AFC Cleveland Lands a Stunning Draw at Home

PARMA, OH - May 13, 2012 – A stoppage time goal by English defender Ruairidh Winters gave AFC Cleveland a 2-2 draw with Greater Binghamton FC (0-0-1) in their first ever home match.

“Obviously we are delighted with the end result,” AFC Cleveland manager Andy Hoggarth stated.  “The boys battled all the way until the end.”

The visitors scored in the 30th and 40th minutes, giving Cleveland a 2-0 deficit at halftime.  It wasn’t to say that there was a shortage of opportunities for the home team as Michael Matlock, Yianni Sarris, and Vinny Bell led a barrage of shots against the Binghamton defense.  

The second half was more of the same as the visitors began to pull away.  But a handball in the box gave Cleveland a chance to attempt a penalty kick, which Tyler Johnston converted in the 83rd.

“You have to give a lot of credit to Tyler Johnston,” Hoggarth stated. “It took a lot of guts for him to step up and slot the penalty home.”

This was followed by the equalizer from Winters in extra time as Cleveland (0-0-2) claimed its second draw in as many days.         

“We went down in a hole and dug ourselves out,” AFC Cleveland goalkeeper Ben Yabrow stated. “It shows the character of the team.”

AFC Cleveland returns to Byers Field on Friday, May 18 to face the visiting FC Buffalo with a 7:00 pm kickoff.   

Crew Find Winning Ways at Home

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

COLUMBUS, OH - May 12, 2012 - Justin Meram and Sebastian Miranda registered goals as the Columbus Crew defeated FC Dallas (3-6-3) by a 2-1 margin.

The first half was a tale of inconsistency. The home team came out strong to start the game, but quickly found Dallas in control. Fabian Castillo struck first in the 22nd minute, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Castillo was able to get by Crew midfielder Tony Tchani and slot one past Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum.

The Crew (3-4-2) limped into the locker room at the half as physical play continued for both sides. Former Michigan forward Justin Meram was a huge spark for the Crew O, but it was a red card in the 63rd that was a gamechanger in the mind of some.

"The red card is what changed the game," Crew head coach Robert Warzycha stated. "After the red card they just bunkered in and we created chances and scored two goals,"

The card put FC Dallas a man down and made them susceptible to the advancing Columbus attack.

Meram scored his first career MLS goal four minutes later with defender Eric Gehrig setting up the play and claiming the assist. Meram slid and then rolled in front of the Nordecke, celebrating an important moment in his career and an end to the Crew's scoring drought.

"I picked my head up and saw an opening," Meram commented. "I took a shot and luckily it went in."

Miranda would land a header in the 72nd off a corner kick, giving Columbus a 2-1 lead. The Crew were then able to hold on, creating further opportunities offensively and staying strong defensively.

"Josh (Williams) was a beast today in the back," Warzycha continued. "He was winning every header and his passing was good. His performance was very good."

The win gave Columbus some much needed momentum going into a grueling road trip to the West Coast that includes matches at San Jose and Seattle.

"We're starting to turn that corner," Crew defender Eric Gehrig declared. "Bounces are starting to go our way. On the road, we know we are in for a dogfight. That's what we do. We're down for the dirty work."

Match Photos

Crew Back on Track with Home Win

By Daniel Rogers

COLUMBUS, OH - May 12, 2012 - A 2-1 win by Columbus over FC Dallas was a welcome site to the Crew who had been inept on offense the past two matches.

In the 67th minute Justin Meram finally ended the Crew’s offensive woes. A few minutes later Sebastian Miranda followed suit and put in a rocket of a header from outside the box. Before that it had been almost 2 ½ games worth of playing time since the Crew’s last goal.

The Dallas defense took a blow when Zach Lloyd picked up his second yellow card of the match in the 62nd minute giving Columbus the man advantage.  Fatigue also played a factor as the tired Dallas strikers could not put together any semblance of an attack after the half.

Going into half time the Crew looked lost. Fabian Castillo scored the first goal of the match for Dallas when midfielder Tony Tchani let him by. In the 22nd minute Tchani was guarding Castillo on the left sideline but stopped when the ball teetered on the out of bounds line, opening the door for Dallas’ first goal in over 200 minutes as well.

The substitution of Meram late in the first half seemed to give the team the spark they needed. The win was the first for the Crew in 5 games and 3rd of the season.

“We needed something with the slide we’re in,” Crew defender Josh Williams said.

Despite the win injures continue to be a huge problem. In the 44th minute forward Ethan Finlay went down with concussion-like symptoms after an elbow by Andrew Jacobson. It wasn’t the only elbow thrown as the two teams played rough all night. The injury to Finlay is the 12th on the roster and leaves the Crew very weak in the long run at striker.

When asked about the offensive struggles of the team, Crew striker Justin Meram responded, “We needed something; finally we got that monkey off our shoulders.”

Next up the Crew head out west to face first place San Jose in the first of a two game road trip.

AFC Cleveland Land Draw on the Road

DETROIT, MI - May 12, 2012 - A goal by Case Western Reserve striker Vinny Bell was enough to earn AFC Cleveland a 1-1 draw with Detroit City FC Saturday night. It was Cleveland's first ever regular season match and first ever road match.

Detroit opened the scoring with a goal in the 11th minute by Stefan St. Louis. Bell's strike in the 34th brought things even at 1-1.

Cleveland goalkeeper Ben Yabrow was called upon several times to deny the home team's attack, landing two spectacular saves in 1 v 1 situations.

"To come away with a point was great," AFC Cleveland manager Andy Hoggarth stated. "We were nice and strong in the air; we created good opportunities."

Cleveland has little time to rest as they face the visiting Greater Binghamton FC on Mother's Day at Byers Field in Parma. It is the first home game in franchise history.

ISN Stars of Coaching Presented by Korrio - May 2012

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

Soccer in the inner city represents a different world, a world that Matt Safar of Uniontown, Ohio knows very well.  Safar, the head coach of Akron Garfield’s boys and girls soccer teams, has embraced the diversity of the beautiful game found there. His high school squads resemble the United Nations with players from Laos, Mexico, Palestine, Vietnam, and Japan participating in a program that has gone leaps and bounds under Safar’s expert tutelage. 

“It has been the most unique experience that  I ever had,” Safar declared. “We have people from all walks of life.  We try to bring them together with a common goal.  For many it is the one positive thing they have in life, something they cherish.”

Players from different religions and cultures coming together to play the world’s most popular sport is something quite special to see.  It doesn’t matter if they are white, African-American, Muslim, or Buddhist, everyone feels welcome and accepted, joined by a common objective.    

Many coaches would turn down a challenge of coaching in the inner city, but Safar never shies away from doing what is right when it comes to soccer.  It is a special vocation, especially when you do it because you love the game.  It certainly isn’t for the crowds as many games have only 2 or 3 spectators, but it is important to his players.

“For many, the last game they will ever play will be the last game of their senior season,” Safar concluded.  
Safar is also active on the premier club side of the game, serving as the Girls Director of Coaching at Challenger Crew Juniors.  The name states the obvious, that Challenger is an affiliate of the MLS Columbus Crew. 

“The reason why I coach is to help players find something positive in life,” Safar continued. “Whether it is hope, friendship, skill, or confidence.  I want them to have success, to see a smile.”

Educating players and parents is a big part of the coaching business.  Safar points out that player development is a process, one that requires patience. 

“If they stick with it, the sky is the limit,” Safar commented. 

He is always looking for opportunities for his players, hoping they get more exposure. But he understands that the cost of premier soccer is prohibitive for many. 

“It shouldn’t cost as much as it does today,” Safar said. “It should be inexpensive or even available at no cost.”   

Having free soccer would make a difference in the game on a national level and would surely pay dividends for the national team programs in the long term.  The academy concept has been mentioned as a solution to this issue and while Safar admits it is a great idea in principle, a lot of kids are still neglected and not seen. 

“Until the emphasis is not on money and how we look,” Safar continued, “we will not reach the heart and soul of the sport.” 

Safar believes the men’s national team is off to a good start under Jurgen Klinsmann, mainly because he has a style in mind and an idea of where he wants to be.

“As a country, we need to find our own identity and style,” Safar remarked. “In the past we have tried to copy someone else or try to play soccer like every other sport.”

Again he reminds us that it is a process and that we need to be patient and let Klinsmann collect results with time.  It takes time to build a program with his own players; he needs time to scout, evaluate, and teach the next generation of American stars.  

And those stars will have the challenge of facing off against the world’s best.  Safar happens to be a big fan of the Brazilian national team.  Their flair and confidence on the ball is well documented. 

“Their transitional attack makes other teams look foolish,” Safar said. Players like Ronaldinho, Neymar, Ronaldo, Robinho, and Robert Carlos represent what is right in the South American game, a style that is all about maximizing potential on the ball.

“I tell my players that when they have the ball at their feet, they have complete control. They have what the defender wants.” 

Just another lesson from an expert coach who has devoted his life to the beautiful game.  It has been a life dedicated to helping his players reach their goals, whatever they may be.  Thanks to coaches like Matt Safar and programs like Challenger and Akron Garfield, the sport is growing and thriving in NE Ohio. 

Korrio understands it is your passion for coaching kids that drives you. We also know that the less time you spend dealing with administrative, communication and automation hassles, and the more time you spend on the field, the happier you’ll be. And because you play a crucial role in our children’s lives, we want you spending as much time as possible coaching our kids. Korrio offers a modern approach to coaching by allowing new ways to communicate and develop a community on and off the field. Congratulations to the ISN Star of Coaching this month!

Be sure to check out Korrio’s new “Parents Spring Soccer Season Survival Guide”. It has excellent tips on how to prepare for tand thrive in the hectic spring season.

Schmitt Fuels 6-2 Rout of Wright State in Akron Men's Soccer Spring Finale

AKRON, OH - April 28, 2011 - Fueled by a five-goal outburst by forward Thomas Schmitt, The University of Akron men's soccer team cruised to a 6-2 victory over Wright State Saturday night at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.

It was the final spring exhibition match for the Zips, who finished unbeaten with a 4-0-1 record. In all, Schmitt scored three goals in the first half, then found the net twice more after the break to pace the UA attack.

Ironically, the game got off to an inauspicious start for Akron when the Raiders took advantage of a lucky bounce in front of the net to score the game's first goal in just the second minute of play. A WSU free kick from the right flank led to a scramble in the box where Joakim Carlsson collected the ball and quickly fired a shot across the goal, off the left post and into the net.

The lead didn't hold long, however, as Schmitt pulled UA even just four minutes later when he redirected a blocked shot by Aodhan Quinn into the net from seven yards out and then finished off a long pass from Scott Caldwell in the 17th minute. Schmitt completed the hat trick just before the half with another opportunistic strike. With three seconds left before the break, the Wright State keeper punched out a close-range shot by Caldwell and Schmitt buried the rebound to give UA a 3-1 lead.

The Raiders showed some fight in the 56th minute on a beautifully-executed set piece goal. Following an Akron foul on the left flank, Derek Zuniga's cross found the diving head of Findlay Milne to cut the Zips' lead to 3-2. Akron got the goal back in the 67th minute on a penalty kick by Caldwell and Schmitt finished off his huge night with two more goals in a span of two minutes to close out the Raiders.

The Zips, who will return eight of 11 starters next fall, recently announced their 2012 schedule. Season tickets, which include the new reserved bleacher section of FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field, are on sale now! To become an Akron Soccer season ticket holder, visit GoZips.com/tickets of call 1-888-99-AKRON (25766).

ISN's University of Akron men's soccer coverage is proudly presented by Expedia® CruiseShipCenters®. Cruise? All-Inclusive? Vegas? Call Bob Hasinski at 440-724-3513 for a great deal on a vacation of a lifetime! Bob can also be reached at bhasinski@cruiseshipcenters.com. You won't be sorry if you book your next vacation with Bob Hasinski and Expedia® CruiseShipCenters®.

Akron Women’s Soccer Releases 2012 Schedule

AKRON, OH - April 17, 2012 - Eight matches at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field and an away date at Michigan State highlight the 2012 Akron women’s soccer schedule, fifth-year head coach Chris Pfau announced on Tuesday. Season tickets for the 2012 season are on sale now.

The Zips will play five Mid-American Conference contests on its home pitch, including an Oct. 7 meeting with rival Kent State as part of the PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge.

Also on the 2012 slate is a pair of games at the University of Tennessee Tournament, where the Zips will play Virginia Commonwealth and William & Mary. Women’s soccer season tickets are just $40, and are available for a $20 add-on for men’s soccer season ticketholders. Season tickets can be purchased online at www.GoZips.com/tickets, by calling 1-888-99-AKRON (25766), or at the C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office. The ticket office is open Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. All season ticket holders will receive a complimentary Akron Soccer scarf – one per season ticker purchased while supplies last.

“This is a very good schedule that will challenge us early and have us prepared for the MAC season,” Pfau said. “William & Mary was a nationally ranked team last fall and playing them will allow us to see where we stand early in the season.”

UA will host Morehead State in the season opener on Aug. 17. Akron is 2-1-0 all-time against the Eagles, but dropped the last meeting 3-1 in 2010. The matches against VCU and William & Mary will be played Aug. 24 and 26, respectively, in Knoxville, Tenn. It will be the first meeting between UA and VCU, while William & Mary was a 6-0 winner over Akron in 2008. The Tribe were ranked as high as No. 14 last season and lost to North Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Akron will tangle with Michigan State for the second straight season on Sept. 2. The Spartans were 5-0 winners in Akron in 2011. UA’s last away meeting with a Big Ten school resulted in a 1-0 victory over Michigan to open last season.

“We are excited to play Michigan State again this year after playing them last fall,” Pfau commented. “It will be another early test for us, especially playing at their place.”

The Zips travel to local rival Cleveland State on Sept. 7 and host Canisius on Sept. 9. Akron is unbeaten against both schools, and defeated Canisius 3-0 in the inaugural match at the renovated Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field in 2010. Akron’s final non-conference test is a home match-up with Marshall on Sept. 16. The Zips are 3-1-1 all-time against the Thundering Herd and the two squads will be playing for the first time since 2006, when Marshall was a member of the MAC.

UA opens its MAC schedule with games at Miami (Ohio) and Ball State on Sept. 21 and 23, respectively. UA has lost the last two meetings with the RedHawks and will play at Ball State for the second season in a row. Home matches with Northern Illinois (Sept. 28) and defending MAC Champion Toledo (Sept. 30) round out the month of September. Akron downed NIU 1-0 in DeKalb last season and earned a 2-2 draw at Toledo.

The Zips will split the next weekend, traveling to Ohio on Oct. 5 and playing rival Kent State at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field on Oct. 7. UA clinched its spot in the 2011 MAC Tournament with a thrilling 1-0 overtime win over the Bobcats in last season’s regular-season finale and are looking to avenge a 2-0 loss to the Golden Flashes in its last meeting.

Coach Pfau’s club travels to Central Michigan and Bowling Green on Oct. 12 and 14. The Zips and Chippewas tied, 0-0, in the 2011 regular season, but CMU was a 2-1 winner in the first round of the MAC Tournament in Mt. Pleasant. UA is 2-0-1 in its last three meetings with BGSU. Akron’s final home matches of the regular season take place on Oct. 19 against Western Michigan and on Oct. 21 versus Eastern Michigan. The Friday night match against the Broncos will be Senior Night for the program. Akron took down Eastern Michigan 3-0 last season at First Energy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.

The 2012 regular season wraps up on Thursday, Oct. 25 with a road game at Buffalo. Akron is 7-4-0 all-time against the Bulls, but lost 1-0 at UB Stadium in 2011.

“We had our best results ever against the MAC West Division last season, but didn’t do as well against the East as we had in previous years,” Pfau said. “We have proved we can play with everyone in the conference, and this season will be about doing it on a consistent basis. Every weekend is going to be a tough battle.”

2012 Akron Women’s Soccer Schedule:
Sun., Aug. 5 – Duquesne (exhibition)
Fri., Aug. 10 – at West Virginia (exhibition)
Fri., Aug. 17 – Morehead State
Fri., Aug. 24 – vs. VCU (University of Tennessee Tournament)
Sun., Aug. 26 – vs. William & Mary (University of Tennessee Tournament)
Sun., Sept. 2 – at Michigan State
Fri., Sept. 7 – at Cleveland State
Sun., Sept. 9 – Canisius
Sun., Sept. 16 – Marshall
Fri., Sept 21 – at Miami (Ohio)
Sun., Sept. 23 – at Ball State
Fri., Sept. 28 – Northern Illinois
Sun., Sept. 30 – Toledo
Fri., Oct. 5 – at Ohio
Sun., Oct. 7 – Kent State (PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge)
Fri., Oct. 12 – at Central Michigan
Sun., Oct. 14 – at Bowling Green
Fri., Oct. 19 – Western Michigan
Sun. Oct. 21 – Eastern Michigan
Thurs., Oct. 25 – at Buffalo

The Pelé Sports Fan Ambassador Club – April 2012 

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

The game of indoor soccer has some of the most diehard fans in all of the beautiful game. Cleveland’s own Shawn Bartczak is one of those true supporters even though the ride called pro indoor soccer hasn’t been easy.

The indoor game has always been exciting, especially when large crowds create a circus-like atmosphere and a sport that is truly American. The biggest criticism of soccer amongst casual fans has always been a lack of goals, but that is certainly not the case here.

“There is a lot of scoring,” Bartczak stated. “The speed of the game is very fast and the ball stays in play.”

Bartczak has followed the game since the Cleveland Force (1978-1988) and Cleveland Crunch (1989-2005) were the talk of the Forest City. Richfield Coliseum saw some of the biggest names in the game: Hector Marinaro, Otto Orf, Zoran Karić, the list goes on and on.

Bartczak enjoyed his time at the Coliseum, seeing record crowds and meeting the players after the game. He also traveled south to Canton to see the Canton Invaders at the Memorial Civic Center.

“Canton had a family atmosphere,” Bartczak declared. “You got to know a lot of the players. It really was a small hometown team.”

But the meteoric rise of indoor leagues soon experienced a drastic fall, one that saw the game almost disappear completely as both Cleveland franchises folded and the Invaders became nothing more than a memory.

A new MISL and an upstart PASL would eventually appear on the soccer landscape, two attempts at reviving the magic that once surrounded the sport of indoor soccer. The MISL would go the way of a true pro league, while the PASL tried to create a “blue-collar league.”

“The PASL has a lot of scoring, the games are exciting,” Bartczak continued. “All the guys work hard; they are working regular jobs.”

Bartczak has done his part to promote the league, covering games and even leading online broadcasts. His sole goal: to make sure the league gains more exposure and in return, more fans and a chance at longevity.

Part-time pros dominated the PASL for years, but soccer dynasties like the San Diego Sockers have turned the tide. The Sockers fought their way to a perfect season, dominating opponents with a mix of youth and big-name veterans.

“Both of their keepers are great,” Bartczak concluded. “They dominated Detroit in the championship game. You couldn’t ask for a better game.”

The indoor game has a bright future thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of fans like Bartczak. It won’t be an easy ride, but it will certainly be interesting.

Pelé is unquestionably the world’s greatest soccer ambassador, spreading his love of the Beautiful Revolution wherever he goes. He has become the game’s strongest supporter and has been the source of inspiration for millions around the globe. From the streets of New York to the fields of South Africa, Pelé Sports is a name synonymous with passion, creativity and innovating the game the way it should be played. A world without Pelé would be a world without soccer with millions missing out on the joy and the Beautiful Revolution we all love in this game.

Today’s supporters carry on the prestigious legacy of Pelé, growing and promoting the game in their own communities and passing the torch to a new generation of footballers. Mainstream media outlets have failed to give a face to these fans, people who do extraordinary things everyday and have stories that deserve to be told. Whether it is an Iraqi War veteran who is a passionate supporter of his favorite MLS side or a student making an impact on the college game, the concept of ambassadorship is alive and well here in North America. Today’s supporters are not hooligans or fanatics or even überfans, but rather gatekeepers to the true spirit of the beautiful game.

International Soccer Network, in conjunction with Pelé Sports, plans to celebrate the contributions of North American soccer fans every month with a new series of feature articles.