Match Preview | Cleveland SC vs Syracuse FC
- Cleveland SC
- Jun 20
- 5 min read
Cleveland SC Hosts Syracuse FC on Youth Night with Playoff Hopes on the Line
With just three matches left in the 2025 NPSL regular season, every point counts—and Cleveland SC knows it. The club enters Matchday 8 in 5th place in the Great Lakes Conference with a 3-2-2 record, just outside of the top four playoff positions. Saturday night’s match against Syracuse FC is more than just another fixture—it’s a crucial opportunity for Cleveland to gain momentum and secure three valuable points at home.
The showdown kicks off at 7:00 PM at George Finnie Stadium in Berea, OH, and the match will also feature Youth Club Night. All kids wearing their youth or rec club jerseys will receive free admission at the gate, and the club encourages families and young players to bring their whole team out for what promises to be a high-energy night under the lights.
Cleveland SC Riding High After Dramatic Draw
Cleveland SC enters the weekend on the heels of a thrilling 3-3 road draw against previously unbeaten Flower City Union. In a match full of twists and momentum shifts, Cleveland struck early with a 4th-minute goal from Nicolas Vagujhelyi—his fifth goal in just three matches. Despite falling behind 2-1 before halftime and again 3-2 late in the second half, Cleveland refused to quit.
Forward Cian Tunney scored a second-half brace, including a stunning header in the dying minutes of stoppage time to secure the hard-fought draw. Tunney’s impact goes beyond his goals—his movement, awareness, and energy have made him a key playmaker in recent weeks, creating several goal-scoring opportunities for Cleveland in pivotal moments. In a media session earlier this week, Tunney recalled his strong performance against the first place club, saying “on a personal level I was delighted.. I haven’t scored in over a year and then I go and score two headers.. So, yeah I was delighted, over the moon, ecstatic”. Cleveland SC will look forward to the energy carrying over into the match against Syracuse FC.
Tamas Nagy has also been a driving force in Cleveland’s recent attacking form. Nagy has continually drawn defenders to his side with his skill on the ball, opening up space for teammates and providing critical service into the box. His pinpoint cross to Tunney against Flower City Union led to an equalizing goal earlier in the match, further cementing his role as one of Cleveland’s most valuable creators in the final third.
After that exhilarating result, Head Coach Joe Jovanovski was pleased with his squad’s resilience, as the group battled back from behind for the second straight match.The draw marked the first time Flower City Union had dropped points all season and proved Cleveland’s ability to compete with the conference’s elite.
Syracuse FC Still Seeking First Win
Syracuse FC, meanwhile, enters Saturday’s contest still searching for their first victory of the season. With a record of 0-1-5, they sit at the bottom of the Great Lakes Conference table and have managed to score just one goal through six matches. Offensively, the team has struggled to find rhythm, and they’ll face a stiff challenge against a Cleveland defense that has steadily improved over the course of the campaign.
Goalkeeper Ryan Poling, who made several key saves in the Flower City match, will look to lock down the net for the full 90 minutes. Alongside a solid back line of Bobby Turner, Kris McDonald, Uleto Fuentes, and Alexandru Rumleanschi, Cleveland’s defensive unit will aim to record another clean sheet and keep Syracuse’s attack quiet. Defender Kris McDonald was asked what it will take to maintain momentum throughout the rest of the season: "We just need to stay consistent, especially in training.. that's where the work is done. So, once we stay consistent in training, going into games with high energy, good belief as well, we'll definitely get some points under our belt".
Key Players to Watch
All eyes will once again be on Nicolas Vagujhelyi. After a stunning hat trick against Buffalo and a goal against Flower City, the striker has emerged as one of Cleveland’s go-to scorers and biggest offensive threat. His clinical finishing and knack for finding space in the box have elevated Cleveland’s attacking capabilities and energized fans.
Cian Tunney’s growing confidence and ability to link up with Vagujhelyi, Nagy, and others makes him another crucial piece to watch. With the midfield led by Daniel Tregansin and Captain Kyle Healy expected to control possession, Cleveland should be able to dictate the tempo and create dangerous chances from the opening whistle.
What’s at Stake
With the playoff race heating up, Cleveland SC knows there’s little margin for error. The top four teams in the Great Lakes Conference qualify for the postseason, and Cleveland currently trails fourth-place Erie Commodores FC on just points per game. Saturday’s match is not just an opportunity to bounce back from previous dropped points—it’s a must-win in the eyes of the coaching staff and players.
The final three games will be the deciding factor in Cleveland’s postseason fate. A strong showing on Saturday could be the spark the team needs to close out the season on a high note.
Youth Night at George Finnie Stadium
Adding to the excitement, Cleveland SC will host Youth Club Night during Saturday’s match. All kids wearing their youth or rec club soccer jerseys will receive free admission at the gate. It’s a great opportunity to bring young players, families, and fans together for a fun night of local soccer action.
With the energy of the crowd behind them and the stakes higher than ever, Cleveland SC is ready to rise to the occasion. Don’t miss the action in Berea!
Match Information - Cleveland SC vs Syracuse FC
📍 George Finnie Stadium - 141 E Bagley Rd, Berea, OH 44017
🗓️ Saturday, June 21, 2025
⏰ Kickoff at 7:00 PM EDT
🎟️ Tickets are available online and at the gate for $15. Youth admission is free when wearing a club jersey!
Follow the Match Live
We’d love to see you at George Finnie Stadium with the whole family, 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 live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more, be sure to follow Cleveland SC on X and Instagram for real-time updates throughout the match.
Elsewhere in the Great Lakes Conference:
Rochester NY FC (5-0-1) vs Niagara 1812 (1-1-5), Saturday, June 21, 4 PM EDT at RNY FC Complex
Erie Commodores FC (3-0-2) vs Ambassadors FC Ohio (4-1-1), Saturday, June 21, 6 PM EDT at Mercyhurst University - Saxon Stadium
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