Match Preview | Erie Commodores FC vs Cleveland SC

Match Preview: Cleveland SC Travels to Erie for Win-and-In Showdown with Commodores

It all comes down to this.

The 2025 NPSL regular season concludes Saturday evening in Erie, Pennsylvania, where Cleveland SC will take on Erie Commodores FC in a high-stakes battle with postseason implications on the line. With just one match remaining, the Great Lakes Conference playoff picture is nearly set—and Cleveland is in control of its own destiny.

Cleveland SC enters the weekend sitting in fourth place with a 5-2-2 record and 17 points, occupying the final playoff position in the conference standings. Just behind them in fifth place is Erie Commodores FC, with 15 points and a 5-0-4 record. The math is simple: a win or a draw sends Cleveland into the postseason for the first time since 2023. A loss, however, would see Erie leapfrog Cleveland and claim that coveted fourth spot.

Saturday's matchup is a rematch of Matchday 4 when Cleveland hosted Erie in their 2025 home opener. That day, Cleveland secured a 3-1 victory thanks to a strong performance and a late goal by forward Nicolas Vagujhelyi, who scored in the 93rd minute to seal the win. That moment was the spark for a red-hot run of form from Vagujhelyi, who scored four goals in the next three matches and has since been nominated for the Capelli Sport NPSL Player of the Month. Vote for him here!

Cleveland in Top Form Heading into the Finale

Joe Jovanovski's side has found its stride at the perfect time. Cleveland SC has secured 10 points in its last four matches, including an emotional 3-2 comeback win over Syracuse FC and a commanding 3-1 victory against Niagara 1812 FC last weekend. The offense has exploded in that stretch, scoring 12 goals in four games.

The trio of Vagujhelyi, Tamas Nagy, and Cian Tunney has been electric. Together, they have combined for nine goals during Cleveland's playoff push, and their chemistry in the attacking third continues to grow. Expect Cleveland to lean heavily on their pace, movement, and finishing in this final regular season test.

The midfield, led by captain Kyle Healy, has been a stabilizing force all year. Healy's leadership and composure have allowed Cleveland to control the tempo and recover from early setbacks. Last week, Healy found the back of the net himself with a decisive goal in the 55th minute against Niagara. The captain was quick to credit his teammates for setting up the play: "It was just a great play at the start from Cian back heel to Uleto and Uleto driving able to create space, took a shot, ricochet, and came back out to me quick and had to make a quick decision. Just ripped it. So it was a really quick play, but I'm happy I was able to get on the score sheet. Glad to help out with the team win."

Defense and Goalkeeping Will Be Key

While Cleveland's offense has drawn plenty of headlines, the back line and goalkeeping unit will be just as critical in Erie. The combination of Uleto Fuentes, Jordan Lewis, Bobby Turner, and Kris McDonald will need to stay sharp and disciplined against an Erie attack that knows only a win will do.

Goalkeepers Zoltan Nagy and Ryan Poling have split duties throughout the season, with Nagy starting last week's match and coming up with several key saves. Nagy emphasized the importance of communication with his defenders ahead of this weekend's clash: "Doing my best to communicate to the people in front of me, just preventing goals before they even happen. Letting my team know to track runners coming into the box, stop those moves before they happen, and if they do, I have to make a big save."

When asked about the magnitude of the final match, Nagy didn’t hold back: “That’s what you play the sport for. Erie is definitely a big rival, and I think it’ll be a big game for us. I think it’ll be a great game, great crowd, and hopefully we can get the result that we want.”

Watch the full media session with comments from Nagy, Defender Bobby Turner, and Captain Kyle Healy [HERE]

Erie Looking to Spoil the Party

For Erie, the task is straightforward but daunting. After suffering a 4-1 loss to Ambassadors FC Ohio earlier this week, they now sit in fifth place, two points behind Cleveland. Only a win will push them into the postseason.

The Commodores will likely come out aggressive, throwing numbers forward early in search of a quick goal. Cleveland must be ready to weather the storm and exploit openings on the counterattack. If Cleveland can withstand the pressure and dictate the pace, the odds tilt in their favor.

What’s at Stake

The stakes couldn't be higher. The winner of this match could potentially leap as high as third in the final table, depending on other results in the conference. But for Cleveland, the priority is clear: win and advance.

With a win or draw, Cleveland SC secures a spot in the playoffs for the first time in two years. The team has shown resilience, growth, and hunger over the course of the season, and they now stand 90 minutes away from extending their campaign into the postseason.

Match Information - Erie Commodores FC vs Cleveland SC

📍 Saxon Stadium and Mercyhurst University - 501 E 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546

🗓️ Saturday, July 5, 2025 

⏰ Kickoff at 6:00 PM EDT

🎟️ Tickets are available online and at the gate for $8.

Follow the Match Live

The match in Erie is a special one for the hosts as this will be a charity game to support our brave service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, benefiting the Robert Irvine Foundation. The event aims to strengthen the physical and mental well-being of those who sacrifice so much for us every day.

We would love to see you make the trip down Interstate 90 to support Cleveland SC and this great cause, but if you cannot, the game will be streamed live on Erie Commodore FC’s YouTube Channel. Don’t miss a second of the action as Cleveland SC looks to secure its spot in the 2025 NPSL postseason!

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:

Flower City Union (7-1-1) vs Syracuse FC (0-1-8), Saturday, July 5, 6 PM EDT at Rochester Community Sports Complex

Buffalo Stallions (3-0-6) vs Ambassadors FC Ohio (6-1-2), Saturday, July 5, 7 PM EDT, at North Tonawanda High School

Stay Connected

Keep up with all the latest news and updates from Cleveland SC on our website and social media platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.