RACE FOR THE PLAYOFFS HEATS UP IN CLEVELAND

Silva's Early Goal is the Deciding Factor in 1-0 City Star Defeat

CLEVELAND–Former University of Akron keeper Evan Bush earned a rare start for the City Stars in a Friday night rematch against the Austin Aztex. Both clubs, new to USL-1 this season, are making a strong push for the playoffs. The City Stars, currently sitting in 10th place in the USL-1 standings, have been playing exciting soccer over the past few weeks. Many feel that the addition of striker Israel Sesay from the Los Angeles Galaxy is a major reason for the improvement in Cleveland's play. However, those close to the organization show the return of midfielder Gordon Kljestan from injury as a more important factor.

The Austin Aztex find themselves in a similar situation, looking up at most of the league from 9th place. Austin has a unique European flair with an English legend as coach and a partnership with Stoke City of the English Premier League. Head Coach Adrian Heath spent two decades in Europe playing professional soccer with some of the most elite clubs including Stoke City, Everton, Espanyol, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Burnley. Heath has two League Championships, the F.A. Cup, and the European Cup Winners Cup on his impressive resume. Austin's connections with the EPL paid dividends when the club signed Ex-Watford and Stoke City striker Gifton Noel-Williams to a 2 year deal. This easily became the biggest move in the club's young history. However, this transaction has made little impact on this team to this point. "We hoped that he would be a talisman for the younger players," Heath commented. "The problem is he hasn't played. We haven't had his influence on the field."

The City Stars put three strikers on the field once again in an effort to create opportunities on offense. There were chances for both clubs in the first half with only the Aztex taking advantage with a goal in the 25th minute. Midfielder Sullivan Silva put Austin on the board with a quick strike to the corner of the goal past Cleveland's keeper. The offense of the City Stars didn't pose a significant threat, but was able to get shots from defender Ibrahim Kante, midfielder Pato Aguilera, and forward Leo Gibson.

Cleveland fans hoped for better in the second half. There was a strong feeling that Cleveland's massive potential would finally turn into serious results. After all the City Stars have played well coming from behind.

It was a match of fresh faces for Cleveland as keeper Evan Bush, striker Jason Hotchkin, and defender Stephen Cruickshank were called upon by Head Coach Rod Underwood. Cruickshank would make only his second appearance of the season for the City Stars, coming in as a substitute in the 54th minute. Hotchkin, who entered the game in the 74th minute, had seen limited playing time due to injury. Some believe Hotchkin, a fan favorite in Cleveland, may be the missing ingredient for the City Stars. No one has really seen enough of Hotchkin to make such an evaluation.

As expected the game heated up in the final 10 minutes. Aztex striker Eddie Johnson had several opportunities to score as he pushed forward past the City Star defense. Cleveland would counter, pushing as many players forward as possible. It was clear that the City Stars had a better second half, but it just was not enough as they finished the match with no change to the 1-0 deficit. "We didn't capitalize on our chances, a couple of bounces didn't go our way," midfielder Gordon Kljestan stated. It was clear that the last ten minutes were be far the most intense. There was a clear tactical move being utilized by Rod Underwood, creating a more potent offensive threat.

"We threw a lot of guys forward. We played three in the back, the rest on the top, and I was in the middle running back and forth," Kljestan continued, "Their backline played very well tonight. They won every ball. We need to compete on those head balls to have a chance."

The City Stars will have some time to reflect and reorganize before their next match. They will face the Puerto Rico Islanders on July 12 at Middlefield Cheese Stadium. The Islanders, now second in the USL-1 standings, are led by goalkeeper Bill Gaudette and defender Cristian Arrieta. The club is best known for their stellar performance in last year's CONCACAF Champions League.

Match Photos

Cleveland City Stars Lineups

Austin Aztex Lineups

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