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
A goal by Christian Earnest in the 84th minute gave AFC Cleveland a 1-1 draw against the Erie Admirals in NPSL action. “It was a very physical battle,” AFC Cleveland manager Andy Hoggarth commented. “It was a pretty fair result. Erie was very hardworking. They moved the ball well.” Sean Washek scored the lone goal for the Admirals (1-1-1). University of Akron star Andrian McAdams made his AFC Cleveland debut in goal for Cleveland. “Andrian was solid,” Hoggarth added. “He was quick off his
The US Open Cup is a special event that has gotten a lot of attention as of late. MLS teams have crashed out of the competition at an alarming rate in our country’s version of the FA Cup. Josh Hakala, senior editor of TheCup.us, helped us answer a few questions about this year’s matchups. 1. Some analysts have claimed that Cal FC’s defeat of the Timbers is the greatest upset in Cup history. Do you agree or disagree? How will they
Vinny Bell and Tyler Johnston scored goals for AFC Cleveland (2-0-3) as they landed a 2-2 draw with FC Buffalo in a Rust Belt Derby match. Bell scored in the first half, capitalizing on a Buffalo turnover. This would give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The Blitzers brought things even at 1-1 thanks to an Alexander Rouse goal nineteen minutes later. Former Hertha Berlin and Maccabi Haifa striker Anthony Bahadur would make his AFC Cleveland debut during the match, but would have to
A strong second half by AFC Cleveland (2-0-2) helped the home team shutout Greater Binghamton FC 3-0. Goals by Thomas Schmitt, Vaughn Spurrier, and Dean Miller paced Cleveland’s attack in dominating fashion. The first half was rather pedestrian as each side struggled to gain the upper hand. Cleveland would hold a slight advantage statistically, but the score remained 0-0 after 45 minutes. The second half started strong for the visitors, but their fortunes quickly changed after Schmitt slotted one past the
Two top players from the University of Akron have joined AFC Cleveland of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Forward Thomas Schmitt of Berea, Ohio is a senior forward for the 2010 National Champion Akron Zips. Schmitt is expected to be a starter this fall after an impressive spring season that included five goals against Wright State on April 28. Schmitt scored five goals, two of which were game-winners, in 2011 as he saw action in 23 matches on his way
Krystian Witkowski is literally living a dream. Playing for childhood hero Peter Nowak at the Philadelphia Union, months after finishing his career at Marist College (NY), is pure bliss for the former U-18 Poland national team player. “MLS is a dream come true,” Witkowski stated. “Every morning when I wake up, I can’t think of a better job.” He has embraced his role as a defensive midfielder for the Union. His fitness and quality touch on the ball have made him
AFC Cleveland came away with an exciting 4-2 victory over the visiting FC Buffalo Friday night. “Any time, any season the first win is vital,” AFC Cleveland manager Andy Hoggarth commented. “But the first win in franchise history is massive.” The attack was balanced as four different AFC Cleveland players found the back of the net. Case Western Reserve striker Vinny Bell opened the scoring for the home side in the 41st with a successful PK attempt. “We ‘ve been down both
