Cleveland SC and Akron City FC Battle for Second Place in the I-77 Showdown
Get ready for an electrifying battle as Cleveland Soccer Club goes head-to-head with our conference rivals, Akron City FC, this Saturday! The second chapter of this season's I-77 rivalry unfolds on June 22nd at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School at 7 PM.
Fresh off an 8-1 Father’s Day win over Southern Indiana Guardians, Cleveland SC is eager to extend its winning streak in this crucial match. With both clubs tied for second place in the Great Lakes Conference, Akron City FC holds a slight edge by goal differential. The newly announced NPSL playoff format will see the top four clubs from the conference compete in a 4-team playoff.
In the season opener, Cleveland SC edged out Akron City FC 1-0 thanks to a brilliant goal from Ryan Sommerfeld at George Finnie Stadium. Despite Akron City's formidable attacking presence, Ryan Poling and the Cleveland defense held firm to secure the win.
This Saturday promises to be a thrilling clash as both clubs battle for a playoff spot and the chance to earn a home match in the conference semifinals. Cleveland SC leads the rivalry with four wins out of six matches in the past three years, including a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory at home last season. However, last season's visit to Akron ended in a 0-0 draw. This will be the fourth meeting between these rivals at Green Street Stadium in Akron.
Ticket Information
We urge Cleveland fans to make a short trip to Akron to support the orange and black in this pivotal road match. Tickets are priced at $15 and can be purchased HERE. Your support will be invaluable! Parking is $5 if you use the lot adjacent to Green Street Stadium which goes to St. Vincent-St. Mary Boys Soccer Team.
Follow the Match Live
Can't make it to Akron? No worries! Catch all the action live on the Akron City YouTube Channel. Stream link is HERE
Meet Our Opponent: Akron City FC
Head coach Andy Hoggarth leads Akron City FC (4-0-2) in his second season. They recently dominated Flower City Union 6-2, with Indiana University product Sam Sarver netting five goals and the former Cleveland SC player Quinn Groves adding another. Sarver leads the team with nine goals this season, supported by Stefan Dobrijevic and former Cleveland SC player Jannis Schmidt, who both have four goals. Akron is 2-0-1 at home, with their only loss against Steel City FC.
Club Notes
Cleveland SC (4-0-2) is coming off a commanding home win against Southern Indiana but previously endured back-to-back road losses against Steel City FC and Michigan Rangers FC. The team is eager to improve their road form in Akron, currently standing at 1-0-2 away from home. Stanislav Koval leads the team with nine goals, followed by Griffin Meyer with five. A win in Akron would be a significant boost as we head into the final four matches of the regular season.
Let's go, Cleveland SC! #WeAreCLE
Stay Connected