Cleveland SC vs FC Buffalo: Match Recap
Updated: Mar 4
On a hot and humid Sunday that required two hydration periods, Cleveland SC traveled up to Buffalo to take on an FC Buffalo team who had recently suffered a defeat to the Pittsburg Hotspurs on Friday. At the same time, Cleveland SC were victors in their Friday night match against the Erie Commodores.
With a 2 p.m. kick-off start, Cleveland SC jumped rather quickly on the home side, as they had (6) total corner kicks in the first half, with (4) coming within the first five minutes of the match. Cleveland capitalized on one of those corners with Danny Ruple connecting on the end of one in the 16’ (1-0) of the first half.
As FC Buffalo struggled to connect passes and generate any attacking opportunities, Cleveland was relatively comfortable with the pace and overall feel of the game in all facets, from defensively to the offensive side of the ball. Cleveland seemed to win all the battles in the first half. Most notably, the battle within the midfield between the two sides.
Going into the second half, Buffalo adjusted and made minor changes during the break that made it a different match in the early stages. A Buffalo side that looked like a whole new other team made things much more difficult for Cleveland. With (5) substitutions sitting on the bench versus a shorthanded (3) for Cleveland, Buffalo was able to bring fresh legs into the contest, which seemed to turn the tide, as they were able to finally breakthrough with a 64’ goal by Chris Jenson (1-1).
With Buffalo firing on all cylinders, Cleveland looked to be holding on against an energized Buffalo team. Things seemed to be shifting with Buffalo starting to gain more of the games momentum until Corban McAvinew put the nail in the coffin in the 86’ with a stunning goal from distance (2-1).
Buffalo was able to generate one more opportunity that ended up in the back of the net but was brought back due to offsides that proved to seal the deal. Cleveland SC capped off a busy weekend with gutsy back-to-back wins as they stay undefeated heading into their next match against Syracuse.
Video Recap 🎥 Aaron Matti