Cleveland City Stars News Release - www.clevelandcitystars.com
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
BLAINE, MN -- 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.
Following 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.
Saturday Is Kids Night And University Hospitals Night As The City Stars Host The Richmond Kickers
The City Stars return home this Saturday for a 7 pm contest with the Richmond Kickers. Cleveland is 6-2-4 on the season and the Kickers enter the contest 5-4-1.
Saturday is Inner-City and Kids Night at Krenzler Stadium. All of the night’s festivities will be geared toward the children in attendance, including a special halftime surprise. Every kid in attendance is invited to participate in the halftime show.
June 28th is also University Hospitals night with the City Stars featuring and recognizing all of our friends from UH.
Prior to kickoff, the City Stars will be joined by a special guest as Channel 19 weather man Jon Loufman will take part in the ceremonial first kick off.
A variety of free promotional items are sponsored by University Hospitals and DownTheWay and will be given away to all fans at the gate.
Tickets are going fast. Visit clevelandcitystars.com or call 216-616-6586 to get your tickets now.
