Match Report | Cleveland SC vs Ambassadors FC Ohio

Cleveland SC wins its third straight game in a huge match against Ambassadors FC Ohio.

BEREA, Ohio — After the early part of the Great Lakes Conference schedule, both Cleveland SC and Ambassadors FC Ohio made it clear they were ahead of the rest of the conference, with Ambassadors winning its first four games and Cleveland winning three of its first four, while tying the other. 

Both squads collided at George Finnie Stadium on Wednesday night, making it the biggest game of the young season for both teams. In the end, it was Cleveland that was able to walk away with a huge three points, winning 3-0 with a crafty attack and physical defense. 

Naturally, a game between two teams of this caliber started with a slower pace, as both sides worked to get a feel for the game. 

On attack, Cleveland was methodical in its build-up, but aggressive in trying to score goals, as multiple shots were taken from long distances, with the end results sailing over the net. 

On defense, the backline played very physically whenever the Ambassadors attempted to get things going up front. 

Defenders like Davide Carmignani were taking no chances with Ambassadors striker Amir Spratt, who already has four goals on the season for his club.

Carmignani was holding and grappling with the attacker, which resulted in some foul calls on Cleveland, but it was effective in holding up Spratt without letting him get comfortable and in rhythm.

The 19th minute saw the first real action of the game, as an Ambassadors midfielder floated a ball that hung in the air for a seemingly endless amount of time before it bounced off the crossbar in a near miss.  

Cleveland would not let Ambassadors build any momentum from that big chance, as three minutes later in the 22nd minute, Cleveland attacker Abdou Faye received a beautiful pass from captain Brett Nanchoff behind the defense, which allowed him to slot home an easy goal.

It was a huge goal that broke the scoreless tie against one of the best NPSL teams in the nation, as Faye notched his second goal of the season. 

In the minutes following the goal, the play mimicked the start of the game, with soccer that saw neither team able to get anything going on the attack. 

It stayed that way until the 39th minute, when the Ambassadors were able to sneak a ball near the far post, but a dribbler of a shot was turned away by a great save from Cleveland goalkeeper Colin Monroe before the ball was booted out of bounds. 

That save from Monroe was critical, as it was the last real chance that was of any threat from Ambassadors in the first half, allowing Cleveland to go into the halftime break up 1-0 thanks to the goal from Faye. 

Photo Credit: Luigi Musto/GViper Photography

It didn’t take long for the club to get started out of the break, as Faye fired a shot that was saved as he was trying to secure a brace. 

A few minutes later, Nanchoff, who had already assisted, took a corner kick for Cleveland that was beautifully struck as it curled into the far back corner of the net, just past the outstretched arm of the Ambassadors' keeper for a mind-blowing Olimpico goal. 

The amount of skill and touch it takes to score a goal straight from the corner spot is unimaginable, and Nanchoff is absolutely one of those elite players who can pull it off, as the captain got on the board with an early assist before the Olimpico in the 49th minute. 

Cleveland kept the foot on the gas, maintaining possession in the Ambassadors' half while creating chances, earning more corner kicks. 

In the 58th minute, Cleveland defender Oneil Mitchell heaved a long throw into the box that found Faye for a header that deflected off the back post and into the net for Faye’s second goal of the game and third on the year. 

After going down 3-0 Ambassadors began to be visibly flustered, as a hard tackle that got none of the ball brought down Cleveland’s Luca Piazza, and a small skirmish ensued. 

A second yellow card was given to an Ambassador's player, and for the second straight game, Cleveland’s opponent had to play down a man in the second half. 

Bodies were flying all over the pitch, as the rough nature of the game was seen on corner kicks and even open-field play. 

That style of play did not result in any goals for Ambassadors, as Cleveland’s 3-0 lead held all the way to the final whistle. 

It is a massive result for a Cleveland side that remains undefeated on the season, while handing the Ambassadors their first loss of the season, taking over second place in the Great Lakes Conference standings.

Cleveland is on a roll at the moment, winning three on the bounce, scoring at least two goals in each of those contests, and they look to keep the exciting soccer going on the road this Saturday against Flower City Union.

Watch the Full Match Replay

Next Match

Cleveland SC travels to Rochester, New York this Saturday, June 6, to face Flower City Union. Kickoff is set for 6 PM EST.

Photo Credit: Luigi Musto/GViper Photography

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