Match Preview | Cleveland SC vs Akron City FC | U.S. Open Cup

An Old Rivalry Renewed in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds

The road to the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup comes through Cleveland — and the next stop brings a familiar foe. On Sunday, October 12th at 4:00 PM, Cleveland SC will host Akron City FC at Drive Morris Stadium on the campus of North Olmsted High School in a Second Round Qualifying matchup that promises intensity, history, and classic Ohio soccer drama.

A Rivalry Reignited

The two clubs know each other well. Cleveland SC and Akron City FC were Great Lakes Conference rivals in the NPSL, battling for Ohio bragging rights through tightly contested matchups. Akron City most recently competed in the NPSL in 2024, before moving up to USL League Two for the 2025 season. The last time the two sides met, they split the season series — Cleveland winning 1–0 at home and Akron responding with a 3–0 victory later that year on their home turf.

This weekend’s meeting will mark the eighth all-time clash between the two clubs across all competitions. Cleveland SC currently holds the edge in the rivalry, boasting a 4–2–1 record overall. But as any fan of this matchup knows, history only adds fuel to the fire — and both sides will be hungry to advance in the nation’s oldest soccer competition.

Cleveland’s Core Returns

For this U.S. Open Cup run, Cleveland SC welcomes back several familiar and important pieces from its 2025 campaign. Defenders Alexandru Rumleanschi and Bobby Turner, along with midfield captain Kyle Healy, bring leadership, composure, and experience to the squad. Up front, Cleveland’s attack will once again be spearheaded by Malvin Gblah and Tamas Nagy— a dynamic duo capable of unlocking any defense.

Cleveland’s offensive unit caught fire in the latter half of the 2025 NPSL season, combining skill, pace, and creativity to keep the club in playoff contention. Nagy, in particular, was a clutch performer down the stretch, accounting for three goals in the final three matches. If that same attacking chemistry carries into Sunday’s showdown, Cleveland SC could have the firepower to topple the USL League 2 opponent.

New Faces

Between the posts, Cleveland will feature a newcomer — goalkeeper Ty Bowden, a standout from Ashland University. Bowden brings impressive experience and a steady presence, ranking fifth all-time in Ashland program history with 167 career saves. His shot-stopping ability and calm under pressure will be key as Cleveland faces a talented Akron City side.

For Cleveland’s back line, discipline and organization will be critical. Rumleanschi, Turner, and company will need to stay sharp to prevent opportunities for the Akron attack.

First Look at Akron City FC

After their move to USL League Two, Akron City FC completed their inaugural season in the league with a respectable 5-5-2 record, finishing third in the Great Forest Division. Their strong defensive form was key to their success — Akron conceded just one goal across their final five matches to close out the season. Cleveland SC will need to come out sharp in the attack and continue the offensive rhythm they found late in their NPSL campaign to break down one of the more organized back lines they will face.

A Clash of Ohio Soccer Identity

This matchup isn’t just about advancing — it’s about pride, history, and the ongoing growth of the game in Northeast Ohio. Both clubs have deep roots in their local communities and share a vision of growing the sport from the grassroots up. Now, that shared mission collides on one field in a winner-takes-all Cup battle.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, founded in 1914, is more than a tournament — it’s a proving ground where amateur and semi-professional clubs dream of facing the pros. A win for Cleveland SC would propel them into the Third Round of Open Division Qualifying, which begins November 1st, and bring the club one step closer to competing in the main field of the 2026 U.S. Open Cup alongside professional teams from the USL and MLS.

Be There, Be Loud, Be 6th City

This Sunday’s match is about more than just ninety minutes — it’s about representing Cleveland, its fans, and its growing soccer culture. The 6th City Syndicate supporters have been a force all season long, and now it’s time to make North East Ohio roar once again.

Match Information - Cleveland SC vs Akron City FC

📍 Drive Morris Stadium - 27301 Butternut Ridge Road, North Olmstead, OH 44070

🗓️ Sunday, October 12, 2025 

⏰ Kickoff at 4:00 PM EDT

🎟️ Tickets are available online and at the gate for $15. Kids get in free, and any 2025 Cleveland SC regular-season ticket will be honored for free admission.

Bring your scarves, bring your voices, and bring the energy — because Cleveland soccer isn’t done yet in 2025. The path to the 2026 U.S. Open Cup runs through Cleveland, and it all starts Sunday.

Follow the Match Live

We’d love to see you in North Olmstead with the whole family as Cleveland SC takes its first step toward the 2026 US Open Cup, but don’t worry if you can’t be there, the match will be streamed live on Cleveland SC’s YouTube Channel, so you can catch every moment from home. For real-time updates and additional content, be sure to follow Cleveland SC on X and Instagram throughout the match.

This Sunday marks your first chance to support Cleveland SC since the NPSL campaign ended in July. With a spot in the U.S. Open Cup up for grabs and the squad feeding off the crowd’s energy, your support can make all the difference. Be there, be loud, and let’s push Cleveland to the Third Qualifying Round of the U.S. Open Cup!

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