Religion. Politics. Things to avoid discussing even amongst friends. Apparently the owners of FC New York need a lesson on etiquette when it comes to the game of soccer. The first and most important rule of running a soccer franchise: politics doesn’t belong on the pitch in any form period. It doesn’t matter if you call it a sponsorship or not. It cheapens the game and makes us no better than the rest of the world. But we are better than the
English defender Ruairidh Winters scored AFC Cleveland’s lone goal as they finished with a 1-1 draw against the Erie Admirals. This was the final game of the 2012 NPSL regular season for the Royals. Ben Yabrow got the start in goal for Cleveland and finished with 6 saves. He faced a flurry of 14 shots from the Admirals. AFC Cleveland (4W-7T-1L) now turns their attention to the Great Lakes playoffs. Based on tomorrow’s results, Cleveland will face either Detroit City FC or
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
Galveston Pirate SC vs Monterrey Rayados Reserves With multiple newspaper photographers, Spanish channel Azteca 51, and about 500 spectators many were expecting the Galveston SC to be a recipient of an old fashion beatdown. But they would be surprised by our gameplay and the final outcome. Going up against one of the biggest clubs in the Americas put a lot of doubt in the head of Pirate supporters and even some of the players. As the captain I had to alleviate
AFC Cleveland and the Erie Admirals (4-4-1) battled to a 1-1 draw Friday night. The first half was back and forth as each side tried to gain an advantage. Erie would go on the board first thanks to a penalty kick, but Cuyahoga Falls native Christian Earnest equalized for Cleveland minutes later. The score was 1-1 at the half. The defensive battle continued in the second half as each team battled to get the deciding goal. The goal proved to be
Lindsey Wilson College midfielder Tom Moody is enjoying his summer in the NPSL. Starring for Huntsville’s Rocket City United, Moody has made an impact early and often for the South-Southeast Conference-West side. “I jumped at the chance to play for Rocket City in the summer,” Moody said. “It was a chance to see the standard or level of soccer in America.” The England native had a lot of praise for Rocket City United head coach Gerry Cleary. “He makes you want to
University of Akron striker Thomas Schmitt scored the equalizing goal in the 86th minute to propel AFC Cleveland to a 1-1 road draw with Detroit City FC. Cleveland found themselves down 1-0 at the half after a goal from Detroit’s Stefan St. Louis in the 23rd minute. AFC fought back and claimed a goal of their own in the final moments of the game. Fellow Akron teammate Andrian McAdams was impressive in goal, claiming 6 saves for Cleveland. Detroit did well
Gerry Cleary is a Renaissance man in American soccer and has been part of growing and improving the beautiful game at every level. Simultaneously, Cleary coaches at the youth, college, and semi-pro level. A busy man you might say. As a top youth player in his native Ireland, Cleary made the choice to come to America to get his education and play college soccer. He did both, excelling on and off the pitch at Lambuth University. He was a three-time NAIA All-American, a four-time All-Conference selection,
Goals by Vinny Bell, Michael Matlock, and Tyler Johnston helped AFC Cleveland defeat Detroit City FC 3-2. A record crowd of 1,251 was on hand at Byers Field to see this important Rust Belt Derby matchup. The win propels AFC Cleveland (3-0-4, 13 pts.) into first place in the NPSL’s Midwest Great Lakes Conference. It also clinches a playoff spot for Cleveland, which is in their first year in the league. “It’s exciting,” AFC Cleveland Chairman/CEO Terry Lawriw stated. “We have a
