Photo Credit: Richard Kruszynski/ISNSoccer.com
Cleveland SC came out NPSL Midwest Region champions after a crazy weekend in Detroit. The weekend involved two incredibly dramatic matches including a 6-4 extra time victory against the Rochester Lancers and a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Detroit FC after being locked at 2-2. In what was a bizarre shootout, Cleveland goalkeeper Marijo Musa did not have to make a single save as three Detroit players sent their penalties over the bar.
The biggest moment of the weekend for Cleveland’s Antonio Manfut was his team scoring two goals in the final five minutes of regulation against the Lancers to take the game to extra time at 3-3. “After coming back and winning that game [against Rochester], I said we have to go out and beat Detroit the next game,” Manfut said. “It’s meant to be.”
“The driving force behind this run is how bad we want it,” mentioned Manfut when asked what has been the team’s biggest attribute in their storied playoff run. “Some of us have already won a national championship in this league back in 2016 and we’ve been talking about how we can do it again this season.”
This season has also been an important season for Manfut’s development as a player.
“This season has helped me stay fit and work on my defensive understanding of the game,” Manfut said. “I’ve needed to work back and help [defensively] in these playoff games to help ensure our victories.”
The upcoming match against The Miami FC is a crucial one for both sides as a a spot in the NPSL National Championship is on the line. Though, Manfut believes that the defending national champs are a beatable opponent.
“We know what it takes and believe with our experience plus the addition of younger players and an organized coaching staff, we can make it happen,” Manfut said.
Cleveland SC take on The Miami FC at FIU Soccer Stadium on Saturday, July 27 at 7:00 pm ET.
