AFC Cleveland clinched the fourth and final spot in the Great Lakes Conference Playoffs with a 1-1 draw with Detroit City FC.
870 fans and supporters from both Cleveland and Detroit were present for a fast, physical, and intense matchup.
AFC Cleveland was the first on the board as Tom Beck set up a Tom Granot goal in the 35th minute. The home side would carry that same 1-0 lead
into halftime.
Former Columbus Crew striker Knox Cameron brought things even at 1-1 for
Detroit with an unassisted goal in the 77th minute.
Both sides continued to fight, but neither could gain the advantage as the
match ended in a draw. Royals keeper Ben Yabrow was stellar again, making
crucial saves at different points during the game.
“Ben has come up big when he needs to,” AFC Cleveland head coach Andy
Hoggarth commented. “Now I am going to have to talk him into not moving
back to Georgia next year so we can keep him around.”
AFC Cleveland will meet DCFC again in the playoffs next weekend in an
intriguing rematch, one that is exciting for fans and players alike.
“They are going to play with a little bit of bite,” AFC Cleveland forward
Tommy Schmitt stated. “They know that we can compete with them game in and game out.”
