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.
