CRUNCH REMAINS UNDEFEATED, BEATING ITS MIDWEST RIVALS BY 12 IN THE FIRST GAME OF THE WEEKEND

January 29, 2022 (Cleveland, Ohio) - The Cleveland Crunch keeps the momentum going, beating its Midwest rivals, the Chicago Mustangs, 15-3 Saturday night, advancing its record to 4-0.

The Crunch started off strong with a goal from midfielder Admir Suljevic less than two minutes into the game. The Mustangs answered with two back-to-back goals giving them a one-point lead (2-1). But shortly after, Midfielder Chris Cvecko found the net tying the game (2-2).

Less than one minute after Cvecko’s goal, forward Gabriel Pewu scored, giving the Crunch their lead back (3-2). Suljevic scored his second goal of the night off a free kick, advancing the Crunch’s lead even further (4-2). The Mustangs scored before the first quarter was over, making the score 4-3. 

The Crunch scored five unanswered goals in the second quarter. Suljevic completed a hat trick at the start, putting the Crunch up 5-3. Shortly after, forward Ryan Minick scored his first of the night. Suljevic scored his fourth goal, increasing the lead over the Mustangs. Goalkeeper Marijo Musa came out of the box and found the opposing net, scoring his first goal of the night. Midfielder Mikey Derezic scored another goal moments before the second quarter ended, giving the Crunch a 9-3 lead going into halftime. 

The Crunch kept the momentum going coming out of the half, with a quick goal from midfielder Sami Mutemwa. The third quarter also saw goals from Suljevic, Minick, and Derezic, who completed a hatrick two minutes left in the third, making the score 13-3 going into the fourth. 

Pewu scored his second goal of the night immediately in the fourth quarter. Defender Kevin Blackwood found the back of the net during a penalty kick, making the final 15-3. 

Tonight Suljevic and Musa share the MetroHealth “Man of the Match” honor. Suljevic’s four goals and two assists were dominant in tonight’s victory, as was Musa’s goal and eight saves in the box.

The Crunch take on the Mustangs again tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.

"It is important for guys to understand that their bodies will feel the after effects of Saturday’s game. The key will be to find a way to play through that pain and to play smart. We cannot give the Mustangs any chance to think that they can win on our home field. If we give them hope, then we will be in for a long game. I expect the Mustangs to bounce back and give us everything they have to take one win back home with them and it is up to us to make sure that does not happen," Crunch Coach Louis Kastelic said in response to what the team should prepare for going into tomorrow's game.

Tickets for tomorrow’s game are now on sale and can be purchased at theclevelandcrunch.com/tickets.

To stay updated with more information regarding the upcoming season, visit our website or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. For additional information or any questions, contact us at info@theclevelandcrunch.com.

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