Cleveland SC Triumphs 3-1 in Home Opener over Erie Commodores FC
By Cleveland SC
Cleveland SC delivered a gutsy and memorable performance in their 2025 home opener on Saturday night, defeating Erie Commodores FC 3-1 at George Finnie Stadium. Backed by a passionate home crowd and playing a full half-hour with 10 men, Cleveland showed resilience, composure, and late-game brilliance to secure all three points.
From the opening whistle, Cleveland SC controlled the tempo and looked the more dangerous side in the attacking third. Tomas Nagy nearly opened the scoring in just the fourth minute with a well-struck shot on target, followed by a dangerous header in the eighth minute. Ukrainian striker Stanislav Koval had multiple chances of his own, including a powerful effort in the 25th minute and a shot on frame in the 38th.
Cleveland’s breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Koval was finally rewarded with a goal. After sustained pressure and build-up play, he unleashed a right-footed strike from just outside the box that flew into the top-right corner — leaving Erie goalkeeper Harry O’ Brien with no chance and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Despite Cleveland’s dominance, Erie found an equalizer late in the first half. Zoltan Nagy produced a brilliant save in the 43rd minute, but midfielder Frank Lovett pounced on the rebound and slotted it home, leveling the match 1-1 going into halftime.
The second half became a true test of Cleveland’s character.
In the 58th minute, Koval was shown a red card after an altercation in the opposing box, forcing Cleveland to play the final 30+ minutes with ten men. Erie began to push forward in search of the lead, but Nagy stood tall between the posts. The standout goalkeeper made five crucial saves in the second half, including a massive one-on-one stop in the 77th minute to deny a breakaway chance and preserve the tie.
Cleveland turned the tide in the closing moments. In the 85th minute, substitute Steven Ngunga fired a free kick that bounced past the Erie keeper to put the hosts back in front, 2-1.
Then, in stoppage time, Cleveland sealed the result in style. A beautifully delivered long free kick by Nagy into the box was met by Nicolas Vagujhelyi, who rose above the defense and powered a header into the net in the 93rd minute — capping off an emphatic 3-1 win.
It was a statement performance from Cleveland SC, who not only earned their second win of the season but also showed their depth, determination, and ability to rise under pressure.
Cleveland SC (2-1-1) climbed to fourth in the Great Lakes Conference table as they prepare for a highly anticipated rematch with in-state rivals Ambassadors FC Ohio on Wednesday, June 4th at 7:00 pm. The match will take place at George Finnie Stadium. It’s the second of a three-game homestand and another big opportunity to rise higher in the table.
Photo Credit: Peter Cangiano/Cleveland SC
