Thrilling 1-0 Victory Over Charlotte Keeps Stars In Hunt For Top Honor
Published on July 28, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
CLEVELAND, OHIO A 1-0 victory over the Charlotte Eagles is just what the Cleveland City Stars needed to boost their confidence going in to the final two games of their inaugural season. The Eagles are the only team to hand the Stars a loss in 2007, and they would have liked nothing better than to repeat their earlier defeat. But the City Stars had other plans tonight.
Even though the Cleveland City Stars have already clinched a playoff berth, they need to win all of their remaining games in order to have a solid chance of playing at home during the postseason and perhaps winning the division, an accomplishment which is still mathematically possible. Avenging their only regular season loss was the first step on their agenda to ensure they control their own destiny. Happily, the City Stars can check that off their "to do" list.
"Look for a fast-paced game tonight," advised Head Coach Martin Rennie prior to kickoff. The first half proved Rennie right with Cleveland's first shot on goal within 60 seconds of kickoff followed by a quick counterattack to get the defense in the game early. Neither team ever really settled in during the half, and rather than the usual chess match it seemed more like a brawl, with players from both sides fighting hard to win the ball and having to work equally as hard to maintain possession.
Although the game appeared somewhat frantic at times, the coolest head on the field turned out to be the Stars relative newcomer, #27 Ryan Junge. Anchoring the central defense, Junge filled the space usually occupied by Mark Schulte, allowing Schulte to push forward and add another layer of defense, and offense, to the midfield.
It was also a defensive play that created the most excitement for City Stars fans at the end of the first half. #00 Caleb Patterson, the CCS keeper made a brilliant diving save, intercepting a corner cross to prevent a follow up shot in the final seconds of stoppage time.
The second half proved to be much the same, even though the City Stars slowed the pace somewhat during their possessions, trying to be patient and make something happen. And once again the Cleveland defense did just that. In the 57th minute, Ryan Junge made a long throw from the sidelines and found the head of his fellow defender #13 Mark Schulte who flicked the ball past the goalie into the bottom corner of the net for the only score of the night.
The offense did get in the game eventually, making several attempts on goal with near misses on a header from Adam Moffat, a ball pushed just wide of the goal by Chris Lemons, a powerful blast by Derek Potteiger which sailed over the crossbar and a missed attempt by Spencer Lappin in the last minutes of the match.
In addition to soccer, CCS fans were treated to a concert by Mosaic Church following to help celebrate Faith Night at the stadium. The concert also featured a special performance by the City Stars own # 16 Dana McGregor and a personal testimony by midfielder Chris Lemons.
Even though the Eagles and the Stars battled on the field tonight they actually came together earlier in the day to host a free clinic attended by 250 kids in Stow, Ohio. "It is great that even though we knew we would be facing each other on much less friendly terms tonight, players from both teams worked together for something more important," said Lemons who also heads the Cleveland City Stars inner city youth outreach efforts.
The clean sheet for Patterson, the first appearance by Stephen Rigby for the Stars this season, the number of opportunities created, the ability of City to keep pace with the Eagles and the 3 points earned made it a great night for Cleveland. Working in conjunction with the Charlotte players and the concert afterward gave the whole day a dimension not easily achieved by a sports franchise in one day.
The Cleveland City Stars continue to exceed expectations in their first season. The final few matches of the campaign could hold even more excitement as the Stars work for hosting rights in the playoffs and possibly a Cleveland City championship. It's never too late to get involved. In addition to the last home game scheduled for Friday August 3rd against the Harrisburg City Islanders, the Cleveland City Stars will host the Columbus Crew MLS team this Tuesday July 31st in an exhibition match. Both games will kick off at 7:00pm and tickets are still available. Log on to www.clevelandcitystars.com for information.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 28, 2007
- Islanders Beat Richmond, Gain Berth in Playoffs - Penn FC
- Phantoms Defeat Wilmington Hammerheads, 3-2 - New Hampshire Phantoms
- Thrilling 1-0 Victory Over Charlotte Keeps Stars In Hunt For Top Honor - Cleveland City Stars
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