User:Keskkonnakaitse/2022 Cleveland SC season

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Cleveland SC
2022 season
OwnerSamuel Seibert
Head coach
  • Lewis Dunne (through April 14)[1]
  • Vlad Muresan (from April 27)[2]
Stadium
National Premier Soccer LeagueMidwest–Rust Belt: 1st
NPSL playoffsRegional final
U.S. Open CupSecond round
Top goalscorerLeague: Vinny Bell (6)
All: Vinny Bell (8)
← 2021
2023 →

The 2022 Cleveland SC season was the club's fifth season of existence and fifth consecutive season in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth tier of American soccer. The season covered the period from August 15, 2021 to the start of the 2023 NPSL season. Cleveland took part in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history, to go with normal league competition in the NPSL.

In its first-ever Open Cup appearance, Cleveland claimed a victory over USL League Two club Chicago FC United before falling in the second round to Forward Madison, a professional club from USL League One. Head coach Lewis Dunne departed following the cup run and was replaced by Vlad Muresan, who led CSC to a third consecutive Rust Belt Conference title. Highlighted by an unbeaten record against new in-state rivals Akron City, Cleveland took the conference title by one point ahead of Pittsburgh Hotspurs. After defeating Pittsburgh and Med City in the Midwest Region playoffs, Cleveland fell short in the regional final, ending the season with a loss to Muskegon Risers. Vinny Bell finished as the leading scorer, with six goals in the league and eight in all competitions, although he played just eight total games due to injury. Boban Cancar and Chris Cvecko played all 17 games on the season, helping Cleveland finish the year with 11 wins, one tie, and five losses.

Review and events[edit]

U.S. Open Cup[edit]

In the 2021 season, Cleveland SC won its second-straight Rust Belt Conference and Midwest Region titles before losing to Denton Diablos in the national semifinals.[3] Those results qualified CSC to take part in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history; although they had qualified in 2020 and 2021, both of those tournaments were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[4]

With the 2022 U.S. Open Cup beginning nearly two months before the start of the league season, Cleveland had to cobble together a roster that included very few college-age players. Six new players joined 11 returnees to face Chicago FC United, a USL League Two club from Illinois, in the first round.[5] In front of a rain-soaked crowd of about 200 fans, Cleveland trailed at halftime after an own goal from center back Boban Cancar. With time running out in regulation, midfielder Mike Derezic scored an equalizer in the 90th minute to send the match to extra time. There, Cleveland found the winning goal, with the club's all-time leading scorer, Vinny Bell, finding the back of the net in the 107th minute. The assist was provided by substitute Kieran Toland, making his club debut.[6]

Cleveland advanced to the second round to face Forward Madison, a USL League One club from Wisconsin. The match marked CSC's first-ever game against a team from a fully professional league.[7] Nine new players joined the squad for the trip, including two – Rade Novakovich and Leki Prpa – who were Wisconsin locals and only played the single Open Cup match for Cleveland SC.[8] With an overhauled squad and facing their toughest opponent ever, Cleveland was overwhelmed in a 3–0 defeat. In front of roughly 1,000 fans at Breese Stevens Field, Madison's Justin Sukow scored the opening goal in the 37th minute. Cesar Murillo added a second just before halftime and Nazeem Bartman put the game away in the second half.[9]

Coaching change[edit]

As it turned out, the Open Cup elimination marked the last match in charge for head coach Lewis Dunne. On April 14, he departed the club to take a position as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the IUPUI Jaguars, on the staff of Sid van Druenen. Dunne had been a club original: playing for Cleveland SC in 2018, spending the next two years as an assistant coach, then taking over as the head coach ahead of the 2021 season. He had a record of 13 wins, five losses, and four ties as CSC head coach.[1]

Two weeks later, Cleveland SC had a new head coach. Vlad Muresan, also the boys' head coach at the Hawken School, took over the Cleveland SC position on April 27.[2] Muresan was born in Romania before moving to the United States at age 11 and graduating from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland. He played one season back in Romania with CS Zlatna [ro] as they were relegated from the Liga III in 2009–10.[10] Muresan then returned to Ohio and played for Ohio Vortex, in the Professional Arena Soccer League, and for Akron Summit Assault, in the USL Premier Development League. Besides his position at Hawken, Muresan also coached at the Liberty FC youth club and was a staff coach for the Ohio Soccer Association North Olympic Development Program.[11]

NPSL regular season[edit]

May[edit]

As the NPSL season got underway, Cleveland SC released new kits for the 2022 campaign. Gone was the traditional orange kit, replaced by a white shirt for home matches and black on the road.[12] 11 more players were added to the squad, offsetting three – Novakovich, Prpa, and midfielder Hazem Sobhy – who departed following the Open Cup run.[13] CSC kicked off the regular season on May 14, hosting FC Buffalo at George Finnie Stadium. Veteran midfielder Admir Suljevic opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 29th minute before Vinny Bell tallied a hat trick to put away a 4–2 victory, the first win for new head coach Muresan.[14] The match was called early by agreement of the coaches and officials, after a collision in second half stoppage time injured two Buffalo players severely enough to send them to the hospital.[15]

The victory over Buffalo kicked off a run of five straight victories to open the season for Cleveland SC. A 4–1 win against Erie Commodores on May 22 was followed a week later by the first-ever Battle of Northeast Ohio against expansion club Akron City. Cleveland dominated the first derby between the clubs: Suljevic buried a penalty kick in the third minute, before Bell tallied a first-half brace with goals in the 13th and 27th minutes. Akron defender Jaden Wright, who was with Cleveland SC in 2021 but did not make an appearance, scored a late consolation goal, but CSC cruised to a 4–1 victory.[16] After scoring five goals in the first three matches of the regular season, Bell was named to the NPSL Team of the Month for May.[17]

June[edit]

The month of June began with a hard-fought victory on the road against Erie Commodores. Cleveland had issues even getting to the game, as announced starter Dan Koniarczyk missed kickoff due to an accident that closed down Interstate 90; Andrew Nicholas started in his place, and Koniarczyk was substituted on at halftime. The hosts took the lead in the second minute and were still up at the break. However, Cleveland found two goals in a four-minute second half span: Alec Nagucki in the 71st to tie and debutant Ailton Silva in the 74th minute for the win. Any late Erie comeback hopes were put to bed when midfielder Dylan Sumner picked up two yellow cards in five minutes, forcing the Commodores to play with 10 men for the rest of the game.[18] Cleveland followed that victory up with a 3–1 win against Buffalo on June 17, with Silva scoring a first half brace and Mike Derezic adding a goal in the 57th minute. Through five games, CSC remained unbeaten and on top of the Rust Belt Conference standings.[19]

However, back-to-back losses against Pittsburgh Hotspurs put Cleveland's three-peat hopes in danger. The first match, on the road at Founders Field, ended 2–1 in favor of the Hotspurs. A late Suljevic penalty kick was not enough to inspire a CSC comeback.[20] With the loss, Cleveland had a 21-match conference unbeaten streak snapped, dating back to a defeat against Rochester Lancers on June 2, 2019.[21] Five days later in Berea, Cleveland conceded early but equalized before halftime, with center back Alexandru Rumleanschi scoring his first goal in the black and orange. The Hotspurs found the game-winning goal in the second half, with NPSL veteran Nick Kolarac dropping Cleveland into second place in the conference.[22]

Heading into back-to-back I-77 Bash matches against Akron City, Cleveland SC was just two points clear of Buffalo for the second and final playoff spot in the conference.[23] The first game, on a Wednesday night at Green Street Stadium, stabilized the season for CSC. Buoyed by an Andrew Nicholas hat trick, his first-ever goals for the club, Cleveland dominated Akron in a 8–0 victory. The second goal, scored by Suljevic in the 24th minute, was later voted as the Supporters' Goal of the Season. He forced a turnover at midfield, caught the Akron goalkeeper off his line, and scored from 57 yards away.[24] Cleveland was leading 6–0 when Akron's William Portman received his second yellow card and was sent off in the 76th minute. Brock Pickett and Sam Harter added goals while Akron was playing with 10 men, finishing off the largest victory of the season.[25]

July[edit]

The third and final derby match against Akron was hosted at Lakewood Stadium in Lakewood, Ohio. Akron City scored early and led for more than 80 minutes, but Cleveland found an 86th minute equalizer courtesy of Akron Zips midfielder Sam Harter, who scored in consecutive games. With the draw, the first of the season for CSC, they maintained an unbeaten record against their new rivals.[26] Six days later, the Hotspurs returned to the George Finnie for a decisive game, with the winner controlling their own destiny in the conference title hunt. Cleveland jumped on Pittsburgh, with forward Bojan Kolevski scoring his first two goals for the club and staking CSC to a lead at the break. Bell, who was presented at halftime with the 6th City Syndicate Legacy Award, scored in the 76th minute to hand Cleveland SC a 3–1 victory in the regular season home finale.[27]

Two days later, Cleveland traveled to Erie, with a victory over the Commodores clinching the conference title. CSC traveled just 11 players, meaning no available substitutes, and was locked in a scoreless battle at halftime. However, Erie defender Andrew Bennett was shown a straight red card in the 67th minute. Playing a man up, Kolevski scored in the 90th minute and Jannis Schmidt scored in stoppage time, with any last-ditch comeback hopes for Erie ended after forward Sidney Warden picked up a red card following the Schmidt goal. Cleveland closed out a 2–0 victory over the nine-man Commodores, clinching a third-straight Rust Belt Conference title.[28] With a playoff spot already clinched, Cleveland SC was defeated 2–0 by Buffalo in the regular season finale, finishing with a mark of eight wins, one tie, and three losses, one point clear of Pittsburgh Hotspurs on the top of the conference.[29] Four Cleveland players were named to the Rust Belt Conference XI: goalkeeper Conor Cable, defender Ben Hryszko, midfielder Alec Nagucki, and forward Vinny Bell.[30]

NPSL playoffs[edit]

As Rust Belt Conference champions, Cleveland SC earned the third seed in the Midwest Region playoffs and were drawn against their conference rivals, sixth-seeded Pittsburgh Hotspurs, in the quarterfinals. The game was hosted at Krenzler Field in Cleveland.[31] CSC and the Hotspurs battled through a scoreless first half then traded goals in a 10-minute span early in the second, with Vinny Bell giving Cleveland the lead in the 58th minute before Tate Mohney equalized for Pittsburgh. Dakota Jonke found the winning goal for Cleveland in stoppage time, his first for the club in just his second appearance on the year.[32]

With the victory, Cleveland advanced to the semifinals to face second-seeded Med City FC, champions of the North Conference.[33] CSC traveled to Muskegon, Michigan with 15 players, meaning a shortened bench with just four substitutes available for the regional finals weekend. A Med City own goal in the 16th minute gave Cleveland the lead: Chris Brennan sent a cross into the box that, after several deflections, was knocked in by defender Jake Strachan.[34] Alec Nagucki scored shortly after halftime to give Cleveland a 2–0 cushion, and the defense locked down the Med City attack, not allowing a shot on goal until the final five minutes of the match.[35] With the win, Cleveland SC likely clinched a spot in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, although contingent on the number of berths allocated to Open Division teams by the United States Soccer Federation.[36]

In the Midwest Region final, Cleveland faced off against the top seeded host and Great Lakes Conference champion Muskegon Risers. The match was a physical, defensive battle, with 11 total cards shown and few legitimate scoring opportunities.[37] Playing in its third playoff game in six days, Cleveland defended valiantly for 90 minutes, but the Risers found the breakthrough in second half stoppage time. Alec Belcastro headed home a cross in the 90+1', ending Cleveland's hopes of a third consecutive regional title.[38] In the aftermath of the goal, two CSC players – Chris Cvecko and Jannis Schmidt – were sent off for arguing with the referee, and Cleveland finished the season playing with nine men.[39] Two Cleveland SC players, goalkeeper Conor Cable and midfielder Alec Nagucki, were named to the Midwest Region XI.[40]

Roster[edit]

As of July 24, 2022[13]
Name Nationality Position(s) Date of birth (age) Signed in Previous club Apps Goals
Goalkeepers
Pedro Alves Brazil GK (2002-04-23)April 23, 2002 (aged 20) 2022 United States Notre Dame Falcons 4 0
Conor Cable England GK (1995-11-26)November 26, 1995 (aged 26) 2020 United States William Woods Owls 26 0
Pavle Majerle United States GK (1996-01-26)January 26, 1996 (aged 26) 2022 United States Cleveland State Vikings 0 0
Liam McIntosh United States GK (1997-04-29)April 29, 1997 (aged 25) 2018 United States Cleveland Crunch 2 0
Defenders
David Beattie United States DF (2001-05-08)May 8, 2001 (aged 21) 2020 United States Marietta Pioneers 12 2
Boban Cancar United States DF (1991-03-19)March 19, 1991 (aged 31) 2018 United States Cleveland Crunch 55 0
Chris Cvecko United States DF (1994-04-01)April 1, 1994 (aged 28) 2018 United States Cleveland Crunch 59 5
Collin Folds United States DF (2004-03-26)March 26, 2004 (aged 18) 2022 United States Saint Ignatius Wildcats 1 0
Conner Hollett United States DF (2000-11-08)November 8, 2000 (aged 21) 2021 United States Notre Dame Falcons 6 0
Ben Hryszko United States DF (1999-03-08)March 8, 1999 (aged 23) 2022 United States John Carroll Blue Streaks 16 1
Adam Kalvitz United States DF (2002-03-01)March 1, 2002 (aged 20) 2021 United States Old Dominion Monarchs 3 0
Corban McAvinew United States DF (1999-12-07)December 7, 1999 (aged 22) 2021 United States SIU Edwardsville Cougars 29 4
Alexandru Rumleanschi Italy DF (1997-04-11)April 11, 1997 (aged 25) 2022 United States Notre Dame Falcons 12 1
Coen Wilson United States DF (2000-07-21)July 21, 2000 (aged 22) 2022 United States Wright State Raiders 5 0
Midfielders
Kevin Blackwood Jamaica MF (1994-09-12)September 12, 1994 (aged 27) 2020 United States Utica City 2 0
Aidan Bozak United States MF (2002-03-09)March 9, 2002 (aged 20) 2022 United States Cleveland Crunch 5 0
Mike Derezic United States MF (1992-01-08)January 8, 1992 (aged 30) 2018 United States Cleveland Crunch 31 11
Lucas Hackaa Sweden MF (2000-05-20)May 20, 2000 (aged 22) 2022 United States Notre Dame Falcons 1 0
Carter Hancock United States MF (2001-09-21)September 21, 2001 (aged 20) 2022 United States Mount Union Purple Raiders 6 0
Sam Harter United States MF July 2003 (2003-07) (age 19) 2022 United States Akron Zips 10 2
Skye Harter United States MF (1997-02-27)February 27, 1997 (aged 25) 2022 United States Akron Zips 8 0
Dan Koniarczyk United States MF (1994-08-29)August 29, 1994 (aged 27) 2021 United States Cleveland Crunch 39 0
Antonio Manfut United States MF (1994-09-06)September 6, 1994 (aged 27) 2022 United States Rochester Lancers 28 12
Kokai Minami Japan MF (1997-06-13)June 13, 1997 (aged 25) 2022 United States Heidelberg Student Princes 2 0
Alec Nagucki United States MF (1996-02-10)February 10, 1996 (aged 26) 2019 United States Cleveland State Vikings 40 4
Brock Pickett United States MF (2003-03-27)March 27, 2003 (aged 19) 2022 United States Wright State Raiders 7 2
Jannis Schmidt Germany MF (1999-07-29)July 29, 1999 (aged 22) 2021 United States Cleveland State Vikings 22 4
Admir Suljevic Bosnia and Herzegovina MF (1990-11-01)November 1, 1990 (aged 31) 2018 United States Cleveland Crunch 42 19
Kieran Toland Scotland MF (1995-09-23)September 23, 1995 (aged 26) 2022 England Mousehole 2 0
Daniel Tregansin United States MF (2001-07-09)July 9, 2001 (aged 21) 2022 United States Notre Dame Falcons 11 0
Forwards
Vinny Bell United States FW (1990-09-06)September 6, 1990 (aged 31) 2018 United States Cleveland Crunch 44 39
Chris Brennan United States FW (1997-09-10)September 10, 1997 (aged 24) 2022 United States Bowling Green Falcons 14 1
Dakota Jonke United States FW (2003-12-29)December 29, 2003 (aged 18) 2022 United States Vermont Green 4 1
Bojan Kolevski North Macedonia FW (2000-06-20)June 20, 2000 (aged 22) 2022 United States Cleveland State Vikings 4 3
Andrew Nicholas United States FW (1999-01-04)January 4, 1999 (aged 23) 2021 United States Cleveland State Vikings 22 3
Logan Penton United States FW (2001-06-21)June 21, 2001 (aged 21) 2021 United States Oakland Golden Grizzlies 8 1
Gabriel Pewu United States FW (1998-09-16)September 16, 1998 (aged 23) 2022 United States Cleveland Crunch 0 0
Ryan Sanborn United States FW (2004-01-17)January 17, 2004 (aged 18) 2022 United States North Olmstead Eagles 1 0
Ailton Silva Brazil FW (1997-09-04)September 4, 1997 (aged 24) 2022 United States Notre Dame Falcons 2 3
Filip Sparavec Sweden FW (2000-11-08)November 8, 2000 (aged 21) 2022 United States Notre Dame Falcons 1 0

Match results[edit]

NPSL[edit]

Standings[edit]

Pos Team Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Cleveland SC (C) 12 8 3 1 33 14 +19 25 Midwest Region Quarterfinals
2 Pittsburgh Hotspurs 12 8 4 0 24 15 +9 24
3 FC Buffalo 12 5 6 1 15 20 −5 16
4 Erie Commodores 12 3 7 2 13 23 −10 11
5 Akron City FC 12 2 6 4 10 23 −13 10
Source: NPSL
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head; 3) goal differential in head-to-head results; 4) wins; 5) total goal differential; 6) fewest losses; 7) coin toss. If three or more teams are tied on points, a mini-table involving only the tied teams is used, and teams are ranked in the mini-table on points. If two teams are tied on points in the mini-table, the two-team rules for classification apply. If three or more teams are tied on points in the mini-table, they are ranked based on 1) wins in conference competition; 2) total goal differential in conference competition; 3) fewest losses in conference competition; 4) coin toss.
(C) Champions

Regular season[edit]

May 14 1 Cleveland SC 4–2 FC Buffalo Berea, Ohio
7:00 PM EDT
  • Suljevic 29' (pen.)
  • Bell 45', 52', 90+'
  • Penton Yellow card 82'
Report
  • Smith Yellow card 10'
  • Fernández-Arango 48'
  • Castillo Yellow card 49'
  • Araujo 63'
Stadium: George Finnie Stadium
May 22 2 Cleveland SC 4–1 Erie Commodores Berea, Ohio
7:00 PM EDT
  • Hryszko 33'
  • Suljevic 59'
  • Cvecko 73'
  • Penton 78'
Report
  • Jowett Yellow card 37'
  • Morgan Yellow card 58'
  • Rapal 88'
Stadium: George Finnie Stadium
May 29 3 Akron City 1–4 Cleveland SC Akron, Ohio
7:00 PM EDT
  • Murillo Yellow card 3'
  • Portman Yellow card 63'
  • Berner Yellow card 78'
  • Wright 86'
Report
  • Suljevic 3' (pen.)
  • Bell 13', 27'
  • Pickett 83'
Stadium: Green Street Stadium
Attendance: 1,114
June 12 4 Erie Commodores 1–2 Cleveland SC Erie, Pennsylvania
7:00 PM EDT
  • Richards 2', Yellow card 70'
  • Sumner Yellow card 86' Yellow-red card 90'
  • Warden Yellow card 90'
Report
  • Nagucki 71'
  • Silva 74'
  • Koniarczyk Yellow card 90'
Stadium: Saxon Stadium
June 17 5 Cleveland SC 3–1 FC Buffalo Berea, Ohio
7:00 PM EDT
  • Silva 9', 16'
  • Derezic 57'
  • Nagucki Yellow card 60'
  • Cvecko Yellow card 75'
Report
  • Wagner Yellow card 40'
  • Panzer Yellow card 42'
  • Alomari 68', Yellow card 71'
  • Garriss Yellow card 70'
Stadium: George Finnie Stadium
June 19 6 Pittsburgh Hotspurs 2–1 Cleveland SC Cheswick, Pennsylvania
5:00 PM EDT
  • Afawubo Yellow card 28'
  • Mohney 40'
  • Emanuel 61'
  • Akongo Yellow card 74'
  • Watson Yellow card 87'
Report
  • Nicholas Yellow card 26'
  • Suljevic Yellow card 70', 87' (pen.)
Stadium: Founders Field
June 24 7 Cleveland SC 1–2 Pittsburgh Hotspurs Berea, Ohio
7:00 PM EDT
  • Rumleanschi 41'
  • Derezic Yellow card 72'
  • Cancar Yellow card 90'
Report
  • Graeca 2'
  • Rocke Yellow card 28'
  • Kolarac Yellow card 42', 75'
  • Kopay Yellow card 50'
Stadium: George Finnie Stadium
June 29 8 Akron City 0–8 Cleveland SC Akron, Ohio
7:30 PM EDT
  • Portman Yellow card 42' Yellow-red card 76'
  • Stephens Yellow card 66'
Report
  • Schmidt 12'
  • Suljevic 24'
  • Nicholas 26', 44', 53'
  • Koniarczyk Yellow card 31'
  • Brennan 67'
  • Cancar Yellow card 70'
  • Tregansin Yellow card 75'
  • Pickett 83'
  • Sa. Harter 86'
Stadium: Green Street Stadium
July 2 9 Cleveland SC 1–1 Akron City Lakewood, Ohio
7:00 PM EDT
  • Sa. Harter 86'
  • Cvecko Yellow card 90'
Report
  • Nanchoff 5'
  • Kolonick Yellow card 45'
  • Murillo Yellow card 67'
  • Wright Yellow card 82'
  • Victor Yellow card 90'
Stadium: Lakewood Stadium
July 8 10 Cleveland SC 3–1 Pittsburgh Hotspurs Berea, Ohio
7:00 PM EDT
  • Kolevski 11', 37'
  • Bell 76'
Report
  • Emanuel Yellow card 26'
  • Hutter Yellow card 47'
  • Gardner Yellow card 84'
  • Akongo 89'
Stadium: George Finnie Stadium
July 10 11 Erie Commodores 0–2 Cleveland SC Erie, Pennsylvania
2:00 PM EDT
  • Binkowski Yellow card 28'
  • Bennett Red card 67'
  • Warden Yellow card 79' Yellow-red card 90+'
  • Eldridge Yellow card 82'
Report
  • Cancar Yellow card 62'
  • Cvecko Yellow card 74'
  • Kolevski 90', Yellow card 90+'
  • Schmidt 90+'
Stadium: Saxon Stadium
July 15 12 FC Buffalo 2–0 Cleveland SC Buffalo, New York
7:00 PM EDT
  • Bartlo 10'
  • Bonetto Yellow card 51'
  • Panzer Yellow card 77'
  • Keita 84'
Report
  • Cvecko Yellow card 32'
Stadium: Dobson Field

Playoffs[edit]

July 19 Midwest Quarterfinals Cleveland SC 2–1 Pittsburgh Hotspurs Cleveland, Ohio
7:00 PM EDT
  • Bell Yellow card 42', 58'
  • Jonke 90+'
  • Hryszko Yellow card 90+'
Report
  • Emanuel Yellow card 45'
  • Mohney 68'
Stadium: Krenzler Field
Attendance: 250
July 22 Midwest Semifinals Med City 0–2 Cleveland SC Muskegon, Michigan
4:30 PM EDT
  • Roberts Yellow card 38'
  • Hart Yellow card 42'
  • Patel Yellow card 64'
Report
  • Strachan 16' (o.g.)
  • Nagucki 56'
Stadium: Russell A. Erickson Stadium
July 24 Midwest Final Muskegon Risers 1–0 Cleveland SC Muskegon, Michigan
3:00 PM EDT
  • Barone Yellow card 7'
  • Hanson Yellow card 59'
  • Howell Yellow card 69'
  • Petrovic Yellow card 81'
  • Belcastro 90+1'
Report
  • Schmidt Yellow card 23' Yellow-red card 90+'
  • Tregansin Yellow card 29'
  • Jonke Yellow card 62'
  • Hryszko Yellow card 90+'
  • Cvecko Yellow card 90+' Yellow-red card 90+'
Stadium: Russell A. Erickson Stadium

U.S. Open Cup[edit]

March 22 First round Cleveland SC 2–1 (a.e.t.) Illinois Chicago FC United Berea, Ohio
7:15 PM EDT
  • Sparavec Yellow card 14'
  • Derezic 90'
  • Bell 107'
  • Hackaa Yellow card 112'
Report
  • Cancar 17' (o.g.)
  • Airaki Yellow card 40'
Stadium: George Finnie Stadium
Attendance: 200
Referee: Austin Saini
April 6 Second round Forward Madison Wisconsin 3–0 Cleveland SC Madison, Wisconsin
8:00 PM EDT
Report
  • Brennan Yellow card 57'
  • Sk. Harter Yellow card 75'
Stadium: Breese Stevens Field
Attendance: 1,000
Referee: Calin Radosav

Statistics[edit]

No. Pos Nat Player Total NPSL NPSL Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
GK Brazil BRA Pedro Alves 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 0
DF United States USA David Beattie 1 0 0+1 0 0 0 0 0
9 FW United States USA Vinny Bell 8 8 3+1 6 3 1 1 1
MF Jamaica JAM Kevin Blackwood 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MF United States USA Aidan Bozak 5 0 0+5 0 0 0 0 0
FW United States USA Chris Brennan 14 1 9+1 1 3 0 1 0
31 GK England ENG Conor Cable 13 0 8 0 3 0 2 0
2 DF United States USA Boban Cancar 17 0 12 0 3 0 2 0
16 DF United States USA Chris Cvecko 17 1 12 1 3 0 2 0
4 MF United States USA Mike Derezic 8 2 7 1 0 0 1 1
DF United States USA Collin Folds 1 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 0
17 MF Sweden SWE Lucas Hackaa 1 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 0
MF United States USA Carter Hancock 6 0 2+4 0 0 0 0 0
MF United States USA Sam Harter 10 2 2+7 2 0+1 0 0 0
MF United States USA Skye Harter 8 0 5+1 0 1 0 1 0
DF United States USA Conner Hollett 6 0 1+4 0 0+1 0 0 0
21 DF United States USA Ben Hryszko 15 1 11 1 3 0 0+1 0
FW United States USA Dakota Jonke 4 1 0 0 2+1 1 0+1 0
DF United States USA Adam Kalvitz 3 0 0+3 0 0 0 0 0
FW North Macedonia MKD Bojan Kolevski 4 3 4 3 0 0 0 0
22 MF United States USA Dan Koniarczyk 14 0 4+5 0 3 0 2 0
GK United States USA Pavle Majerle 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MF United States USA Antonio Manfut 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 DF United States USA Corban McAvinew 4 0 0 0 0+2 0 2 0
99 GK United States USA Liam McIntosh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
18 MF Japan JPN Kokai Minami 2 0 0+1 0 0 0 0+1 0
8 MF United States USA Alec Nagucki 15 2 11 1 3 1 1 0
13 FW United States USA Andrew Nicholas 10 3 6+2 3 0 0 1+1 0
FW United States USA Logan Penton 3 1 1+2 1 0 0 0 0
FW United States USA Gabriel Pewu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MF United States USA Brock Pickett 7 2 1+6 2 0 0 0 0
15 DF Italy ITA Alexandru Rumleanschi 12 1 7+1 1 0+3 0 0+1 0
FW United States USA Ryan Sanborn 1 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 0
MF Germany GER Jannis Schmidt 8 2 5 2 3 0 0 0
FW Brazil BRA Ailton Silva 2 3 2 3 0 0 0 0
23 FW Sweden SWE Filip Sparavec 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
10 MF Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH Admir Suljevic 12 5 11 5 0 0 1 0
20 MF Scotland SCO Kieran Toland 2 0 0 0 0 0 1+1 0
MF United States USA Daniel Tregansin 11 0 3+5 0 3 0 0 0
DF United States USA Coen Wilson 5 0 1+4 0 0 0 0 0
Players who left Cleveland during the season:
FW United States USA Rade Novakovich 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
MF United States USA Leki Prpa 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
MF Egypt EGY Hazem Sobhy 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Transfers[edit]

Transfers in[edit]

Date Position Name From Fee/Notes Ref.
March 19, 2022 DF United States Ben Hryszko United States John Carroll Blue Streaks Listed on roster for Open Cup [41]
March 19, 2022 MF Japan Kokai Minami United States Heidelberg Student Princes Listed on roster for Open Cup [42]
March 22, 2022 MF Sweden Lucas Hackaa United States Notre Dame Falcons Listed on roster for Open Cup [43]
March 22, 2022 DF Italy Alexandru Rumleanschi United States Notre Dame Falcons Listed on roster for Open Cup [44]
March 22, 2022 FW Sweden Filip Sparavec United States Notre Dame Falcons Listed on roster for Open Cup [45]
March 22, 2022 MF Scotland Kieran Toland England Mousehole Listed on roster for Open Cup [46]
April 5, 2022 FW United States Chris Brennan United States Bowling Green Falcons Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
April 5, 2022 DF United States Collin Folds United States Saint Ignatius Wildcats Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
April 5, 2022 MF United States Skye Harter United States Akron Zips Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
April 5, 2022 FW United States Dakota Jonke United States St. Edward Eagles Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
April 5, 2022 GK United States Pavle Majerle United States Cleveland State Vikings Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
April 5, 2022 FW United States Rade Novakovich United States Wisconsin–Parkside Rangers Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
April 5, 2022 MF United States Leki Prpa United States Wisconsin–Parkside Rangers Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
April 5, 2022 FW United States Ryan Sanborn United States North Olmstead Eagles Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
April 5, 2022 MF Egypt Hazem Sobhy United States Akron Zips Listed on roster for Open Cup second round [8]
May 14, 2022 GK Brazil Pedro Alves United States Notre Dame Falcons Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 MF United States Aidan Bozak United States Cleveland Crunch Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 MF United States Carter Hancock United States Mount Union Purple Raiders Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 MF United States Sam Harter United States Akron Zips Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 FW North Macedonia Bojan Kolevski United States Cleveland State Vikings Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 MF United States Antonio Manfut United States Rochester Lancers Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 FW United States Gabriel Pewu United States Cleveland Crunch Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 MF United States Brock Pickett United States Wright State Raiders Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 FW Brazil Ailton Silva United States Notre Dame Falcons Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 MF United States Daniel Tregansin United States Notre Dame Falcons Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]
May 14, 2022 DF United States Coen Wilson United States Wright State Raiders Listed on roster for NPSL season [13]

Transfers out[edit]

Date Position Name To Fee/Notes Ref.
March 13, 2022 MF Puerto Rico Ryan López Puerto Rico Bayamón Joined Bayamón for the 2022 Liga Puerto Rico. [47]
March 22, 2022 FW United States Tom Beck United States Cleveland Crunch No longer on roster[a] [5]
March 22, 2022 MF United States Kyle Cusimano United States Bowling Green Falcons No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 GK Serbia Aleksandar Drobac No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 DF United States John Duldner No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 DF United States Terrence Edwards United States Bloomsburg Huskies No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 MF United States Noah Elbana United States Lake Erie Storm No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 FW United States Witman Hernandez United States Utica City No longer on roster[c] [5]
March 22, 2022 GK United States Alex Ivanov No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 FW United States Nic Jandeleit United States Oberlin Yeomen No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 DF United States Danny Kalic United States John Carroll Blue Streaks No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 DF United States Joe Korb No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 DF Canada Saahb Kular United States Cleveland State Vikings No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 DF United States Coletun Long No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 FW United States Griffin Meyer United States Denver Pioneers No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 MF England Dominic O'Connor United States Walsh Cavaliers No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 DF South Africa Smith Pepper No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 GK United States Danny Radigan United States Duquesne Dukes No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 DF United States Nicholas Rieple No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 FW United States Marko Rimac United States Bowling Green Falcons No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 FW United States Danny Ruple No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 GK United States Isaiah Slabaugh No longer on roster. Retired[d] [5]
March 22, 2022 DF United States Todd Smith United States Vermont Catamounts No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 MF United States Michael Thompson No longer on roster [5]
March 22, 2022 FW United States Szabolcs Wiksell United States Cornell Big Red No longer on roster[b] [5]
March 22, 2022 DF United States Jaden Wright United States Akron Zips No longer on roster[b] [5]
April 9, 2022 FW United States Rade Novakovich United States United Serbian SC Removed from roster following the Open Cup[e] [51]
April 9, 2022 MF United States Leki Prpa United States United Serbian SC Removed from roster following the Open Cup[e] [51]
May 14, 2022 MF Egypt Hazem Sobhy United States Torch FC Removed from roster following the Open Cup[f] [53]
  1. ^ Joined the Crunch for the 2021–22 Major Arena Soccer League 2 season[48]
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Returned to college
  3. ^ Joined Utica for the 2021–22 Major Arena Soccer League season[49]
  4. ^ Hired as goalkeeping coach by the Cedarville Yellow Jackets.[50]
  5. ^ a b Listed on the Serbian roster for the United Premier Soccer League season
  6. ^ Listed on the Torch roster for the 2022 NPSL season.[52]

Awards[edit]

NPSL Rust Belt Conference XI[30]

  • GK Conor Cable
  • DF Ben Hryszko
  • MF Alec Nagucki
  • FW Vinny Bell

NPSL Midwest Region XI[40]

  • GK Conor Cable
  • MF Alec Nagucki

NPSL Team of the Month[17]

  • FW Vinny Bell – May

Cleveland SC club awards

  • Supporters' Player of the Season: DF Ben Hryszko[54]
  • Supporters' Goal of the Season: MF Admir Suljevic, June 29 vs. Akron City[24]
  • Players Choice Award: FW Chris Brennan, DF Boban Cancar, MF Alec Nagucki[55]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Holdaway, Ed (April 12, 2022). "Van Druenen announces men's soccer coaching staff" (Press release). Indianapolis: IUPUI Jaguars. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Petrello, Bill (May 26, 2022). "Cleveland SC Hires New Coach Vlad Muresan". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  3. ^ Sillick, Jake (August 18, 2021). "2022 US Open Cup: Which NPSL teams could qualify?". TheCup.us. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  4. ^ Straus, Brian (July 20, 2021). "U.S. Soccer Cancels Open Cup for Second Straight Year, Sets 2022 Plan". Sports Illustrated. The Arena Group. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z @SoccerCLE (March 22, 2022). "Here is our complete U.S. @opencup roster if you missed our player announcements the past few days. Come out to George Finnie Stadium this evening and join us in supporting the players. #WeAreCLE..." (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  6. ^ Nolan Jr., Chuck (March 23, 2022). "2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Cleveland SC equalize late, oust Chicago FC United in OT". TheCup.us. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  7. ^ Tomich, Aaron (April 4, 2022). "Cleveland SC prepares to face Forward Madison in U.S. Open Cup's second round". National Premier Soccer League. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j @SoccerCLE (April 5, 2022). "1️⃣ more day until it's match day! Today we would like to send a warm welcome to 9 additions to our @opencup roster for tomorrow's match against @ForwardMSNFC Tune into ESPN+ at 8pm EST#WeAreCLE #ThisIsCLE #ForTheLand" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ Chatz, Joe (April 7, 2022). "2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Forward Madison marches on, 3–0 over Cleveland SC". TheCup.us. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  10. ^ "Vlad Muresan Appointed Cleveland SC Head Coach" (Press release). Cleveland SC. April 27, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  11. ^ "Vlad Muresan, Technical Director". Liberty FC. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  12. ^ "New Look for 2022!" (Press release). Cleveland SC. May 13, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Cleveland SC 2022 NPSL season". National Premier Soccer League. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  14. ^ Petrello, Bill (May 21, 2022). "Northeast Ohio Soccer Updates with Cleveland SC and Akron FC". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  15. ^ @SoccerCLE (May 15, 2022). "That is it. Coaches and officials have decided to call the game due to an injury on the field. The match finishes Cleveland SC 4 FC Buffalo 2 #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ Petrello, Bill (June 5, 2022). "Cleveland SC wins 4–1 over Akron FC in Their First Meeting of the Season". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  17. ^ a b NPSL Media (June 10, 2022). "Capelli Sport May 2022 NPSL Team of the Month announced". National Premier Soccer League. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  18. ^ Petrello, Bill (June 15, 2022). "Cleveland SC wins a Thriller over Erie Commodores , 2–1!". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  19. ^ McAndrews, Kevin (June 19, 2022). "Cleveland Soccer Club Remains Undefeated with 3–1 Victory over Buffalo FC". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  20. ^ Petrello, Bill (June 22, 2022). "Cleveland SC Split a Pair Last Weekend". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  21. ^ @SoccerCLE (June 20, 2022). "A lot has happened since we had a Conference match without picking up points. Until yesterday, we have not lost a match in 21 tries, winning 19 of those and outscoring our opponents 59 to 19. Let's look back at a few events since June 2nd, 2019 when we lost 2-1 in Rochester, NY" (Tweet). Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ Petrello, Bill (June 25, 2022). "Cleveland SC loses its Second in a Row". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  23. ^ @SoccerCLE (June 27, 2022). "An updated look at the table after the weekend's results. With FC Buffalo defeating Pittsburgh 2-1 yesterday, we have an opportunity to reclaim the top of the conference in Akron this Wednesday. Join us in two days and support the boys to victory! Let's go Cleveland! #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ a b @SoccerCLE (September 7, 2022). "Congratulations to your 2022 Cleveland SC Supporters' Goal of the Season - Admir Suljevic! 🥇⚽️ #WeAreCLE Admir scored after a turnover near the halfway line in the 24' on the road against Akron City FC. Re-watch the goal below 👇" (Tweet). Retrieved January 21, 2023 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ Petrello, Bill (June 30, 2022). "The I-77 Bash sees Cleveland SC Find Its Scoring Punch over Akron City FC". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  26. ^ @SoccerCLE (July 3, 2022). "Tonight's I-77 rivalry match finishes 1-1. Thank you to all those attended. #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ @SoccerCLE (July 8, 2022). "At tonight's match, @6CSCleveland will be presenting Vinny Bell with the 6CS Legends Award for his 11 seasons in the @NPSLSoccer and his dedication to soccer in Cleveland with @AFCCleveland and @SoccerCLE. 🏆..." (Tweet). Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
  28. ^ @SoccerCLE (July 11, 2022). "With today's 2-0 victory in Erie, your Cleveland SC are 3-time @NPSLSoccer Rust Belt Conference Champions! #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
  29. ^ @SoccerCLE (July 16, 2022). "Full-time Buffalo hold onto the 2-0 win. Heads up! We move onto the playoffs next week. Let's go Cleveland! #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ a b NPSL Media (July 22, 2022). "NPSL announces Capelli Sport 2022 Conference XI selections". National Premier Soccer League. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  31. ^ Krysinsky, John (July 19, 2022). "Pittsburgh Hotspurs are back in NPSL playoffs; Face rival Cleveland SC once again". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Pittsburgh Sports Now. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  32. ^ Perez-Krywany, Mark (July 20, 2022). "Avon native Dakota Jonke's game-winner solidifies shining moment in Cleveland SC, Pittsburgh Hotspurs rivalry". The Morning Journal. MediaNews Group. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  33. ^ Petrello, Bill (July 21, 2022). "Get to Know Cleveland SC's Midwestern Semifinals Opponent, Med City FC". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  34. ^ Petrello, Bill (July 23, 2022). "Cleveland SC defeats Med City to Advance to the Midwest Region Final". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  35. ^ Gunn, Steve (July 23, 2022). "Cleveland SC defeats Med City FC 2–0 to advance to Sunday's Midwest Region final". National Premier Soccer League. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  36. ^ Sillick, Jake (July 26, 2022). "2023 US Open Cup: Which NPSL teams could qualify?". TheCup.us. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  37. ^ Roberts, Andy (July 25, 2022). "Muskegon Risers win dramatic NPSL regional final over Cleveland SC". White Lake Beacon. Shoreline Media Group. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  38. ^ Gunn, Steve (July 24, 2022). "Alec Belcastro scores late in the game, giving Muskegon Risers a thrilling 1–0 win over Cleveland and the Midwest Region championship". MuskegonSports.com. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  39. ^ Petrello, Bill (July 25, 2022). "Cleveland SC falls to Muskegon in an extra time goal, 1–0". NEO Sports Insiders. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  40. ^ a b NPSL Media (July 29, 2022). "NPSL announces Capelli Sport 2022 Region XI selections". National Premier Soccer League. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  41. ^ @SoccerCLE (March 19, 2022). "We are delighted to confirm Benjamin Hryszko will be joining Cleveland SC. Ben is from Strongsville, Ohio and recently played for John Carroll University. Welcome Ben! 💪 #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  42. ^ @SoccerCLE (March 19, 2022). "We are thrilled to announce Kokai Minami will be joining Cleveland SC. Kokai is from Osaka, Japan and recently played for Heidelberg University. Welcome Kokai! 💪 #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  43. ^ @SoccerCLE (March 22, 2022). "We are excited to announce Lukas Hackaa will be joining Cleveland SC. Lukas is from Stockholm, Sweden and recently played for Notre Dame College. Welcome Lukas! 💪 #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  44. ^ @SoccerCLE (March 22, 2022). "We are delighted to confirm Alexandru Rumleanschi will be joining Cleveland SC. Alex is from Padova, Italy and recently played for Notre Dame College. Welcome Alex! 💪 #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  45. ^ @SoccerCLE (March 22, 2022). "We have a few more player announcements today! First off, let's all welcome Filip Sparavec! Filip is from Kalmar, Sweden and has recently played at Notre Dame College. Welcome Filip! 💪 #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  46. ^ @SoccerCLE (March 22, 2022). "We are delighted to confirm Kieran Toland will be joining Cleveland SC. Kieran is from Linwood, Scotland and recently played for Mousehole AFC in the UK and is currently an Assistant Coach at Lake Erie College. Welcome Kieran! 💪 #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ "Puerto Rico Sol y Bayamón FC salen victoriosos en la LPR" [Puerto Rico Sol and Bayamón FC emerge victorious in the LPR]. Fútbol Boricua (in Spanish). April 4, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  48. ^ Queen, Joel (2021). "Get to Know the Crunch, part 2". Cleveland Sports Talk. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  49. ^ Rao, Talha (December 2, 2021). "Utica City FC return this Sunday for a showdown against the Florida Tropics". WKTV. Heartland Media. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  50. ^ "Isaiah Slabaugh at LinkedIn". LinkedIn. Microsoft. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  51. ^ a b "United Serbian SC – United Premier Soccer League". United Premier Soccer League. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2023. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; January 28, 2023 suggested (help)
  52. ^ "Men's 2022 Roster – Torch Sports Ministry". Torch FC. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  53. ^ "Cleveland SC 4–2 FC Buffalo". National Premier Soccer League. May 14, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  54. ^ @SoccerCLE (September 6, 2022). "Congratulations to your 2022 CSC Supporters' Player of the Season - @BHryszko! 🥇 Benny was a force at LB shutting down the opposition and contributing to our attack. Missed only one match all season with a goal and two assists. Congratulations! 👏👏👏 #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 21, 2023 – via Twitter.
  55. ^ @SoccerCLE (September 8, 2022). "Congratulations to your 2022 Cleveland SC Players Choice Award Winners! Voted by the players, we have a three-way tie with Boban Cancar, Alec Nagucki, and Chris Brennan. 🥇🥇🥇👏👏👏Congrats gentlemen, and thank you for a fantastic season to remember. #WeAreCLE" (Tweet). Retrieved January 21, 2023 – via Twitter.