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FC Buffalo is coming home
The men return to Robert Rich All-High Stadium on Tuesday after 23 days away, a rematch with Cleveland Force on tap for 7pm. (Stream the game live here on Sports Engine Play).
Head coach Sean Hallas’ team began the season on a three-game winning streak heading into a four-game away stretch which saw the Wolves going 1-2-1.
[ RELATED: Traveling FC Buffalo men suffer first defeat of season ]
A win over Erie to claim the Brewers Cup was followed by a 1-0 setback at Toledo Villa and a wild 5-3 loss at Cleveland Force three days later. A notable 2-2 draw against unbeaten USL League Two Valley Division favorites Fort Wayne sent FCB home on the upswing as the first team to take points from FWFC this season.
Midfielder Oliver Lovell shined on Saturday as he scored in his first start of the season. Ander Castillo scored the equalizer early in the second half and is now five goals away from becoming the club’s all-time goal scorer. Forward Rashaad Ogun also contributed to the draw as in his first start, he assisted Castillo.
“Ollie gives the team a bit more defensive stability. You must have a certain personality to jump into a tough Fort Wayne away game and show what he did over 90 minutes,” Hallas said regarding the lineup change on Saturday. “[Rashaad Ogun] is quick, pacey, and does the work rate off the ball just as much as on the ball. He gives us a bit more pace and experience.”
The visitors are led by head coach Nick Taljan and have played a few more USL2 matches this season. Cleveland plays their sixth league match and third away from home. Still undefeated, Cleveland sits second in the Valley Division after drawing 1-1 with King Hammers on Saturday.
[ RELATED: Lovell, Castillo lead FC Buffalo to impressive point at Fort Wayne ]
Earlier in the season, the Wolves lost 5-3 at Krenzler Field despite two goals from Ander Castillo and one from Calum Newson. A valiant comeback bid was thwarted in part by a red card to Castillo that was later annulled by the league.
Speaking after Monday evening’s training session, Hallas shared how his team will approach this rematch against Cleveland following what they learned from their last matchup.
“It is more about staying vigilant about the task that we have set. Against Cleveland, the plan went out the window in the first 15 minutes when we conceded. The aim of the game is to keep a clean sheet,” said Hallas. “Although we are not struggling, we need to do better as a group [defensively]. We will be looking for a clean sheet. We are at home, and defensive stability is at the forefront.”
Wolves will still look upon Castillo to lead the forward line as he leads the team in total goals with seven and assists with two alongside Dutch midfielder Timo Jansen.
[ RELATED: 2024 Men’s Stats ]
Wolves fans will have the chance to witness “The Basque Kid with the Buffalo Tattoo” attempt to become FCB’s all-time goal scorer, as he needs five to break the record. Thankfully for Castillo, the energy and support from fans of The Situation Room is all his team and players will need.
The Wolves return on the road to face Kings Hammer for a 7:00 p.m. Friday kickoff at Northern Kentucky University Stadium.
[ RELATED: FC Buffalo men on wrong end of eight-goal thriller at Cleveland Force ]
FC Buffalo’s women’s team debuts at All-High Stadium as they face Erie Commodores for a 7:00 p.m. Saturday kickoff. Single-game tickets are available here, while for a limited time, you can get a season ticket to all men’s and women’s regular season games for just $60.
