An undermanned AFC Cleveland traveled to Hurley Field on Sunday night to face newcomer FC Sparta Michigan, a team that defeated the Royals 1-0 to open the NPSL regular season. It was more of the same as Sparta came away with a 2-1 home win over the Ohio side.
Cleveland was without several key players, including several starters like Tommy Schmitt and Ruairidh Winters.
The Royals went on the board early with a 2nd minute goal from forward Tommy Granot. But Sparta brought things even at 1-1 just four minutes later thanks to a goal from striker Jesus Ginez.
Ginez, a promising forward with the Detroit Titans, is the same player that scored the game-winner against Cleveland on May 10th.
Halftime saw no change in score, but Sparta sprang ahead for good in the 48th with a goal from Esteban Russel.
It was a physical match with 21 fouls committed and 5 yellow cards handed out. The Royals had plenty of opportunities as evidenced by their 11 shots and 5 corner kicks.
Aaron McGuiness filled in for AFC Cleveland head coach Andy Hoggarth, who was on a recruiting trip for the University of Akron.
Cleveland now turns their attention to a home match against FC Buffalo on Friday, May 31st.
