AFC Cleveland dominated FC Buffalo in their final home game of the 2012 NPSL season, sending the Blitzers home with a 3-0 defeat.
The first half was rather pedestrian as both sides fought for control of the match. The score at halftime was a rather uneventful 0-0.
The second half was a different story and one that belonged to AFC Cleveland. The goal scoring spree began with Ohio State’s Michael Matlock, who scored off a rebound to put the Royals up 1-0.
Vinny Bell made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute, scoring from 16 yards out on a shot that drilled the crossbar before dropping in. University of Akron striker Tommy Schmitt had the goal of the night just three minutes later. Schmitt found himself smothered by a defender and the onrushing Buffalo keeper, but calmly slotted a shot between the two at a very title angle. This gave Cleveland the 3-0 lead.
Lady Luck was no friend of FC Buffalo Friday night as they spent much of the second half a man down after landing a red card. The heat slowed their attack and they experimented with 2 different keepers and got the same result.
Nearly 750 fans saw the 6thCity Syndicate, the official supporters’ group of AFC Cleveland, present the team with the Rust Belt Trophy before the game.
AFC Cleveland (4W-6T-1L) finishes their regular season at Erie Saturday before entering the playoffs next weekend.
