Fort Wayne FC falls to Cleveland Force, missing chance to clinch division title

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – For the first time in more than two years, Fort Wayne FC fell on their home pitch in a 2-1 loss to Cleveland Force SC.

Heading into Sunday’s match, Fort Wayne FC needed a win to lock up their second straight USL League 2 Valley Division title. Instead, Fort Wayne’s lead in the division (20) shrinks to one point. Cleveland moves to within one of Fort Wayne and strengthens their hold on second place. Only the top two teams in the division move on to the USL 2 playoffs.

Cleveland stunned the hosts with two goals in the first half. A strike by Carter Hancock in the 14th minute gave the Force a 1-0 lead. Fort Wayne FC had a chance to equalize the match with a penalty kick, but Cleveland’s Ethan Smith smothered Michael Tselios’s shot.

Minutes later, Gavin Csiszar doubled Cleveland’s lead to give the Force a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Chasing two goals in the second half, Tiago Dias headed in a goal to cut Fort Wayne’s deficit in half, 2-1. However, Fort Wayne couldn’t find an equalizer to salvage a draw.

The boys in blue can still clinch a Valley Division title with a win over their final two matches. Fort Wayne FC visits the Dayton Dutch Lions on Wednesday, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

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