NPSL Match Date: July 5th, 2025
v. Cleveland SC
FULL-TIME MATCH RECAP:
It all came down to the final game of the regular season in the Great Lakes Conference for the fourth and final playoff spot.
It was Erie Commodores FC v. Cleveland SC, a 14-year rivalry that often has a lot on the line when they play. Two of the most successful teams in the history of NPSL doing battle once again! Erie needed to win to overtake Cleveland to secure playoffs for the first time in six years.
On a hot and muggy Saturday night at Saxon Stadium on the campus of Mercyhurst University, Commodores did just that, with a 2-0 win in a game that was a physical and mental battle from start to finish.
It was in time added on at the end of the 90 minutes that Man of the Match, Ben Buckley scored his second penalty of the afternoon to secure the win and a coveted playoff spot. His first came a minute before halftime after Felipe Santos rounded the keeper and was taken down by a recovering Cleveland defender, Buckley powered the ball past the keeper to give Erie a deserved halftime lead.
The second goal came as Cleveland were pushing hard for the equalizer in a second half that every player from both teams gave it their all as they knew that playoff spot was on the line. A counterattack ensued in stoppage time with a defense cutting pass from Owen Petersen to Lucas Basmadjian who cut inside one defender, and the second defender fouled him to give Buckley a chance to dispense his second penalty, make it 2-0 with a minute remaining, to send Commodores to the playoffs and he duly obliged.
“It was a proper team performance from top to bottom against our close rivals, when it mattered most, so we’re all looking forward to progressing towards the playoffs and hopefully putting this great club back where it belongs at the top.” - Ben Buckley
A very solid team performance defensively, well marshalled with another shutout from Harry O’Brien.
Erie Commodores FC Owner, John Melody adds, “Being in the NPSL for 17 years, you really appreciate the long-term rivalries. We have so much respect for Cleveland SC and how much success they’ve had. When it comes down to the last game of the season against your biggest rival, it’s pleasing to come out the right end and make playoffs. We look forward to playing Conference leader, Flower City!”
Congratulations to all involved with Erie Commodores FC, as they look forward to a playoff game v. Flower City Union, who topped the Great Lakes Conference.