The Cleveland City Stars advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup with a 3-0 victory over the visiting St. Louis Lions Tuesday night at Middlefield Cheese Stadium. Ryan Stewart led the way for Cleveland with a goal and two assists. The City Stars will face the winner of the Rochester Rhinos and Pittsburgh Riverhounds match next Tuesday June 16th.
On the ensuing corner, Pato Aguilera sent a magnificent cross into the box that was headed home by Ryan Stewart in the 27th minute to give the City Stars a 1-0 lead.
In the 34th minute Stewart made a run up the right sideline and cut back into the box before dropping it off through traffic to an open Pierre-Louis. St. Louis keeper Brenton Saylor deflected the ball but the shot had enough to roll in for a 2-0 City Stars lead.
In the 68th minute Stewart was back at it as he placed another perfect cross into the box. Rookie midfielder Steve Gillespie was there to touch it in past Brenton to give the City Stars the 3-0 lead. It was the first professional goal for the native of Brecksville, Ohio.
Local product Evan Bush made his first home start. The rookie out of Lake Catholic and the University of Akron was up to the challenge in the shutout as Bush finished the match with four saves.
The City Stars are back into league play Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Rochester Rhinos at Middlefield Cheese Stadium. Tickets are available by visiting www.clevelandcitystars.com or by calling 330-425-2003.