CLEVELAND CRUNCH TO RETIRE TIM TYMA’S NO. 17 JERSEY ON MARCH 14

The Cleveland Crunch will honor one of the most decorated defenders in indoor soccer history when the club retires Tim Tyma’s No. 17 jersey during a special pregame ceremony on Saturday, March 14.

A Cleveland native, Tyma’s soccer journey began locally at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, where he helped lead the Bees to the 1975 Ohio State Championship. He continued at Cleveland State University before turning professional after his freshman season, signing with the Kansas City Comets and launching a career that would span more than a decade and a half at the highest levels of indoor soccer. 

Over a remarkable 16-year professional career, Tyma appeared in 470 games, recording 79 goals and 172 assists while competing for the Kansas City Comets, Canton Invaders, Milwaukee Wave, Illinois Thunder, and Cleveland Crunch. A four-time league champion, he helped lead the Canton Invaders to titles in 1985 and 1986 before bringing championships home to Cleveland with the Crunch in 1994 and 1996. 

Tyma joined the Crunch in 1992 and quickly became a cornerstone of the club’s identity. Over five seasons in Cleveland, he appeared in 192 games, recording 33 goals and 56 assists while anchoring one of the league’s most respected defenses and helping define one of the most successful eras in franchise history. 

Individually, Tyma’s impact on the sport was equally significant. He earned three consecutive Defender of the Year honors from the American Indoor Soccer Association and was named First Team All-League five straight seasons, establishing himself as one of the premier defensive players of his era. 

Following his playing career, Tyma continued to give back to the game as a coach and referee, further cementing his lifelong commitment to soccer in Northeast Ohio and beyond. 

For Tim Tyma, the journey began in Northeast Ohio and on March 14, it will come full circle. 

As No. 17 is retired, the Crunch will honor not only a champion, but a hometown player whose dedication, toughness, and leadership helped shape the identity of this franchise and the sport in Cleveland.

Get your tickets now at theclevelandcrunch.com/tickets.