Cleveland City Stars are the Professional United Soccer Leagues

The Cleveland City Stars took on the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday and walked away with a valuable point. The Stars were ahead 2-1 until the 90th minute, when Vancouver surged forward to score a game-tying goal, ending the match at 2-2.

Early on, Vancouver and Cleveland seemed to be evenly matched. Neither squad had any strong chances, as both defenses were playing strongly. A corner kick in the 10th minute was the City Stars strongest early chance, when the cross found defender Ibrahim Kante at the back post of the Whitecaps goal. The ball was cleared by Vancouver defenders, but earned another corner kick for the Stars, which was unfortunately uneventful. City Stars newcomer Israel "Izzy" Sesay made huge contributions to the Cleveland attack, bringing extra speed and footskills to the midfield, and creating many chances.

The Whitecaps rebounded from the City Stars attack by mounting a series of breakaways on the Cleveland goal. In the 13th minute, Vancouver forward Marlon James looked certain to score, but defender Troy Roberts deftly cut him off so that goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap could scoop up the ball with ease. Gilstrap was busy again just two minutes later when forward Marcus Haber pressured the City Stars goal with intensity. Gilstrap raced out to meet Haber and stuffed the enthusiastic forward, sending the ball safely out of bounds. It seemed like a repeat performance the next minute, when Vancouver's Gordon Chin also tried his luck on the City Stars goal, only to be shut down by Gilstrap.

Unfortunately Gilstrap's skill was tested one too many times, and in the 18th minute, Haber pushed forward once again. A well-angled shot scooted underneath Gilstrap and into the back of the City Stars net, giving Vancouver a 1-0 lead.

The City Stars fumbled in midfield for the next few minutes, trying to regain their footing and dreading another home loss. Forward Leo Gibson was determined not to go down again, and expertly brought down a long distance cross from defender Kante. Charging towards the goal, he outpaced all of the Vancouver defenders to slide a beautiful cross past goalkeeper Jay Nolly and into the far corner.

Neither team gained much ground after the tying goal, and it wasn't until the 45th minute that the City Stars gleaned any good opportunities.  Gibson again pushed forward to beat the Vancouver defense, but was brought down by defender Mason Trafford inside the Whitecaps box. Head referee Niko Bratsis called a penalty kick, and veteran midfielder Pato Aguilera stepped up to take the kick. Placing it expertly in the lower right corner, he fooled Nolly, and brought the City Stars ahead 2-1 to end the half.

The second half was dominated by Vancouver, and the City Stars were pushed back into their own box. Despite several early chances on goal, the Stars were unable to mount any threatening attacks. This wasn't helped by a muscle cramp that put Israel Sesay out of the game, or the players growing fatigue. The City Stars defense held strong and Gilstrap had numerous remarkable saves, but the team broke down in extra time. Approximately 30 seconds into extra time, a strange deflection landed directly at the feet of Martin Nash. He wound up and took a strong shot that screened Gilstrap was unable to see until it was too late. The game ended moments later, with a 2-2 result earning a point for both sides.

The City Stars next home game is this Saturday, June 27th at 7 p.m. against the Austin Aztex. Saturday is also 'Faith Night', with a free post-game concert for all fans. Be sure to get your tickets by going online at www.clevelandcitystars.com or by calling 330-425-2003. The match will be broadcast on STO and usllive.




Starting Lineups:
Cleveland: GK Hunter Gilstrap, D Anthony Stovall, D Ibrahim Kante, D Troy Roberts, D Stephane Guillaume, M Pato Aguilera (M Gordon Kljestan 61'), M Alioune Gueye, M Warren Kanu, M Joshua Boateng (M Ryan Stewart 68'), F Leo Gibson (D Paul Ballard 89'), F Israel Sesay (Ricardo Pierre-Louis 71')

Vancouver: GK Jay Nolly, D Lyle Martin (M Ethan Gage 68'), D Mason Trafford, D Marco Reda (M Randy Edwini-Bonsu 85'), M Wes Knight, M Gordon Chin, M Martin Nash, M Vicente Arze (M Tyrell Burgess 56'), F Marcus Haber (F Dever Orgill 45'), F Marlon Janes


Summary:
Cle: Leo Gibson (Ibrahim Kante) 28', Pato Aguilera (Penalty Kick) 45'
Van: Marcus Haber (Martin Nash) 18',  Martin Nash 90'

Cautions:
Cle: Ibrahim Kante 83'

Attendance: 1,066