Undefeated City Stars win Ohio Derby 1-0
June 9, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
In the third installment of the Ohio Derby, the Cleveland City Stars came away with a 1-0 victory to improve to a record of (5-0-2). The game was billed as "The Battle of Ohio Soccer Empire" in this growing rivalry between the Cleveland and their in-state rival, the Cincinnati Kings who fell to (2-6-2) with the loss.
This is the first time that the Cleveland City Stars have faced the Cincinnati Kings in the friendly confines of Krenzler Field, having won the two previous match-ups at the Town and Country Complex in Wilder, KY (just south of Cincinnati).
Despite the home field advantage, the City Stars were injury depleted coming into this game with Luke Williams, Stephen Cruickshank, Stephen Rigby, Dana McGregor, Aaron Tredway and Glen Duerr all unavailable for selection.
After a slow start to the match, Cleveland opened the scoring just before the half when Adam Moffat's cheeky backheel caught Kings Goalkeeper, Francois Dubourdeau off guard. The goal came after Mark Schulte's free kick was blocked by the Cincinnati wall and the ball fell to Moffat who made no mistake to give the City Stars the lead.
In the second half, the Kings came back onto the field determined to make up the difference and their persistence almost paid off in the 55th minute when a Thies Hermann shot forced a great diving save from City Stars Goalkeeper, Hunter Gilstrap who parried the ball onto the crossbar. The game opened up after that with both sides having a number of chances on goal. Within a minute, Nate Norman had a chance for the City Stars, missing the goal to the right. The Kings, however, came right back with Nathan Micklos coming close on a corner. Nonetheless, the City Stars defended well and looked strong in the closing minutes to secure the victory.
The announced attendance at the game was 1,375 which benefited the first 1000 fans who were treated to Charter One Bank seat cushions as souvenirs for the game. In addition, Charter One gave away another one thousand soccer balls, as is custom during each home game.
Unfortunately for the City Stars, this match marked the final time Assistant Coach, Jake DeClute was on the sidelines. DeClute has accepted the head coaching job at Gordon College in Boston. He will be sorely missed by the players and fans in Cleveland and the City Stars organization wishes him well with his new opportunity.
With the loss of DeClute, the City Stars welcomed Nate Norman to the squad this past week after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. Norman made an impressive debut today and was unlucky not to score.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 9, 2007
- Kickers sink Hammerheads 2-0 - Richmond Kickers
- Kings lose rematch - Cincinnati Kings
- Severs, Oduor shine in 4-2 win at Skyline - Penn FC
- Undefeated City Stars win Ohio Derby 1-0 - Cleveland City Stars
- NH Phantoms win first game of season, 1-0 - New Hampshire Phantoms
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