CLEVELAND CITY STARS MATCH REPORT CLEVELAND CITY STARS @ HARRISBURG ISLANDERS 2 : 2 FINAL DATE: Saturday, June 2nd KICKOFF: 7:05 PM STADIUM: Skyline Sports Complex, Harrisburg (PA) WEATHER: Overcast, Humid ATTENDANCE: 1287 1:0 20th Minute Mark Schulte / Cleveland City Stars 2:0 28th Minute Ian Leibbrandt / Cleveland City Stars (Assist Andrew Peterson) 2:1 65th Minute Matt Tanzini / Harrisburg City Islanders (Assist Mo Odour) 2:2 69th Minute Matt Tanzini / Harrisburg City Islanders June 2nd, 2007 1,287 fans journeyed out to the beautiful City Island Stadium just outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to witness the return of Derek Potteiger to his former stomping ground and to watch his new team, the Cleveland City Stars (4-0-1) take on the host Harrisburg City Islanders (3-1-3) for the first time. Fans from both teams donned Derek Potteiger jerseys and Potteiger received a warm ovation from the fans as he was introduced. He played the total 90 minutes and displayed the same tenacity and skill as when he was a City Islander rather than a City Star. Both teams have already qualified for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and both teams were coming off scoreless draws in their previous matches. Hungry for some goals and for a few more points in the standings, both teams came out strong from the start. The still undefeated Cleveland City Stars struck first in the 20th minute on a Beckham-like free kick from Mark Schulte #13 from 20 yards out which found the top left corner of the goal. In the 22nd minute the Islanders new #10 David Schofield made a run, but the ever-present Mark Schulte cleared the ball before any real threat could develop. After several more good scoring opportunities, including a corner from CCS #2 Chris Lemons which Schulte headed just high and a cross from John DeVae which Derek Potteiger made a very agile attempt to redirect but missed just wide. Ian Leibbrandt broke free on a through ball from CCS Midfielder Andrew Peterson and found himself one on one with the Islanders goalie. Leibbrandt finished beautifully finding the near post and putting the City Stars up 2-0 in the 28th minute. The City Islanders returned to the field reinvigorated after the half and made an early attempt to get themselves back into the game on a breakaway which Stars keeper Caleb Patterson saved. After the initial attack the pace of the game slowed and each team worked to create opportunities. The City Islanders finally capitalized in the 53rd minute when Matt Tanzini finished off the assist from Ryan O'Neill. Matt Tanzini again found the net for the Islanders in the 69th minute on a free kick reminiscent of the Stars first goal. The equalizer would prove to be enough to give each team one more point but left both teams frustrated with another draw. Until the end the game remained a defensive battle, both teams patiently trying to break through for a clear shot and both teams thwarted repeatedly. Though neither team really dominated in time of possession, the Stars clearly had better opportunities and just couldn't finish. "Although it may have been an exciting game for the fans with so much back and forth play and so many chances, it just clearly wasn't our night," said Martin Rennie, CCS Head Coach. "We showed well in the first half but couldn't quite get it together defensively. Harrisburg hasn't lost a game at home this season and that makes it a difficult place to play. We tried to steal a goal late in the game but just came up short." Hopefully, Krenzler Field, the home of the Cleveland City Stars will prove as ruthless a venue for the opposition as the City Island Stadium. Next Saturday, June 9th at 7:00pm the Stars return home to resume the Battle for Ohio with the Cincinnati Kings, a team the Stars have beaten twice already this season. The first thousand fans will also receive a complimentary Charter One Seating Cushion, so you better get you tickets fast before it is too late! "It will be great for the guys to be back in friendly territory," commented Jake DeClute, Assistant Coach. "Obviously there were a lot of people cheering for Derek tonight, but it is even better when the whole team gets that kind of support." The City Stars have created a great storyline already this season. Still undefeated, qualified the Open Cup and really making a run for a fantastic first season. Be a part of the history. Be a part of the success. See you on the pitch! CLEVELAND CITY STARS – NEXT HOME GAME CLEVELAND CITY STARS (4-0-2) vs. CINCINNATI KINGS (2-4-2) SATURDAY, JUNE 9 th 2007 KICKOFF: 7:00 PM @ KRENZLER STADIUM (CSU) - THE BATTLE FOR THE OHIO SOCCER EMPIRE - THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THAT THE CLEVELAND CITY STARS WILL FACE THEIR OHIO RIVALS AT HOME IN CLEVELAND – SO WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT ! WIN THE ORIGINAL #10 DEREK POTTEIGER JERSEY ! ONLY A FEW RAFFLE TICKETS ARE LEFT JUST LOG ON TO WWW.CLEVELANDCITYSTARS.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION