Match Preview | Cleveland SC vs Ambassadors FC

Cleveland SC Hosts Ambassadors FC Ohio in Midweek Ohio Derby Showdown

BEREA, OH — The heat is rising in more ways than one as Cleveland SC prepares to host in-state rivals Ambassadors FC Ohio in a high-stakes Ohio Derby rematch this Wednesday, June 4th at 7:00 PM at George Finnie Stadium. With both teams sitting in the top half of the Great Lakes Conference standings and eyeing a playoff push, this midweek clash promises fireworks—and not just from the summer sun.

These two sides last met just a week ago in Canton, playing to a dramatic 1-1 draw in a match that featured a rain-slicked turf field and physical play throughout the contest. Ambassadors FC opened the scoring through Aiden Eck on a rebound, while Cleveland SC equalized with a 30-yard rocket from Tamas Nagy. Both teams had chances to win it, and tempers flared late with multiple yellow cards as the rivalry added another fiery chapter.

Now, they’re back at it—this time on Cleveland’s home turf. Cleveland SC enters the match 4th in the standings at 2-1-1, fresh off a statement 3-1 win over Erie Commodores FC in their home opener. Despite going down to ten men after a red card to striker Stanislav Koval, Cleveland rallied with late goals from Steven Ngunga and Nicolas Vagujhelyi to seal the win in front of an energized home crowd.

Cleveland will have to navigate the rematch without Koval, who is suspended for the match after his red card on Saturday. Koval has been a key attacking threat, with three goals already this season. Head coach Joe Jovanovski will look to other attacking options such as Tamas Nagy, Cian Tunney, and Kyle Healy to carry the offensive load and keep the momentum rolling in the second of a three-game home stand. The defense, anchored by goalkeeper Zoltan Nagy, will aim to continue their lockdown play that stifled a 2nd half Erie attack despite the man disadvantage. Nagy is Cleveland’s most recent Man of the Match after 5 crucial second-half saves.

Ambassadors FC, currently 3rd in the table at 2-1-1, come into Wednesday’s matchup after securing a 1-0 win over Niagara 1812 FC. A strong defensive performance and a clutch goal helped them secure the three points. Cleveland will have to navigate a stout defensive line to stay perfect at home.

Off the Field: Summer Vibes Incoming

The storylines and matches on the field are hot enough on their own, and the weather will be bringing the heat as well. With sunny skies and 89° in the forecast, Cleveland SC is bringing the beach to Berea, OH with a “Beach Party”:

🎟️ Bring a beach towel to the gate and get $5 off your ticket!🏖️ Dress for the beachside vibes and wear your best beach gear!

Match Information - Cleveland SC vs Ambassadors FC Ohio

📍 George Finnie Stadium, Baldwin Wallace University - 141 E Bagley Rd, Berea, OH 44017 

🗓️ Wednesday, June 4, 2025 

⏰ Kickoff at 7:00 PM 

🎟️ Tickets are available online and at the gate for $15. $5 off when you bring a beach towel!

Follow the Match Live

We’d love to see you at the stadium, but if you can’t make it, you can still catch all the action live on Cleveland SC’s YouTube Channel. Be sure to follow us on X and Instagram for real-time updates throughout the match.

Elsewhere in the Great Lakes Conference:

All other clubs are idle midweek.

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