This is a great win for our club and now we have another big week ahead of us. We're back to league play Saturday with an important match with Richmond and then we're off to Chicago to face the Fire. We just need to keep moving forward and keep the momentum on our side."
The trip to Chicago for the July 1st U.S. Open Cup quarter-final will be a reunion for Franks.
"There are no hard feelings with me going back there to play," said Franks. "I have a lot of friends on that team and I just can't wait to compete against them. It will be great for our club to play an MLS team in a great stadium like that."
The Stars will face the Chicago Fire Tuesday July 1st at Toyota Park in Chicago. The Green Army road trip will be available to follow the team to its biggest game since the team's inception. Do not miss out on history. Check clevelandcitystars.com in the coming days for details.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 24, 2008
- Stars pull out OT win - Cleveland City Stars
- Kickers advance to round three - Richmond Kickers
- Final Minute Penalty Kick Knocks Charlotte From Open Cup - Charlotte Eagles
- Eagles Face Battery in Open Cup - Charlotte Eagles
- Future Post First Win Of The Season - Richmond Kickers
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