Cleveland Crunch Dominate Bridge City 15-5 in Statement Win at Wolstein Center

Photo Courtesy of Kim Karbon Photography

The Cleveland Crunch returned home to the Wolstein Center on Saturday, February 21 with something to prove. Riding a two-game losing streak, the team came out focused, physical and determined to make a statement in front of their home crowd. They did exactly that, overwhelming Pittsburgh (Bridge City) in a 15-5 victory.

Before the game, Head Coach Antonio Manfut made it clear what he expected.

He expressed how happy he was to be back home in front of the fans and emphasized that the team was finally returning to full strength. Most importantly, he said he wanted to see a lot of goals. The Crunch followed that plan to perfection, delivering a 15-goal performance that electrified the Wolstein Center.

Ryan Minick echoed that mindset, stating the team wanted to make a statement in front of their fans. Gabriel Pewu summed it up best, calling it a “GRG” a “Get Right Game.” It was exactly that.

First Quarter: Fast Start Sets the Tone

The Crunch wasted no time setting the tempo.

Tamas Nagy opened the scoring with 13:08 on the clock in the first quarter. Minick followed with another goal at the 9:26 mark, giving Cleveland early control.

Pittsburgh responded with a goal from Jamie Luchini at 3:03, but Pewu answered late in the quarter with 44 seconds remaining, restoring momentum and sending the Crunch into the second quarter with a 3-1 edge.

Second Quarter: Milestones and Momentum

Admir Suljevic opened the second quarter scoring at 14:50, assisted by Michael Derezic. Moments later, Derezic found the back of the net himself off a feed from Suljevic, showcasing their chemistry. That assist marked Suljevic’s 250th point as a member of the Cleveland Crunch, a major milestone.

Pittsburgh answered with a goal from Nathan Dragisich, but Cleveland continued to apply pressure. Derezic struck again, this time assisted by Ma’Cain Spragling.

Pittsburgh added a late goal from Luchini with 1:01 remaining in the half, but Cleveland maintained firm control heading into halftime.

Third Quarter: Derezic Makes a Statement

The Crunch came out of the break with relentless energy.

Sami Mutemwa opened the third-quarter scoring off an assist from Suljevic. Derezic followed with another goal, assisted by Aidan Bozak. In his first game back from suspension, Derezic was clearly determined to make an impact.

Pewu added another goal at the 12:25 mark, assisted by Boban Cancar. Pittsburgh managed a power-play goal from Joshua Dimatteo with 9:40 remaining, but Captain Dave Jordan answered at 4:21, finishing off an assist from Derezic to close the quarter in dominant fashion.

Fourth Quarter: Total Control

Cleveland left no doubt in the final frame.

Rafael Davalos opened the fourth-quarter scoring at 12:12 off a feed from Minick. Mutemwa followed just 40 seconds later, assisted by Derezic.

Derezic then added another goal at 9:44, continuing his explosive return. Pittsburgh responded with a goal from Jack Shearer, but the Crunch quickly regained control.

Tamas Nagy scored again with an assist from Omar Najjar, and Pewu capped off the night with the final goal of the game, assisted by Brenden Swann.

MetroHealth Man of the Match

Derezic earned the MetroHealth Man of the Match honors with a remarkable seven-point performance, tallying four goals and three assists.

A Statement Victory

After two tough losses, the Cleveland Crunch delivered exactly what they needed and what Manfut asked for a high-scoring, high-energy performance in front of their home crowd.

And for the fans inside the Wolstein Center, it was a night to remember. The Cleveland Crunch are back home March 14 and March 15 at the Wolstein Center for Fan Appreciation Weekend. Tickets are available at theclevelandcrunch.com/tickets.