Cleveland Crunch Fall in Overtime Thriller to Rockford Thunder, 9-8

by Austin Mays

Photo Courtesy of Kim Karbon Photography

Rockford, Illinois - February 14, 2026 - The Cleveland Crunch battled until the final moments Saturday night but were edged 9-8 in overtime by the Rockford Thunder in a physical, back-and-forth contest. 

Despite being the road team, the Crunch still had a visible fan presence in the crowd, and the atmosphere matched the intensity on the field.

First Quarter

Cleveland struck first at 12:55, when Landon Kuhn finished a chance assisted by Ryan Minick.

Rockford responded quickly:

  • 8:45 - Diego Bolaños tied the match
  • 4:42 - Daniel Bolaños gave Rockford the lead
  • 1:57 - Emanuel Mercado extended the advantage

The Crunch rallied late in the quarter.

Jacob Roberto scored off a pass from Ma’Cain Spragling, who was returning from injury, followed by a late goal from Gabriel Pewu just before the buzzer to keep Cleveland within reach.

Second Quarter

Rockford opened the period with another strike from Emanuel Mercado (14:23).

Defense tightened on both sides until Cleveland answered:

  • 4:35 - Ma’Cain Spragling scored, assisted by Jacob Roberto

Rockford closed the half strong:

  • 1:02 - Alejandro Corona

  • 0:05 - Heriberto Dominguez

Rockford carried momentum into halftime in what had become a very physical match.

Third Quarter

The Crunch came out aggressive:

  • 10:16 - Kuhn (assist: Roberto)
  • Cvecko added another (assist: Brenden Swann)

Rockford countered with Emanuel Mercado (4:38) to keep the lead narrow.

Fourth Quarter

Cleveland continued pushing late:

  • 4:03 - Player/Coach Antonio Manfut (assist: Spragling)

  • 1:39 - Pewu tied the contest

Rockford answered again with a late goal from Corona, forcing overtime in a game that featured constant momentum swings and tight defensive play.

Overtime

After several tense possessions, Mercado completed his standout night with the overtime winner, sealing a 9-8 victory for Rockford.

Key Notes

  • Ma’Cain Spragling made an immediate impact in his return from injury with a goal and multiple assists.

  • Mercado led Rockford with multiple goals, including the game-winner.

Cleveland showed resilience repeatedly battling back throughout the match.

The overtime loss moves the Crunch to 6-2 on the season, a tough result in an otherwise strong campaign as they continue their push near the top of the MLIS standings.

The Crunch are back in action this Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7 PM at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University (CSU). Get your tickets now at theclevelandcrunch.com/tickets.