The Week That Was: Cleveland Wins Back-to-Back Matches, Ft. Wayne and Chicago PAO Win One

Chicago, Ill - This past weekend, the Cleveland Crunch (Cleveland, Ohio) finished out its regular season with back to back wins and clinched the top seed in the regular season. Chicago Panathinaikos (Chicago PAO) defeated Red Cedar FC (Lansing, Mich.) and Summit City United (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) defeated Colorado Bucks (Denver, Colo.).

Here’s the weekend recap:

SATURDAY:

Cleveland vs. Chicago Mustangs (Chicago, Ill.)

Cleveland secured a 13-4 win over Chicago, breaking away in the second half after a close first two quarters. The game started with Cleveland taking a 2-0 lead before Chicago responded, eventually tying it at 4-4 before halftime. Admir Suljevic scored twice in the second quarter, including a shootout goal, to keep Cleveland in control.

Cleveland took over in the second half, scoring five goals in the third quarter and four more in the fourth. Suljevic finished with five goals, while Gabriel Pewu added three. Cleveland capitalized on power plays and shootout opportunities.

Chicago PAO vs. Lansing

Chicago PAO defeated Lansing 10-6 after a dominant fourth quarter. Lansing started strong, scoring three unanswered goals in the first period before Chicago PAO responded with two late goals to cut the deficit to 3-2. Both teams remained scoreless in the second quarter.

Lansing extended its lead to 5-2 in the third, but Chicago PAO answered with two quick goals to stay within reach. In the fourth, Chicago PAO took control, scoring six consecutive goals to secure the win. Lansing added one late goal, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. 

Colorado vs. Ft. Wayne

Fort Wayne defeated Colorado 7-4 in their latest matchup, turning the tide after two previous losses. Colorado had defeated them in their last two meetings, winning 12-7 and 14-5. 

SUNDAY:
Cleveland vs. Chicago PAO

Cleveland pulled off a comeback win over Chicago PAO, securing an 8-5 victory after trailing for most of the game. Chicago PAO controlled the second quarter, scoring three unanswered goals to take a 4-2 lead at halftime. They extended their lead to 5-2 early in the third, but Cleveland responded with six straight goals, including four in the final quarter, to complete the turnaround.

Admir Suljevic played a key role in Cleveland’s offense, assisting on multiple goals, while Jacob Roberto and Jannis Schmidt sealed the win with late scores. Cleveland also capitalized on a power play in the third to shift momentum.