Page 1 of 2 City Stars End Winless Streak by Defeating Minnesota 1

City Stars End Winless Streak By Defeating Minnesota 1-0 Page 1 of 2

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News City Stars End Winless Streak By Defeating Minnesota 1-0

City Stars End Winless Streak By Defeating Minnesota 10

Saturday August 20, 2009

The Cleveland City Stars outshot the Minnesota Thunder on Saturday to win 1-0. Teteh Bangura scored the only goal of the match to beat the Thunder for the second time this season.

The first half began slowly, with neither team gaining ground. The Thunder made their first impression in the 17th minute, when forward Marco Terminesi shot the ball across the face of the City Stars goal. The ball went harmlessly out of bounds, with little danger for the Stars. In the 23rd minute, City Stars forward Teteh Bangura changed the pace of the first half after receiving a brilliant cross from forward Jason Hotchkin. Without hesitation Bangura ripped the ball over the Minnesota defender, finding the top far corner to bring the City Stars ahead 1-0. It was the first goal for the Sierra Leone national, who has made 2 starts for the Stars this season.

The City Stars continued the pressure, and 5 minutes later midfielder Ryan Stewart came close to widening the gap between the teams. Stewart played the ball in from the corner, forcing Minnesota keeper Nic Platter to make a diving punch to clear the ball. Stars forward Kolby LaCrone also made a contribution, taking a high shot in the 29th minute that flew over the Thunder crossbar.

The best chance for a second goal came in the 41st minute from defender Warren Kanu. From 30 yards out, Kanu slammed an amazing shot into the far upper 90 of the Minnesota goal, but the ball deflected off of the crossbar. The ball rebounded back into the box, and Hotchkin got a foot on it, sending the ball high and over the goal.

The second half began with a City Stars free kick in the 48th minute after Bangura was fouled. Veteran midfielder Pato Aguilera took the kick but the ball was high and wide. The Thunder finally picked up speed in the 53rd minute, when midfielder Jeremiah Bass found forward Brian Cuilikas in front of an open Cleveland goal. Cuilikas connected for a good header, but luckily the ball went high. Two minutes later, Minnesota's Lawrence Olum found himself in front of an open City Stars goal, but the midfielder's shot went wide.

The City Stars retaliated in the 66th minute, when Hotchkin again made his presence known, crossing a beautiful ball directly past the Minnesota goal. Stewart was waiting at the back post, but the ball was deflected off its course, arcing out of reach. Stewart continued to be an offensive force, with 3 shots of his own in the half. Although 2 went high, his shot in the 69th minute was on goal, and barely deflected by goalkeeper Platter.

Tension ran high throughout the rest of the game, with both teams needing the win. In the 81st minute a scuffle broke out amongst multiple players from both teams, and resulted in yellow cards for several players. The energy remained high, as Minnesota began pummeling the City Stars goal, desperate for an equalizer. Gilstrap remained stalwart in goal, with several impressive saves. Although Minnesota pushed up keeper Platter in a last-ditch attempt to score, the City Stars stayed strong to secure the 1-0 win.

The City Stars head to Minnesota on Thursday, August 27th to rematch the Thunder in the last matchup of the season. Kickoff is at 8:05 p.m. and will be broadcast live on USLlive.com. The Stars return home on Saturday, September 5th at 2 p.m. when they take on the Montreal Impact. The match will also be Fan Appreciation Night. Tickets are still available by calling 330-425-2003 or www.clevelandcitystars.com.

Starting Lineups: Cle: G Hunter Gilstrap, D Warren Kanu, D Troy Roberts, D Anthony Stovall, D Ibrahim Kante, M Jason Hotchkin (D Paul Ballard 77'), M Alioune Gueye, M Pato Agiulera (D Anthony Peters 89'), M Ryan Stewart (M Gordon Kljestan 90'), F Kolby LaCrone (F Leo Gibson 69'), F Teteh Bangura (F Ricardo Pierre-Louie 81')

Min: G Nic Platter, F Rich Costanzo, D Jon Greenfield, D Chris Clements, D Andrew Peterson (D Kevin Friedland 72'), M Jeremia Bass, M Lawrence Olum, M Ricardo Sanchez, F Melvin Tarley, F Brian Cuilikas (F Rod Dyachenko 61'), F Marco Terminesi (F Leonel St. Preux 61')

Summary: Cle: Teteh Bangura 23' (Jason Hotchkin)

Cautions: Cle: Anthony Stovall 71', Ryan Stewart 81'

http://www.clevelandcitystars.com/news/714-city-stars-end-winless-streak-by-defeating-... 11/10/2010 City Stars End Winless Streak By Defeating Minnesota 1-0 Page 2 of 2

Min: Rod Dyachenko 63', Ricardo Sanchez 75', Jeremiah Bass 81'

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http://www.clevelandcitystars.com/news/714-city-stars-end-winless-streak-by-defeating-... 11/10/2010