Cleveland SC and Akron City FC have played two matches this season. The last one could very well have been one of the best NPSL games of this season! Cleveland had to come from behind as they defeated their rivals from the south east, 4-3, in a match that saw a wet pitch from the rain and some play at times that was simply fantastic and sloppy!
Cleveland outlasts rain and Akron
Bojan Kolevski had a brace, with Tom Beck and Jannis Schmidt finding their names in the scorer’s book for CSC. For Akron, Colin Biros, Nathan Childriss and Ryan Kingsford netted goals in a see-saw match. The game wasn’t decided until Cleveland keeper, Pedro Alves made two huge saves very late in the match.
Cleveland needed those three points as their goal of making another playoff run is tenuous since they trail Michigan and Steel City in the standings. Cleveland can do some damage since their remaining schedule is a second game with Michigan and two with Steel City, but they will need help along the way.
Akron already has surpassed their point total from last year, and with two games remaining, they’d love to move up the table.
First half-Akron was ready!
Cleveland and Akron battled to a 0-0 draw earlier this season, but today each team was ready. Other than the first two minutes of the contest which saw Cleveland push the action, Akron owned the first half.
Cleveland wanted to go uptempo with defenders and outside midfielders pushing the play when possible. But it was Akron showing their passing prowess and ability to find space that exploited Cleveland enroute to their 3-2 halftime lead.
Cleveland opened the scoring from Tom Beck, who saw much double and triple coverage from Akron. In the 13′ Cleveland won a throw-in but a rethrow was given much to the Akron coaches’ anger. It seemed that Cleveland’s throw was illegal, and Akron head coach, Andy Hoggarth, wanted the referee to change possession.
He didn’t, and of course immediately after, Cleveland’s Julian Pellegrini took a shot that Akron keeper, Cam Victor, got a piece of but helped it roll right to Tom’s feet. And the striker dropped his shot in for the first goal of the night and fourth of the year.
Goal! Cleveland SC take the 1-0 lead in 13'
Tom Beck goal, assisted by Julian Pellegrini
Let's go! #WeAreCLE pic.twitter.com/4XLDmzDoLO
— Cleveland SC (@SoccerCLE) June 23, 2023
But Akron continued to push and pressure leading to their first goal. In the 28’ Akron stole a sloppy pass and Colin Biros, finding himself in space above the box, left booted his shot past CSC goalie, Pedro Alves, tying the game at one each.
In less than a minute, Akron almost doubled their lead but the shot was saved by Alves.
Cleveland up, 2-1!
The next goal came courtesy of the combo of Beck, Admir Suljevic and Kolevski. Beck was moving around the pitch and found himself up near midfield with two defenders nearby. He quickly passed the ball back to Suljevic who had a good look at the charging Bojan Kolevski down the right side and lofted a beautifully weighted pass to the striker who received it on his right and sent a rocket past Victor to even the score.
Goal! Bojan Kolevski! Let's go Cleveland! 35'
CSC lead 2-1
#WeAreCLE pic.twitter.com/TKOVUkcVdi— Cleveland SC (@SoccerCLE) June 23, 2023
Yet Akron kept pushing the play. And in four minutes, Akron finally led!
Akron takes control!
In the 37’ Akron had a wonderful build up with at least 9 passes that found Nathan Childress alone in space. He turned and sent a rocket towards Alves’ right and into the net. Pedro was fooled since he was going left at impact and turned his head to watch the score even up.
Then shortly after Ryan Kingsford tallied his third of the year. Cleveland seemed rushed when double teamed and lost the ball. Ryan found himself alone again at the top of the box (see the theme of space?) with the ball at his feet and his shot found the netting as the men from Akron started to celebrate!
At the Half: presented by Lyndall Insurance! pic.twitter.com/E0kzIsuC49
— Akron City FC (@AkronCityFC) June 24, 2023
Second Half
Cleveland tied it up after a free kick set piece taken by “The King of Set Pieces,” Suljevic. His ball into the box found Jannis Schmidt and the Cleveland State product found “the……back of the net.” (Thanks, Vince, Kee-On-Sports!!) The game was now tied!
Goal! Jannis Schmidt! 3-3 52' Off an Admir free kick. Let's go boys!#WeAreCLE pic.twitter.com/hjgxhWCB9V
— Cleveland SC (@SoccerCLE) June 24, 2023
The final, game-winning goal came on Bojan’s second as he was tripled-teamed yet still was able to slot the ball past Victor, who seemed to have his hands on the ball but the wet turf may have had an impact on the toe-poked goal.
Akron still had a pulse. Two quick attempts on Alves’ goal were saved by Pedro and defender Boban Cancar. And in doing so maybe saved their season!
After the match, Akron team president, Nick Turchan, had a great comment about the game itself and the state of Northern Ohio soccer.
“We are so lucky to have this quality of soccer in NE Ohio…It was an unbelievable game!”
Here are the full comments.
Hear from Team Owner @NickTurchan on the state of soccer in NE Ohio pic.twitter.com/w5OLMXkhlK
— Akron City FC (@AkronCityFC) June 24, 2023
It’s a shame that both teams are nearing the end of their NPSL season as their play has increased in quality, intensity, and beauty. We are truly blessed to have amazing soccer here on the North Coast of Ohio.
Now, CSC has helped their cause to make one of three playoff spots given to the Midwest Great Lakes Conference. But as we saw tonight, this time of year ramps up the level of play! And anything can happen!
Thanks to Josh Troche for the Featured Image!
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