UPSL: Cleveland United’s Dozen Earns First Home Win

Philip Farrell
6 days ago
4 min read

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CLEVELAND, Tn. — Cleveland United Football Club put on a show of utter dominance and crowd-pleasing flair to send twelve goals past their hapless visitors on Saturday evening. A total of 14 goals were scored in this entertaining affair that was mainly one-way traffic, as the scoreline suggests.

Being a ‘II’ team in UPSL is hard. Coaches will often struggle to find enough players to fill out a roster, even at Premier Division level with a one-team club. With a II team, you’re always going to be focused on development first and foremost and may not always have the resources available that the senior team will. This is borne out quite well in Georgia North. While the Mustangs II languish second-from-last in the First Division and their parent club sit second-from-top in the Premier; the same situation exists at Scenic City SC, whose senior team sit top of Premier Division while their II team sit bottom of Division One. I say all this to note that while conceding 12 goals is not good enough at any level, it should be seen in the context of what the Mustangs II represent and the challenges they face. There were some good performances from their players. Their goalkeeper made a few great saves, especially in the second 45. And their second goal was an absolute peach.

But take nothing away from Cleveland. This was a performance which, I believe, could cause problems for any visitors on any day. Ruthless in an attack spearheaded by their wonderful captain Prince Chouyouti, they rampantly kept up a level of pressure, pace, and precision that perhaps reflected their understanding of the job at-hand. Cleveland has a good chance to qualify for the playoffs, but needs wins. No amount of mercy or pity can be applied here, goals and more goals are the order of the day.

And that order was fulfilled in stunning fashion. After only three minutes Rosmell Padilla had the first of what would be two goals on the night. In fact, the game would sit at 6-0 come half-time after further goals from Chouyouti and Adrian Franco went in, as well as a brace from Italian striker Mattia Balzano, and an own goal from the Mustangs.

It was a picture perfect late Spring day in eastern Tennessee. The game was being held amidst the rolling hills and farmland outside Cleveland at Walker Valley High School’s Soccer Field. The game was moved here from CUFC’s regular home at Bear Stadium due to a calendar clash with Bradley Central High School. It is to Cleveland United’s credit that their front-office team managed to have the game moved with a new field acquired and set up on time to host the game. As I mentioned above, the club needs wins and any kind of fixture forfeiture cannot be on the cards. CUFC’s Head Coach Tom Bayliss coached at Walker Valley for many years, so for him this was something of a homecoming. The facility was excellent, with a real grass field and intimate bleacher capacity to generate a great atmosphere from the healthy crowd that still turned up, despite the venue change. The club offered free admission to the game, with a nice added touch of having the players themselves gift roses to the women and girls in the crowd to mark Mothers’ Day weekend. This kind gesture, the weather, the beautiful surroundings, and the entertaining flicks and footwork of Prince Chouyouti added to the fine atmosphere.

CUFC came out in the second half as they had in the first. A further six goals flew in. Balzano got his hattrick and even a fourth on 90 minutes, while there were more strikes from Padilla and Chouyouti, as well as from Jake Arntz.

The Mustangs managed to get a few shots away in the second half. They managed to score two of them, the second in particular a magnificent strike from outside the box. But largely, they were kept well at-bay by José Heredia and his defensive crew. There were other non-scoring performances to note from the hosts. At wing-back on both flanks Yvan Garnica and Nazar Kovalchuk were busy, while Ivis Almendarez was a constant source of through balls.

CUFC sit in fourth place and travel to Sandy Springs next weekend for a mouthwatering tie with fourth place Atlanta Ignite. It's all to play for, and their confidence will be sky-high after Saturday’s result, which was their first home win on the season. LSA remain second-bottom and welcome second place Georgia Athletic to Meadowcreek Park next weekend.

Box Score: Cleveland United FC v LSA Mustangs II

UPSL First Division Georgia North

Venue: Walker Valley HS Soccer Field | Cleveland, TN

Final Score: Cleveland United 12-2 LSA Mustangs II

Man of the Match: Ryan Chouyouti (CUFC) – Although Balzano scored more, Chouyouti was really on fire in this game. He had a hand in so many of the other goals that weren’t his own and provided a show of flair and skill that entertained the crowd. A fantastic talent and a great personality to represent the club.