Erie Commodores FC Defeats Buffalo Stallions 5-0 in Great Lakes Conference Action
By Erie Commodores FC
Erie Commodores FC continued their strong run of form with a 5-0 win over the Buffalo Stallions at Saxon Stadium, adding another clean sheet while remaining unbeaten in Great Lakes Conference play.
Erie Commodores FC returned to Saxon Stadium on Saturday evening to face the Buffalo Stallions for the second time in a week. The Commodores started on the front foot, pressing high after Buffalo’s kickoff and forcing the visitors into a defensive shape during the opening exchanges.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute from a set piece. Will Perry delivered a corner kick to the back post, where Sho Kinjo met it with a header to give Erie a 1-0 lead. Seven minutes later, the Commodores doubled their advantage. A three-player combination involving Julián Tovar, Masaki Tsuji, and Alvar Silva moved the ball through Buffalo’s defensive block, and Tovar finished the chance to make it 2-0. Erie continued to create opportunities throughout the remainder of the first half.
Buffalo’s best chance came in the 37th minute, when a counter-attack created an opening against the Erie defense. Goalkeeper Aimar Aramendia made the save to preserve the clean sheet and keep the score at 2-0 heading into halftime. The Commodores generated additional chances before the break but were unable to add a third goal before the whistle.
The second half saw Erie extend its lead with three goals in a ten-minute span. In the 53rd minute, the Commodores won possession in Buffalo’s half following sustained pressure. Alvaro Planas advanced and delivered a cross that Alvar Silva converted to make it 3-0.
One minute later, Erie added a fourth. Tsuji found Tovar with a cross from the left flank, and Tovar finished for his second goal of the match and fourth of the season.
The fifth goal came in the 63rd minute. After receiving the ball on the left side, Tsuji drew defenders before playing a pass to Planas, who finished from close range to extend the lead to 5-0.
Erie continued to create opportunities throughout the remainder of the match while maintaining control defensively. This win marked another clean sheet for the Commodores. With the result, Erie remains unbeaten in conference competition heading into next week’s match.
Halfway through the season, Erie Commodores remain in first place in very tightly contested Great Lakes Conference. Next the Commodores travel to rivals Cleveland SC, with both teams undefeated in conference play. This game promises to be another great contest in the Erie- Cleveland rivalry!
Photo Credit: R. Frank Media/Erie Commodores FC
