Match Preview | Cleveland SC vs Buffalo Stallions

Cleveland SC Set for Rematch of NPSL Season Opener vs. Buffalo Stallions

BEREA, OH — Cleveland SC will look to bounce back in a big way on Saturday, June 7th at 7:00 PM, when they host the Buffalo Stallions at George Finnie Stadium in Berea. The matchup serves as both a rematch of the opening game of the 2025 NPSL season and a pivotal test for a Cleveland side eager to regain momentum as the league enters its second half.

Saturday’s fixture comes on the heels of a disappointing 4-0 loss to Ambassadors FC Ohio, a match that saw Cleveland struggle to find rhythm after going down early and playing from behind. The Ambassadors capitalized on key moments and a brace from the conference’s top scorer to secure a one-sided result, handing Cleveland their second loss of the season. But with little time to dwell on the defeat, Cleveland SC is locked in on their next opportunity to respond—and it comes against a team they know well.

Cleveland opened the 2025 campaign with a 3-0 road win over Buffalo, powered by a brace from forward Stanislav Koval and a strong performance between the posts from Zoltan Nagy. That victory set the tone for a promising start to the season. Now, the team hopes to close out their three-game homestand the same way they started the year—with a win over the Stallions.

While the Buffalo Stallions sit at 7th in the Great Lakes Conference, they’re coming off a landmark moment in club history. Last weekend, the Stallions earned their first win as an NPSL club, defeating Syracuse FC 1-0 on the road. The result has given Buffalo a boost in confidence, and they’ll arrive in Northeast Ohio motivated to avenge their opening day loss and build on their breakthrough win.

For Cleveland, Saturday’s match is more than just a rematch—it’s a must-win moment. Currently sitting 4th in the table with a 2-1-2 record, Cleveland SC is in the thick of the playoff race. With the top four teams in the Great Lakes Conference earning postseason berths, every match counts. A win on Saturday would keep Cleveland in a strong position heading into the final stretch of the season and send a statement that they remain contenders.

The atmosphere at George Finnie Stadium is expected to be electric, and Cleveland will need every bit of that support. Saturday’s match marks the fourth contest in just 11 days for the squad, a stretch that has tested the team’s depth and resilience. Fatigue may be a factor, but head coach Joe Jovanovski will be counting on the energy of the home crowd and the leadership of veteran players to help his side dig deep and finish the homestand on a high note.

The midfield duo of Captain Kyle Healy and Cian Tunney will be instrumental in setting the tone early, while the defense—anchored by Bobby Turner, Jordan Lewis, Keegan Dawson, and Uleto Fuentes along with the reliable hands of Zoltan Nagy—will aim to keep Buffalo off the scoreboard and deliver their second clean sheet of the season.

For Cleveland SC, this isn’t just another game—it’s a chance to respond, to regroup, and to remind fans and opponents alike what this team is capable of when firing on all cylinders.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM at George Finnie Stadium. Don’t miss the action as Cleveland SC looks to defend its home turf, get back in the win column, and close out the homestand with a statement performance.

Adding to the energy around the match is the club’s College Night Promotion. Fans who wear their college or alumni gear to the gate will receive $5 off admission, making it a perfect night for students, alumni, and fans across Northeast Ohio to show off their school pride while backing Cleveland SC.

Match Information - Cleveland SC vs Buffalo Stallions

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

🗓️ Saturday, June 7, 2025 

⏰ Kickoff at 7:00 PM 

🎟️ Tickets are available online and at the gate for $15. $5 off when you wear college alumni gear!

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:

Niagara 1812 (1-1-1) vs Rochester NY FC Academy (2-0-1), Friday, June 6, 6 PM EDT at Niagara University

Erie Commodores FC (1-0-2) vs Syracuse FC (0-1-4), Saturday, June 7, 6 PM EDT at Mercyhurst University - Saxon Stadium

Flower City Union (3-0-0) vs Niagara 1812 (1-1-1), Sunday, June 8, 7 PM EDT at Rochester Community Sports Complex

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