Munch Musings from E. 53rd and Hamm Avenue: It’s Crunch Time in Cleveland…again!

I am not the “where the heck were you guy” or “you gotta go” (I personally do not like to be told what to do!) but especially to the media who did not come out to the I-X Center last weekend to see the debut of the Cleveland Crunch in their new home…as long as the schedule permits…WHERE WERE YOU!  There were more than Soccer games going on, there was a rock concert atmosphere Saturday night, a party plus Sunday featured more great Soccer in a fun atmosphere. To say the least the weekend was an EXPERIENCE!

The I-X Center was a welcoming host too as you entered the East Entrance into a a comfortable lobby then fans walked the red carpet to the arena set up in this cavernous building. I am not a shill here as I am not “I-X Center guy”!  If there is an event drawing the masses to me it should be downtown however venues and dates do not always work out.

Saturday was sold out and indeed the SRO’s were out in full force too! There are grandstands with cushioned chairs set up on either side of the pitch plus chairs located in opposite corners. Another plus was the SAFE, OPEN areas for the youngsters to play on their own with the mini soccer balls thrown out to the crowd by the players. Also gotta note it was cool seeing Mom’s heading to their seats with some White Claws, Dad’s with some brews and everyone having the time of their lives.

Saturday was a mismatch as the depleted DETROIT WAZA FLO were skunked by the good guys 8-0!  Shut outs are darn near impossible in indoor soccer but netminder Marijo Musa and his defense got the job done for the “clean sheet!”

Sunday was a quick turnaround and again the grandstands were full with a lot of families. I also felt the indoor soccer IQ was higher as little things happening on the field of play were applauded and when Admir Suljevic scored goals 6 seconds apart (WHOOMP THERE IT IS!) the crowd without prodding immediately stood and gave him a standing ovation. That was goosebumps material my friend!!  It was too cool to see the CRUNCH on short turn around keep their energy level soaring and their composure “diplomatic” to the trick bag Grand Rapid FC!  Yes they were chippy but paid on the scoreboard 16-9!  By the way the Wickliffe Blue Devil Admir Suljevic finished with 5 goals and 3 assists!  Flyin’ Ryan Minick recorded a hat trick and this was too cool…Parker Czisar who was just called up Sunday morning and was playing in his first MLIS game “tickled the twine” and found the back of the net 3 times!

Wanna see you at a CLEVELAND CRUNCH game soon and no doubt IT’S CRUNCH TIME IN CLEVELAND!