CRUNCH EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO 6 GAMES; TAKE OVER TOP SPOT IN LEAGUE TABLE WITH 18-6 WIN OVER BUCKS

The Cleveland Crunch secured an 18-6 win over the Colorado Bucks Saturday night, advancing the team into first place in the MLIS league table.

The opening period set the tone for Cleveland, with Parker Csiszar and Mikey Derezic finding the back of the net within the first three minutes, giving the Crunch an early 2-0 lead. However, Miguel Avilas of the Colorado Bucks responded quickly, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Aidan Bozak extended Cleveland's lead to 3-1 before Luis Gonzalez of the Bucks closed the period with a goal, making it 3-2.

Kevin Blackwood scored three times in the second, followed by Admir Suljevic with two goals, to put the Crunch up 8-2 going into the half. 

In the third period, despite Tomas Tapia's goal for the Bucks, Cleveland continued to dominate. Blackwood scored his fourth of the night followed by Bryan Wolanski, and Ryan Minick, who scored two, bringing the score to 12-3 in favor of Cleveland by the end of the third period. 

The final period saw Cleveland maintain their momentum, with goals from various players, including Minick, Suljevic, Ma'Cain Spragling, Dave Jordan and rookie Pedro Bertony Tzul. Despite a couple of late goals from the Colorado Bucks, the game concluded with an 18-6 win for Cleveland. 

The match also had its share of penalties, with Tomas Tapia of the Bucks receiving a two-minute penalty for a dangerous play in the third period. Michael Derezic of the Crunch also received a yellow card for dissent, serving a five-minute penalty.

Admir Suljevic was named the MetroHealth 'Man of the Match.' Cleveland advanced to 6-1 and first place in the MLIS league. 

The Crunch look to extend their winning streak as they host the Chicago Mustangs on Saturday, March 9, at 7 pm at the Soccer Sportsplex. Tickets are available for purchase at theclevelandcrunch.com/tickets.